Hospital medical residents receive white coats

A new class of internal medicine medical residents recently started at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. Each year, as these new physicians arrive, the hospital holds a special white coat ceremony. The 12 new physicians, stood in front of a crowd of their colleagues and hospital leaders, recited the physician’s oath and were formally presented with their white coats.

Michael Schandorf-Lartey, MD, program director of HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital/USF Morsani College of Medicine Internal Medicine Residency program, told the group the white coat has significant meaning. “The white coat signals three things. Number one it identifies you, people know who you are and what you can do for them. It also signals trust, when you walk in a room, patients trust that you are there to help them. Finally, it shows professionalism. It means that you will practice with the highest ethics of professional standards,” Schandorf-Lartey said.

Frances Rodriguez, a new physician from Puerto Rico, says wearing the white coat has an impact. “When you walk in a room patients and nurses instantly recognize you, it makes a huge difference.”

The 12 new residents will start a three-year rotation training at the hospital. They join 24 other residents already working and training onsite. The internal medicine graduate medical education program launched in 2023 with the goal of recruiting and training physicians to serve the community as primary care providers. The hospital has made a significant financial investment in the residency program, adding a medical simulation lab, high-tech classrooms, and dedicated resident quarters.