Jack Koczara was inspired by the orthopedic surgeon who healed his sports-torn knees and shoulder. Sierra Simon always loved science but became a lifeguard and saw the importance of saving others during an emergency. Nicole Stevens ’25 is a nontraditional student entering medicine after raising three small children.
All were welcomed Aug. 4 to the College of Medicine’s Class of 2029 in the traditional White Coat ceremony, recognizing them as physicians in training.
“Our new medical students include scholars, musicians, artists, scientists, engineers, writers, dancers and community volunteers,” says Deborah German, vice president for health affairs and medical school dean. “They have cared for others by serving on suicide and crisis hotlines, in assisted living facilities, clinics, hospitals, soup kitchens and homeless centers. These young people have made a difference in the lives of others.”
The 121 new students did their undergraduate training at universities that include Case Western, Duke, Emory, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt and UCF. More than 85% conducted scientific research before ever entering medical school, advancing science in areas that include cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and asthma.
Putting Patients First
Asked why they came to UCF for medical school, students shared common themes. They were excited to be part of UCF’s Health Sciences Campus in Medical City that includes a teaching hospital, cancer center and a new College of Nursing facility that opens in just two weeks. They were drawn by UCF’s innovative spirit and the open, welcoming atmosphere from faculty, staff and fellow students. Many said they were inspired by German’s passion for creating doctors who put patients first.
“This college was designed to be a model of 21st-century medical education, pioneering new ways to help people live better,” President Alexander N. Cartwright says. “There is a sense of optimism here — guided by compassion and a desire to make a difference — that is unique in higher education.”
The Good Doctor — A UCF Tradition
Before being coated, students participated in their first class: The Good Doctor — A UCF Tradition. As she does with every new class, German asked students to imagine the person they love most in the world is seriously ill. What traits do they want to see in their loved one’s physician? Students list characteristics and their dean writes the virtues on a chalkboard that is on display for the rest of the year in the medical school lobby.
The Class of 2029 came up with 32 attributes, including determined, humble, sensitive, honest, knowledgeable, compassionate, ethical, empathetic, grateful, patient and resilient.
“This is your contract with me, with your faculty, friends, family, community and each other,” German says to the students once the board was complete. “With the guidance of the faculty and your own hard work, you will become The Good Doctor.”
Koczara graduated from Michigan State and says UCF was his top choice for medical school. An athlete in football and basketball, he became close to the orthopedic surgeon who repaired his multiple sport injuries.
“That relationship helped me to see what a doctor can be to another person,” he says.
Simon comes to UCF from the University of Miami and was drawn to the medical school’s spirit of partnership and collaboration.
“I want to be part of that energy,” she says.
Stevens is the oldest daughter of 10 children. Homeschooled, she finished high school, got married and had three children. She always loved science, so at 26, she enrolled at Valencia College then transferred to UCF, where she was named to the Order of Pegasus, the university’s highest student honor.
As she described her dreams and her unique journey to medical school, she helped her youngest son pull out a very loose tooth that started bleeding during the White Coat ceremony. As her family joked, “Is there a doctor in the house?” Stevens talked about German’s first assignment — that by day’s end, students write a short paragraph about the greatest dream they have for their future.
“That struck me,” Stevens says. “I was dreaming all along of getting into medical school. Now I get to dream even bigger.”
