A New White Coat

A few weeks after Graduation, we were privileged to have Brett's parents come back to Arizona to attend Brett's Residency White Coat Ceremony.  Every year, St. Joseph's Hospital puts on an elaborate dinner to bid farewell to the graduating residents and to welcome in the new residents and present them with their new full-length Physician's Coats.  The event was held at a wonderful Mexican restaurant in Downtown Phoenix.  Each incoming resident was asked to share who inspired them to enter the field of Family Medicine and to invite that person to coat them with their new white coat.  Brett wrote about his brother Brady, who suffered with Muscular Dystrophy, and asked his dad to coat him in honor of Brady.  It was a great night and we were so happy to have Brett's parents back down for a few more days of Arizona heat.

Brett's dad coating him, while Brett's Program Director Dr. Steinberg looks on

Brett's statement:

"One of my earliest memories is watching Saturday morning cartoons in my diaper, while suctioning out my older brother’s tracheostomy. My older brother Brady suffered from Muscular Dystrophy. This condition left him physically unable to walk, eat, or even breathe without assistance. But what it didn’t change was his spirit to live and enjoy life. His bright outlook on life was infectious. On the surface you saw a very sick child, but deep down he was more alive than most. The team of doctors and nurses that cared for my brother showed him so much love and respect. Being in that nourishing environment has always been a part of my life and it was what motivated me to pursue medicine. My relationship with my brother is what inspired me to pursue family medicine. I believe that it is the family physician that helps to support and edify the physical and emotional fabric of families. Families are the life blood of society, and with them come stability and strength in the community. I hope to honor my brother by doing my best to spread his “infectious” outlook on life."