Incoming Class is Welcomed with Stethoscopes

Less than one month into his studies at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Abdurrahman Al-Awady was thrilled to receive one of the most recognized symbols of the medical profession.

The first-year medical student looked at his brand-new stethoscope and reflected on what it meant to wear the iconic device.

“The stethoscope means that the school and the alumni believe in us,” said Al-Awady. “To have this much faith in us shows that we are truly a family.”

The Miller School’s Medical Alumni Association recently gave every student in the Class of 2023 a brand-new stethoscope as a way of welcoming them to the school and helping them forge a connection with the alumni.

“This is a real symbol that they are excited for us to get started,” said Juliann Gilchrist.

The Miller-branded stethoscopes were presented during the John G. Clarkson Freshman White Coat and Pinning Ceremony, held August 23 at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables.

“This is a rite of passage you will long treasure and one you should be proud of,” said Ana I. Gonzalez, M.D. ’85, president of the Medical Alumni Association. “We hope that you will keep this gift throughout your career, knowing you are always a part of the Miller School family.”

For Brea Willey, it was a culmination of a lifelong dream.

“People are going to start trusting me to care for them soon,” said Willey. “This means that I will be serving my community, which is what I’ve always wanted to do.”

The “Stethoscopes for Students” initiative relies on the generosity of alumni and faculty and alleviates the cost of a much-used medical tool for aspiring physicians.

“This will be a continual reminder that an alumnus or faculty member from our school invested on the student’s behalf,” said Alex J. Mechaber, M.D. ’94, professor of medicine, senior associate dean for undergraduate medical education, and the Dr. Bernard J. Fogel Chair in Medical Education. “It is a great way to be welcomed into the Miller School.”

To learn more about how you can support the Stethoscopes for Students campaign, please contact Alyse Cohen at (305) 243-9473 or [email protected].

Tags: John G. Clarkson White Coat and Pinning Ceremony, Medical Alumni Association, Stethoscopes for Students