A New Generation of Physicians Begin Their Careers in the Middle of a Pandemic
Dr. Catherine Lucey welcomed the new class virtually at the 2020 White Coat Ceremony.
UCSF has prided itself on pushing the boundaries of medicine and society toward positive change for decades. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only underscored the need for this continued change, but has inspired many to push and strive for it. The hope and motivation to create a better society is exemplified by this year’s incoming class of UCSF medical students, who celebrated their transition to becoming student-physicians with a virtual White Coat Ceremony this September.
While UCSF’s newest class comes from a wide range of backgrounds, with diverse perspectives and passions, they share a common drive to create positive change. Jessica Ma, originally from Atlanta, moved cross-country for medical school for the unique strengths in both primary care and cutting-edge research that UCSF holds. As an undergraduate interested in sexual and reproductive health, Jessica noticed that “every paper on the topic” came from faculty at UCSF, which ultimately motivated her to choose UCSF for her medical education. While many schools emphasized either social justice and advocacy or excellence in biomedical research, Jessica saw UCSF as unique in leading in each domain. Jessica plans to become plugged into advocacy and research in reproductive health, as well as medical education, in her coming years at UCSF.