http://withoutthewhitecoat.com/

Without The White Coat, London, ON (2026)

08/11/2026

New series: Life Outside the White Coat.

Three future physicians on the passions, hobbies, and outlets that keep them whole outside of medicine.

Meet Matthew Mai (Matt Mai), MD Candidate, Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University. Safura Ateeq (), DO Candidate, LECOM. Mallory Suhling (Dr. Mallory Suhling | Resident Physician), DO, Dermatology Reapplicant.

Read their stories, in their own words, in our comments beloiw.

What’s your outlet outside of work? Tell us below — and if you’ve got a story like this, submit it. https://withoutthewhitecoat.com/feature-submission/

08/05/2026

In Aveen’s own words:

Growing up in Ireland, my life was a whirlwind of sport. From a young age, I was immersed in athletics and swimming, and I was incredibly proud to represent my country during my teenage years in athletics. My dream was to one day represent Ireland in the Olympics in 1500m, and that goal drove me with unwavering commitment and dedication.

But life had other plans. At 17, I realized that my path was leading me in a different direction—one that took me away from my family and my home to a country where I even had to learn a new language - Szeged, Hungary. Though my Olympic dreams had to take a backseat, the foundations of inner strength, dedication, and resilience that sport instilled in me have carried me through every challenge since. I truly believe that my life in sport has made me a better doctor, shaping my approach to patient care with the same discipline and passion.

Running is now my transport home from work in London, where I work as a Consultant Dermatologist, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t regret what you didn’t achieve, but celebrate what you did.

While I may not have made it to the Olympics, I’m incredibly proud of the journey I’ve taken. Representing myself and what I’ve achieved already in my life and career has been my greatest accomplishment.

— Aveen Connolly (Dr Aveen | Consultant Dermatologist), MD, MRCP, Dermatology, University of Szeged

Have a story like this? Submit yours at the link in our bio.

08/03/2026

This week's feature, in Bilal's own words:

“I grew up in Kentucky, far from academic centers and subspecialty medicine. I attended a small college in rural eastern Kentucky, where I spent much of my time on the tennis court. At the time, medicine felt like a distant, almost abstract goal but I knew I wanted a career that blended precision, service, and long-term impact.

I was accepted early into medical school at the University of Toledo College of Medicine through an early assurance program. What followed wasn't the smooth ascent I had imagined. My first year was a struggle, and I ultimately had to remediate. It was humbling and deeply unsettling, one of those moments that forces you to decide whether a setback defines you or refines you. I chose to face it head-on. Over time, I rebuilt my confidence, found my footing, and performed well enough to become a competitive applicant for one of the most selective specialties in medicine: ophthalmology.

Then COVID hit.

Without a home ophthalmology residency program and with limited exposure to the field during the pandemic, I found myself, and many other students, on the outside looking in. Rather than accept that limitation, I created Honestly Bilal, a podcast and platform designed to help medical students and residents tell their stories, connect with mentors, and gain visibility in a specialty that few encounter meaningfully in medical school. What started as a personal outlet grew into a community.

That journey ultimately led me to match at the University of Iowa, a program consistently ranked among the top in the country. There, I trained under world-class mentors, served as a chief resident, and developed a deep love for cataract surgery where technical excellence meets immediate, life-changing impact for patients. I'm now completing a fellowship in cataract and refractive surgery at the Cleveland Eye Clinic, continuing to refine my skills to deliver world class care while thinking deeply about how surgeons are trained, how careers are shaped, and how physicians can build meaningful lives beyond the exam room.

Much of what drives me today comes from remembering what it felt like to struggle quietly and wonder if I belonged. My work, whether in surgery, education, or storytelling, is rooted in helping others see what's possible, especially when the path isn't linear.”

— Bilal Ahmed (), Cataract/Refractive Surgery Associate, Cleveland Eye Clinic

07/31/2026

In Mohini’s own words:

“I’ve spent a lot of the last 2 years reflecting on what identity means to me, as part of the process of reclaiming and remembering my identity. Like so many trainees, medicine took over my entire identity during residency because of sheer lack of time to devote to anything else. This was damaging in more ways than one.

I gave birth to my daughter more than halfway through residency, with less than 5 weeks of postpartum leave after my C section. This naturally created a lot of dissonance and stress within myself and my family. I eventually made the difficult decision to leave my transplant surgery fellowship in 2023 because of the toll it was taking on me and my family.

I’m still practicing surgery, but since leaving fellowship I’ve had more time to rekindle my interests outside of medicine— such as writing and yoga— which has been integral to my healing. My debut novel, Shaila’s Dance, is being published in January 2026! I am a classically trained Indian (Bharatanatyam) dancer and dance is a central theme of the novel. I am working on my second novel currently. Writing is so therapeutic for me and I love using it as a medium to connect with others and the world around me.

I’ve had more time to take care of myself and my family since leaving fellowship and reprioritizing the role that work plays in my life, which has been the biggest gift of all. I am expecting my second child in December and looking forward to having more time off postpartum this time around. I am grateful for this time of healing and recovery after training to allow me to remember who I am without the white coat.”

— Mohini Dasari (Mohini Dasari), General Surgeon, EvergreenHealth

Have a story like this? Submit yours at the link in our bio.

07/30/2026

In Ankur’s own words:

“Growing up as the son of a rural general surgeon, I learned that being a good surgeon starts with being a good person. My father taught me this by example—whether he was stopped in the grocery store to check a patient’s incision or quietly caring for the uninsured without hesitation.

As a surgical resident, I’ve had to find calm in the chaos. Every new skill comes under pressure. Just as you master one, another challenge arrives. It’s easy to feel like an imposter, but I remind myself: it’s hard for everyone at first, and good things always takes time.

My passion for surgical oncology began as a third year medical student, when we had two Whipples in one week—one that went as planned, and another stopped after a diagnostic laparoscopy revealed peritoneal metastases. That moment sparked a question I carry with me today: how do we cure cancer when we are forced to put our scalpels down in the face of disease progression? That curiosity brought me to the NIH, where I study Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes and their potential to help cure metastatic disease.

Without the white coat, I am a son, brother, uncle, friend and advocate. The road to surgery has meant sacrifice—missed milestones and lost relationships—but every time I step into the OR, I feel nothing but gratitude for my two hands and everything in my life which has led me here.”

— Ankur Makani (Ankur Makani), Surgical Resident, NIH Surgery Branch / University of South Carolina School of Medicine

07/28/2026

This week's feature, in Philipa's own words:

“Without my "white coat,"
At the core of my being, my faith is the guiding light. It's not just a belief, but a transformative relationship with God that shapes my values, my perspective, and my interactions with others. This faith, which I've cultivated through prayer, meditation, and scripture, instills in me humility, perseverance, and compassion, constantly reminding me that the work of my hands is part of a greater purpose.

One of the profound ways I find my footing is through creativity and connection. Writing, in particular, is not just a passion but a joyous journey that I hold dear. I delight in capturing fleeting thoughts and moments, transforming them into enduring expressions. It's my unique way of deciphering the world and uncovering significance in the often overlooked minutiae. Family is not just a cornerstone of my life, but a warm hearth of inspiration and motivation. The simple act of sharing time with loved ones, be it over a meal or during a stroll, serves as a poignant reminder of the reasons behind my actions and the purpose of my passion, driving me to be the best version of myself.

Thus, I asked the people I cherish the most, "Who am I, without my white coat?" and here's what they said:

"A woman of God, a great friend, passionate leader, strong independent woman ❤️."; "I'd say you're a person of faith who shows your love for God and God's love for you in everything you do. I'd say you're an educator. You're a person who genuinely improved the lives of others, and those who cross paths with you not just through medicine, but also mentorship and education."; "Intellectual, God fearing, assertive, opinionated, hardworking, determined, passionate, self-motivated."

I also carry a love for travel. Exploring new places, cultures, and perspectives broadens my perspective on the world and deepens my sense of empathy. Travel reminds me of how much there is to learn from others' ways of life. That passion inspired me to build , a blend of travel and therapy, where I share my journeys both in person and virtually, and curate therapeutic travel for others. Through this, I hope to bring people along with me, showing how travel can be not just an adventure, but also a form of healing, reflection, and growth.

I'm a faith-filled, family/friend-oriented, joy-sharing and adventurous person. At the heart of it all, I'm someone who cares deeply about my community and enjoying life.

My faith in God is my core strength. Spending time in prayer and reading the Word is a reminder of His presence and promises. He's kept me and showed up through every season of my life. I'm able to share His presence with others by sharing my testimony.”

— Philipa Owusu-Antwi (), Psychiatry PGY4, Northwell Health

Submit your story: https://withoutthewhitecoat.com/feature-submission/

07/24/2026

This week's feature, in Haylee's own words:

“Without my white coat, I am a flight attendant. Inflight medical emergencies were my first introduction to medicine that taught me how to remain calm under pressure, communicate with empathy, and at times deescalate stressful situations. As a first-generation college student, college was financially out of reach and this career made pursuing a higher education possible. Being a flight attendant has shaped my identity and continues to remain an important part of who I am.

In medical school I kept this part of my life private, realizing that my path was not common and that many peers were not obligated to work to afford their education. At times, I questioned whether I truly belonged, wondering how to integrate both of my identities. After teaching middle schoolers with a nonprofit organization to prevent substance use, teaching yoga on campus to discuss topics such as su***de awareness, and later volunteering as a bilingual crisis text line counselor I realized that I am exactly where I needed to be.

Now, as a fourth-year medical student, I recognize the importance of representation in medicine. Representation, not only as a woman, but as someone whose journey is different from the traditional path. It can be difficult to envision yourself in a profession when few share your experiences. However, on my clinical rotations, I have seen how my life experiences allow me to connect with patients. These moments have solidified my commitment to psychiatry.

I hope to combine my aviation background with my clinical training to help reduce barriers in mental healthcare for pilots, air traffic controllers, and others in safety-sensitive roles. My journey has shaped the physician I am becoming, and I look forward to contributing this perspective to the field of psychiatry.”

— Haylee Fay Trulson (), 4th-Year Medical Student, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Submit your story at the link: https://withoutthewhitecoat.com/

07/23/2026

This week's feature, in Osinachi's own words:

“Beyond the white coat, I don’t fit neatly into any box. My path to medicine was anything but straight. The years of struggle, uncertainty, and perseverance taught me something I didn’t expect.. that a full life isn’t found inside medicine, but in everything surrounding it. So when I’m not in the clinic, you’ll probably find me deep in a creative project. Right now, that means sitting at the intersection of technology and healthcare — building and exploring ways AI can close the gaps in how people access and experience care. It’s the kind of work that doesn’t feel like work, because it pulls from every part of who I am: the curious mind, the problem solver, the person who refused to believe the system couldn’t be better. Beyond that, I’m endlessly curious about the world — culture, music, spirituality, geopolitics, travel. I chase conversations and experiences that stretch my thinking in directions medicine alone never could. But what grounds me most is community — a circle of friends outside healthcare who share the same hunger for life, the same values, the same appetite for meaningful experiences. That’s where I find my balance. That’s where I remember who I am beneath the credentials. Medicine is what I do. But this — all of this — is who I am.”

— Osinachi Wilson Agbo (), Healthcare Product Management

Submit your story at the link: https://withoutthewhitecoat.com/feature-submission/

07/17/2026

This week's feature, in Urvaksh's own words:

"Without my white coat, I am a lifelong athlete and creator who thrives on energy, discipline, and connection. Having spent years competing as a decathlete, I’ve learned that growth is found in the grit of the training and the resilience of the recovery. Today, that competitive spirit lives on through triathlons and obstacle races; I’m most at home when I’m pushing my physical limits or exploring new athletic endeavors.

Music provides the essential balance to that physical intensity. Whether I’m picking up a guitar or singing, it is the creative outlet that allows me to slow down and stay present. I am someone who finds joy in the details of the things I’m passionate about, but I am ultimately grounded by the genuine relationships I share with my family and friends. To me, medicine is a deeply meaningful calling, but staying a competitor, a musician, and an explorer is what keeps my perspective whole and my life full."

— Urvaksh Avanthsa (), Incoming PM&R PGY-1 Resident Physician

Submit your story — https://withoutthewhitecoat.com/feature-submission/

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