Without The White Coat

Without The White Coat Humanizing medicine. Submit your stories at: https://withoutthewhitecoat.com/feature-submission| [email protected] | DM |

Without the white coat, I am a proud Canadian, a hockey mom, and a mom to two adventurous boys who keep me on my toes. L...
04/02/2025

Without the white coat, I am a proud Canadian, a hockey mom, and a mom to two adventurous boys who keep me on my toes. Life outside the OR is a mix of rink-side cheering, pancake breakfasts with extra sprinkles, and embracing the joyful chaos of raising little ones. Whether it’s cheering on the home team, exploring the outdoors, or getting fiercely competitive in a game of Uno (Wild card only is a house favourite!), I try to soak up every moment. ⁠
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But beyond the fun and the whirlwind of daily life, I’m also passionate about creating a better future—both for my kids and for the world they’ll inherit. That’s why I’m dedicated to making surgery more sustainable, finding ways to reduce waste in the operating room and lessen healthcare’s impact on the planet. I’m equally passionate about mentorship—helping shape the next generation of women in surgery and medicine. Advocating for women to have a seat at the table and be leaders in healthcare is at the core of my work. Whether I’m tying skates, scrubbing in, or mentoring future surgeons, I bring the same energy: passion, purpose, and a commitment to making a difference—one patient, one lesson, and one little hand in mine at a time.⁠⁠
I am a mom, a mentor, and a champion for women in surgery and a greener future for my kids—and the planet.⁠⁠⁠
Julie Strychowsky, MD, MAS, FRCSC⁠
Pediatric Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery / Pediatric Otolaryngologist⁠
Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre; Western University⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Beyond my white coat, I am a passionate soul, driven by curiosity and compassion. I am always seeking to connect with pe...
03/31/2025

Beyond my white coat, I am a passionate soul, driven by curiosity and compassion. I am always seeking to connect with people, learn, and inspire. ⁠
I like to get involved in different things and explore various perspectives. Some may know me as a wellness advocate, others as a project manager or even as a dance coach and mentor. My mission is to bring energy and positive change wherever I go. Through conversations, poetry, public speaking, wellness sessions and projects, I am devoted to empower people and help them grow. ⁠
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In that spirit, in 2022, I created Balanced with Joy – Équilibrer avec Joy, a support program designed to help people live a more balanced lifestyle. Trained mentors guide participants in the adoption of lifestyle habits of their choice related to physical activity, nutrition, stress management, or sleep. The program includes one-on-one meetings, group discussions, and workshops. Research shows that this program can enhance confidence, knowledge, and improvement in lifestyle habits.⁠
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One of my biggest dreams is to connect with all the communities around the world and to walk a mile in their shoes. For me, there are no greater blessings than experiencing life together, creating memories and helping our seeds become trees.⁠⁠
I am a change agent, a visionary and a spreader of joy⁠⁠⁠
Lesly Joyce Nkuindja⁠
MD, MSc Candidate ⁠
McGill University⁠⁠⁠⁠
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I have been a dancer my entire life. It feels like I’ve been dancing ever since I could walk. I don’t even remember a ti...
03/28/2025

I have been a dancer my entire life. It feels like I’ve been dancing ever since I could walk. I don’t even remember a time in my life when I wasn’t heading to the studio 2-3 times a week for practice. When I think about my identity, I immediately think of dance, because dance has shaped me into the person I am today.⁠
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What happens if you forget a move on stage? You keep going. What happens if you make a mistake? You keep going. What happens if you fall? You get back up and you keep going (provided you’re not injured). Dance is all about perseverance and challenging yourself. Dancers always strive to improve. When you conquer one difficult move, you move on to the next, more difficult move. A dancer never stays stagnant. We don’t like feeling too comfortable for too long because it means we’re not growing, and there is always room to grow, no matter how advanced you are. When things feel easy, it’s time for a new challenge, and when you feel challenged, you embrace it because it means you’re growing, and growth is what we all strive for.⁠
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Dance has taught me to embrace life’s challenges and keep persevering when things don’t go as planned. Without dance, I would not be the person, and physician, I am today.⁠⁠
I am a dancer, a performer, a reader, a gamer, an anime lover, a cat mom, a friend, a sister, and a daughter.⁠⁠⁠
Kayla Smith, MD⁠
Pathology Resident PGY-1⁠
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio⁠⁠⁠⁠
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For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a doctor—not just for myself, but for my family. Coming from a middle-c...
03/21/2025

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a doctor—not just for myself, but for my family. Coming from a middle-class background as a first-generation doctor, I had no idea what I was signing up for. Sleepless nights, endless studying, the stress of exams, and moments of self-doubt—I’ve faced it all. But despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. It’s tough, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling.⁠
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That said, there’s so much more to me than my white coat. I find joy in life’s little moments—morning walks that feel like therapy, chasing sunsets, recording time-lapses of drifting clouds, and editing vlogs just for fun. Dancing is my happy place, my way of letting go—you’ll always find me on stage at college events. I have a soft spot for plants, both indoors and outdoors; watching them grow feels like refilling my own oxygen tank. And nothing makes me happier than spending time with my family and friends—making them feel special is what fills my heart the most. I love getting involved in social clubs and organizations, meeting new people, and being part of something bigger. Traveling with loved ones fuels my soul, but I also cherish solo walks and journaling—they help me slow down and reconnect with myself.⁠
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For me, life is all about balance—staying productive, embracing creativity, and celebrating progress, no matter how small. I never want to stop learning—not just in medicine, but in every little hobby and passion that excites me. Through my white coat and beyond, I want to honor my journey, keep my loved ones close, and appreciate every step along the way. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about titles or achievements—it’s about knowing yourself, growing, and finding joy in the life you create.⁠⁠
I am a learner, dancer, positivethinker, daughter, plantmom, dogmom, kind human, and thinker⁠⁠⁠
Dr. Namuna Rasaili, MBBS⁠
Intern Doctor⁠
LMCTH, Kathmandu University⁠⁠⁠⁠datuu⁠
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Beyond the white coat, I am first and foremost a lifelong reader. Some of my earliest memories involve trips to my neigh...
03/19/2025

Beyond the white coat, I am first and foremost a lifelong reader. Some of my earliest memories involve trips to my neighborhood library, where my love of learning began under my mother’s guidance. That childhood passion evolved into my first job at age sixteen, working at the same library that had nurtured my imagination for years. As a Black woman, books have served as both windows and mirrors, through them, I’ve connected with my history and heritage while simultaneously exploring worlds beyond my own experience.⁠
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Today, I continue with this love, whether through fantasy reads I can discuss with friends, medical texts to expand my knowledge or recipes for my latest baking project. Whatever the read, countless genres provide essential balance in my life. The books that fill my shelves tell the story of who I am, a person who treasures knowledge, imagination, reality, and possibility.⁠⁠
I am a reader, friend, and daughter.⁠⁠⁠
Abena Green⁠
MD Candidate | OBGYN (military matched)⁠
Howard University College of Medicine⁠⁠⁠⁠
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As a third-generation Army officer and an ROTC graduate from UC Santa Barbara, my life has been shaped by service and de...
03/17/2025

As a third-generation Army officer and an ROTC graduate from UC Santa Barbara, my life has been shaped by service and dedication, with a strong focus on supporting the military and veterans. I’ve discovered that my passions lie in providing care particularly in skin health awareness and education. Beyond the uniform and white coat, I’m someone who loves spending time with my family, especially in their bakery, where I find joy in baking and cooking. I love spending time outside, whether that’s simply a walk, traveling to explore more of this world, or chasing the next adventure on my mountain bike. I cherish times with friends, such as our weekly tradition of watching TV shows. Right now, we’re hooked on The Bachelor and The White Lotus.⁠⁠
I am an officer in the U.S. Army. I love to spend time with those close to me, be outdoors, and travel.⁠⁠⁠
Quinn Schroeder⁠
DO Candidate⁠
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine⁠⁠⁠⁠
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I always liked medicine. I liked walking into hospitals, observing the organized chaos, the resilience, the hope. But de...
03/14/2025

I always liked medicine. I liked walking into hospitals, observing the organized chaos, the resilience, the hope. But despite my interest, I hesitated. Coming from a middle-class family, becoming a first-generation doctor felt like a distant dream. The road was long, the hardships inevitable. But my father never doubted me.

When I wavered, he stood firm. He believed in me before I ever did.

And then, I lost him.

Nine months later, the loss still feels fresh. In the middle of my third year of medical school, I found myself shattered, grappling with an absence I wasn’t ready for. What broke me even more was discovering a xerox copy of my own writing - something I had published in my college magazine, tucked away in his locker. He had saved it, cherished it, just as he did with all my successes. His hypermetropic eyes strained to read screens, so every time I sent him my results online, he printed it out, highlighted my name, and proudly told others his daughter was chasing a dream he once nurtured for her. He stored those papers safely in his drawer, a silent testament to his pride. I found those papers only when it was too late to hear him say it aloud again.

I am my father’s dream. His asset. The hope of my family. But I am also more.

I learned leadership from my mother, a woman who taught me strength in uncertainty. I love being an emcee, hosting moments that bring people together. I am a beloved sister to my two siblings and a doting one to my two little pugs. I may seem serious, but I have my quirks - a Swiftie at heart, a hopeless romantic for rom-coms, drawn to women-centric stories. Fictional worlds pull me in, and I love capturing and shrugging my own moments through my digital diary.

I find peace in slow mornings, when the world is still asleep, the sun just rising and when everything feels still, unhurried. In these moments, I remind myself who I truly am, with or without my white coat.
I am a proud daughter. A beloved sibling. A dreamer. A reflection of those who shaped me. And all the little things that make me, me.
Aayushma Poudel
4th Year MBBS Candidate
Khulna City Medical College Hospital

I am a first-generation medical student and soon to be a first-gen graduate, who aspires to be a proud daughter and good...
03/10/2025

I am a first-generation medical student and soon to be a first-gen graduate, who aspires to be a proud daughter and good doctor for her people and herself.⁠⁠
Without my white coat, I am an Explorer and Life enthusiast. Growing up in Nepal, a country full of diversity and adventures, I have always embraced movement—not just physically, but in the way I navigate life. Whether I’m chasing a volleyball across the court, capturing my experiences on YouTube, or traveling places to reset my perspective, I’ve learned that true fulfillment comes from finding harmony between your ambition and joy. For me, life isn’t just about excelling in one aspect—it’s about embracing all the things that make us feel alive.⁠⁠
No matter how hectic life gets, I always try to maintain my balance between academic achievements, social connections and personal happiness. Sometimes it might have costed my mental peace, but we can overcome it, can’t we? I have learnt the importance of resilience and trust in teamwork via my fair amount of time in volleyball here and there. I am slowly growing into the YouTube world where I share my experiences and challenges, which has helped me on my own reflection and connection with others navigating similar paths. I love the power of positive digital media, and through my videos, my vision is to make medical journeys feel more accessible, authentic, and human.⁠⁠
At my core, I am also just a person who thrives to enjoy little moments like cafe hopping, cooking or eating delicious meals, dancing to beats of music or binge watching a romcom series. You can never say no to these little dopamine surges.⁠⁠
I am Life enthusiast, Content Creator, Volleyball player, Romcom lover and sadly, an overachiever.⁠⁠⁠
Shreesuna Katila⁠
MBBS Candidate | Class of 2025⁠
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences⁠⁠⁠⁠syuna

I am an artist, who enjoys oil painting. I am a mentor, to my younger sister, and to students applying to medical school...
03/05/2025

I am an artist, who enjoys oil painting. I am a mentor, to my younger sister, and to students applying to medical school and residency. I am also a dog parent, who couples matched with my partner in Plastic Surgery, and we are lucky to have an adorable Shiba Inu named Kai.⁠⁠
I am an artist, a mentor, and a dog parent⁠⁠⁠
Cindy Li, MD, MS⁠
Anesthesiology Resident⁠
Washington University in St. Louis⁠⁠⁠⁠

Two things I take pride in. One is that I am a mentor for those in medicine and for those outside of medicine. I am apar...
03/03/2025

Two things I take pride in. One is that I am a mentor for those in medicine and for those outside of medicine. I am apart of a group of medical doctors called C.O.D.E med which we mentor students that are underrepresented and guide them through the medical school application. I had a lot of people tell me that I couldn’t pursue medicine and play college football so I had to pick one or the other. Well, thanks to them, I succeeded very well in both. However, it was hard to find a mentor that I could relate to which is a reason why I became one. I know the feeling of not having any direction and becoming a mentor and role model has been one of the most fulfilling choices I’ve made.⁠
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The other comes from a show “Atlanta” where the quote is “You know Nigerians don’t fail” . As funny as it was, there is truth to it because Nigerians are known to be very hard working people and that’s where I get my discipline, perseverance and hard work mindset from. Getting older and learning even more about my culture is something I’ll always continue to embrace and proudly wear on my back.⁠⁠
I am a brother, son, friend, mentor, a food lover, traveler, partner, Nigerian-American, workout enthusiast, conversationalist, and one that is enjoying the moment I am in right now.⁠⁠⁠
Glenn Adesoji⁠
PGY-1 Internal Medicine Preliminary/Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Resident⁠
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore & Temple University Hospital⁠⁠⁠⁠

As the proud daughter of Pakistani immigrants, my goal is to honor my family and community through the work I do. This m...
02/28/2025

As the proud daughter of Pakistani immigrants, my goal is to honor my family and community through the work I do. This mission is especially important to me as I seek to support my younger brother, who has autism. Before beginning medical school, I served as his caregiver for three years. During that time, we became an inseparable duo. I helped him become more independent, and in turn, he taught me what it truly means to be a provider. His journey is the reason I aspire to pursue psychiatry, and it’s through him that I’ve developed a deep belief in the transformative power of mental healthcare. This is why I am currently studying both medicine and public health, with the goal of helping individuals and communities alike.⁠⁠
I envision myself as an advocate, not only for my patients but for my community as a whole. I aim to encourage people to prioritize their mental health and seek treatment when needed. To practice what I preach, I make it a point to nurture my relationships with friends and family, often exploring new cafes and restaurants and staying up-to-date with each other’s lives. In addition to spending time with loved ones, I stay active by practicing Bollywood dance and traveling to new cities and countries whenever I can. These experiences allow me to learn from different cultures, helping me grow as both a person and a future provider.⁠⁠
I believe that you cannot pour from an empty cup, so I make it a priority to embrace my sense of wonder and curiosity, letting it guide me through both my personal and professional life.⁠⁠
I am a daughter, a sister, a friend, an adventurer, and an advocate.⁠⁠⁠
Haniyah Syed⁠
DO-MPH Candidate | Class of 2028⁠
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine⁠⁠⁠⁠

Without my white coat, I am someone who is passionate about serving my latino community and serving my country. I am an ...
02/26/2025

Without my white coat, I am someone who is passionate about serving my latino community and serving my country. I am an Army Officer and a musician with 20 years of experience. I have always wanted to be a military physician. Since I was a boy, I used to tell people that I was going to be a flight surgeon. I have also been truly blessed to be able to play violin and sing professionally in various Mariachis since I was 8 or 9 years old. Mexican music has always been another passion of mine and my escape. At the age of 16, I the joined 2x Grammy Award Winning Mariachi ensemble Mariachi Campanas de America from San Antonio Texas and have been jamming with them ever since. We have traveled and played all over the U.S. and I am truly lucky to pick up right where we left off with everytime im back home from School in San Antonio. I am in Utah for Medical School and play with a group in SLC. I hope to return to San Antonio for General Surgery Residency and play on the weekends with my brothers and sisters just like old times.⁠⁠
I am a musician at heart who is proud to serve⁠⁠⁠
Christopher Perez⁠
DO Candidate, Class of 2026⁠
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Utah⁠⁠⁠⁠

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