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Without The White Coat Humanizing medicine. Submit your stories at: https://withoutthewhitecoat.com/feature-submission

New series: Hands That Heal, Hands That Make.Three physicians on the art and making that keep them whole outside of medi...
10/19/2026

New series: Hands That Heal, Hands That Make.

Three physicians on the art and making that keep them whole outside of medicine.

Meet Mallory McCormick (Mallory McCormick), DO, Urology Resident, Loyola University Medical Center. Habiba Saedon (.s), MBChB, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Manchester. Rana Alcheikh (Rana Alcheikh), MD, Gynecologic Oncology Fellow, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

Swipe through to read their stories, in their own words.

What do you make when you’re off the clock? Tell us below.

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

“I would not be the doctor I am today without art and running.

My entire life, everyone knew me as an artist. In fact, many thought I’d go into a career in art. However, this was always an outlet for myself. I use art as a way to cope with stress and excitement from school, athletics and life. In the process, I found my own style and technique with permanent markers. I love that art has always found a place in my life.

Track and field taught me a lot about resilience, overcoming adversity, and to trust the process.”

I am an artist, a runner, a former athlete, and someone who is grateful for all these experiences and skills that have shaped me into the person I am, whitecoat or not.

— Mallory McCormick (Mallory McCormick), DO, Urology Resident, Loyola University Medical Center

“I loved art and seriously considered becoming an architect.

It wasn’t until my fourth year of medical school, when I watched cataract surgery for the first time, that everything clicked. I was completely hooked on ophthalmology from that moment. It combined precision, artistry and the privilege of transforming someone’s sight and life.

Outside medicine, my love of art has never left me. I enjoy visiting galleries around the world and painting in acrylics and watercolours whenever I can.”

I am a mother and an artist.

— Habiba Saedon (.s), MBChB, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Manchester

“In another life, I studied opera and classical music for many years. In medical school, I used to be a part of a group of physician-musicians that brought music

10/08/2026

This week’s feature, in Emily’s own words:

“I was born and raised in Peru. I was a gymnast, an athlete who learned discipline, resilience, and how to keep going when things became difficult. I was also once a high school student in a new country who didn’t speak English, trying to understand an unfamiliar world while holding on to dreams that sometimes felt much bigger than me.

I am a daughter to two hardworking parents who sacrificed so much to give me opportunities they never had. I am an older sister who hopes to show my younger siblings that where you begin does not determine how far you can go.

I am a granddaughter who lost her grandmother in a country where access to physicians and medical resources can be limited. Her loss gave deeper meaning to the path I had already begun dreaming about and continues to influence the physician I hope to become.

I am a first-generation medical student who has worked hard for every opportunity that brought me here.

I am bilingual, carrying both my Peruvian roots and the life I have built in the United States with me. I hope speaking English and Spanish will help me make patients and families feel understood, included, and less afraid during vulnerable moments.

My story has taught me that hard does not mean impossible. I want to become the best physician I can be because one day someone will trust me with the person they love most, and I want to be worthy of that trust.”

— Emily Smith (Emily Smith), DO Candidate, MS1, Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

This week's feature, in Sahil's own words:“Without the white coat, I am a son, a traveler, an explorer, a foodie, and so...
10/02/2026

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

“Without the white coat, I am a son, a traveler, an explorer, a foodie, and someone who finds peace in the mountains and sunsets.

I grew up in a small village where medicine felt like a dream. But I am now pursuing that dream, from Pakistan to the United States.

Outside of medicine, I love traveling, discovering new places (even though I often forget the way, which makes every trip a new adventure), and spending time with my family. Whether it's standing on a mountain trail, watching a sunset, or exploring a new city, I find joy in experiences that remind me how vast and beautiful the world is.”

— Sahil (Sahil, MD), MBBS, Internal Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences

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

In Ayo's own words:“I am a friend, a lover of people. I enjoy playing the drums and the guitar! Singing and acting would...
10/01/2026

In Ayo's own words:

“I am a friend, a lover of people. I enjoy playing the drums and the guitar! Singing and acting would've been my back-up job if I didn't make it in medicine. I love playing with kids, talking to the elderly, and sparking conversations with random people — you're likely to find me doing that in my free time.”

— Ayo Omole, MD, Family Medicine & Neurology, Zap State Medical University

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

First Gen in the Field.Three physicians on what it means to be the first in their family to put on the white coat.Meet C...
09/28/2026

First Gen in the Field.

Three physicians on what it means to be the first in their family to put on the white coat.

Meet Chandler Gilliard (Chandler G. M.D.), MD, Internal Medicine Resident (PGY3), Tulane; Sonia Sadr (), DO, Board-Certified Family Physician; Geronimo Garcia (Geronimo Garcia Jr.), MD, Future Anesthesiologist.

Swipe through to read their stories, in their own words.

Were you the first in your family to pursue this path? Tell us below — and if you’ve got a story like this, submit yours. Link in bio.

“Mus tek cyear a de root fa heal de tree.” Gullah

I am a man with Southern roots, drenched with resiliency and perseverance. The first in my family to become a physician. On my shoulders, I am the one carrying my ancestors, my family, and my community with every step in this journey into medicine; leaving no person behind. This journey isn’t just for me, but for all of my people!

Growing up, the Gullah/Geechee culture ingrained in me many great values of a true physician. Faith, service, and humility are the few qualities that set me apart. However, even in South Carolina and while access to quality healthcare and community health literacy were minimal, I experienced death’s toll due to these disparities in the rural south. From multiple relatives and friends dying immaturely from an array of health conditions, early on, I had to gravitate towards medicine. I had to face annd learn about the root of my people’s problem in order to find a better solution in living. So I am here today, still passionate about educating all communities about general health and wellbeing and the importance of access to healthcare.

When I am not on Amboss, I am a gym lover, food guru, and chef by nature. My passions help me to relate to all people that I encounter in medicine. I love being able to share my passions mutually with another person. All in all, I hope to continue these passions as I strive to go into Internal Medicine- Gastroenterology in the future as physician of his community.”

- Chandler Gilliard (Chandler G. M.D.), MD, Internal Medicine Resident (PGY3), Tulane

“My parents had to make the difficult decision to leave their home country of Iran to

This week's feature, in Deepti's own words:"I am someone who has an immense appreciation for culture, food, and travel. ...
09/18/2026

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

"I am someone who has an immense appreciation for culture, food, and travel. Right after I was born in Michigan, my family moved to Germany for a few years, then to India. Travel is something that has been incorporated into my life ever since I was a young girl. I continue my passions by trying to travel every chance I get. I have been to nearly 30 countries and plan on visiting more during residency. When I travel, I try my best to do it authentically — I never stay in 5 star resorts but instead try to find local stays and restaurants to meet people all around the world and to support small, family-owned businesses. This makes it much easier to try authentic meals and to hear diverse, genuine stories. I emulate my appreciation for these dishes and people through attempting to replicate some of the recipes I've tried through a food-based Instagram account that I run.

Medicine is a very demanding career, and I find that many people make it a central part of their identity. Though my career defines a large part of who I am, I find greater safety, comfort, and happiness while sharing my stories and adventures from around the world. This is the version of me that I want people to know."

— Deepti Sanku (), MD, Incoming Anesthesiology Resident, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Have a story like this? Submit yours at the link: https://withoutthewhitecoat.com/feature-submission/

09/18/2026

Behind every white coat is a whole person, with passions, struggles, and stories that deserve to be told.

We exist to build that space: to promote balance and wellness, encourage individuality and creativity, address the stigma around mental health, and advocate for diversity across the healthcare community. We’re a group made stronger by our individual, dynamic ambitions.

Have a story about life outside the white coat? Share it with us at the link in bio.

This week’s feature, in Roland’s own words:“Without the white coat, I’m a simple guy. I grew up on the Mediterranean coa...
09/16/2026

This week’s feature, in Roland’s own words:

“Without the white coat, I’m a simple guy. I grew up on the Mediterranean coast, where the sea became my classroom, my playground, and my sanctuary. It quietly taught me resilience, patience, and how to remain calm no matter what tide came my way. Those lessons would prove more valuable than I ever imagined.

As I made my way through medical school, my country endured profound political and economic challenges. Like so many others, my community learned to adapt, support one another, and keep moving forward despite uncertainty. Living through those experiences strengthened my belief that medicine is, at its core, an act of showing up for people when they need it most.

At the same time, I developed a deep curiosity about the world beyond my own. I realized that growth happens outside of my comfort zone and that the world is simply too vast and fascinating to spend life standing still.

That mindset led me to join a two-year research fellowship with Global Smile Foundation. Beyond conducting research, I helped coordinate cleft surgery outreach programs across low-income countries, working alongside multidisciplinary teams committed to restoring not only function, but also confidence, dignity, and human connection.

One experience from that time has stayed with me. During an outreach mission in El Salvador, a teenage boy arrived after traveling nearly thirteen hours by foot and bus, hoping we could repair his cleft lip. He had stopped attending school because of relentless bullying, and his family could not afford to return another day. Our team stayed late into the evening so he could undergo surgery that same day. Months later, I learned that he had returned to school, made new friends, and even expressed a desire to volunteer with our organization in the future. It was a powerful reminder that plastic and reconstructive surgery is about far more than changing appearances, it is about restoring confidence, opportunity, and hope.

None of those experiences would have been possible without the people who believed in me, challenged me, and opened doors along the way. Their generosity shaped not only my career bu

This week’s feature, in Martha’s own words:“My faith in Jesus is without a doubt the most important thing about me. It h...
09/14/2026

This week’s feature, in Martha’s own words:

“My faith in Jesus is without a doubt the most important thing about me. It has shaped how I love people, get through challenges and hardships, how I show up for others, and who I strive to be both inside of the OR and outside of it. My ultimate goal is to reflect Christ’s love and to bring all the glory and honor to Him.

Caring for people is something I’ve always been passionate about, but medicine is just one way I get to live that out. Outside of the OR, you can find me with my family and friends, serving at my church, attending Bible study, listening to worship music, or finding ways to grow deeper in my faith.

Another great love of mine is fitness! Working out isn’t just about physical health for me, it’s a daily reminder that I CAN and GET do hard things. It teaches me discipline, consistency, and perseverance: lessons that I try to incorporate in all areas of my life.

I value connection, encouragement, and lifelong growth. I strongly believe that every day there is an opportunity to learn something new. Whether it’s helping patients on one of the most stressful days of their lives (when they’re having surgery) offering support to a friend, or just being there for my people, I hope I leave others feeling seen and cared for.

Medicine may be what I do, but my faith and desire to serve others are who I am.”

— Martha Bejerano (Martha Bejerano), DNP, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, University of Miami

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

This week's feature, in Anya's own words:"I am a child of Jamaican immigrants who puts a Caribbean spice and style in my...
09/11/2026

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

"I am a child of Jamaican immigrants who puts a Caribbean spice and style in my way of life. I trained as an engineer and went into surgery to create innovative solutions for my patients. Outside of work I'm passionate about sports, particularly soccer, and love to explore South Florida with my loved ones. I'm excited to bring my compassionate style to the field of vascular surgery during my career."

— Anya Hall (), MD, General Surgery Resident, Broward Health

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

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