Rebecca Klisz-Hulbert (M.D ’04, Res. ’07, Fel. ’09) remembers what it felt like to be a new student at the start of her journey into medical school. As a first-generation college student, she wasn’t exactly sure what was in store for her, but she knew she wanted to provide care for underserved populations.

As a 2004 medical graduate who stayed at Wayne State University for her residency and fellowship, and eventually served as president of the Medical Alumni Board of Governors from 2023 to 2024, Dr. Klisz-Hulbert understands the value of building relationships within the medical field. This is why she has sponsored a White Coat for the last several years.

Every year, the Wayne State School of Medicine holds a White Coat Ceremony to induct the incoming class of physicians-in-training. During the ceremony, alumni, faculty, family and friends gather to celebrate with the students as they transition into medical school. Students are welcomed by leaders who represent the values and mission of the school and the profession, guiding them as they take the first step as Warrior M.D.s and receive their first white coats.

The coat is placed on the student by those who have taken that journey before them, either family members in the medical profession or faculty of the School of Medicine, symbolizing their belief in the students’ ability to step into the profession and lead with compassion and care. Within the pocket of their coat, students find a letter from their White Coat sponsor, illustrating the sponsor’s commitment to offering mentorship, in addition to covering the cost of the coat.

Dr. Klisz-Hulbert, who is dedicated to empowering the next generation of emerging clinicians, feels that sponsoring a student is a meaningful and personal way to let that student know that she believes in them and is willing to support them throughout their time at Wayne State and beyond. As Dr. Klisz-Hulbert reflects on the first student she sponsored, she recalled how impactful her guidance became later in the student’s career. She kept in touch with the student, engaging in meaningful conversations about which specialty to choose, and even had the opportunity to support the student when her clinical rotation placed her under Dr. Klisz-Hulbert’s advisement at the Wayne Health Outpatient Psychiatry clinic.

This year, Dr. Klisz-Hulbert sponsored Theodore Hirschfield, an incoming medical student who chose to attend the Wayne State University School of Medicine because of his passion for the city of Detroit. Hirschfield said it was deeply moving that someone who was once in his shoes believes in him and wants to see him succeed. He articulated an added confidence knowing he has a connection to an alum right from the beginning of this significant endeavor.

“I think that’s the true meaning of what it means to become a physician,” he said. “It’s not about attacking problems on your own but knowing that you have an extensive network of well-trained physicians to help you provide the best care possible to patients and support the community of Detroit.”

For Dr. Klisz-Hulbert, who received a thank-you letter from Hirschfield, having the chance to serve as a mentor from day one of a medical student’s journey is why she sponsors a white coat year after year.

Thinking back to the day she received her white coat, she recalled feeling a bit like an imposter, unsure if she deserved to be there. By choosing to be a White Coat sponsor, she ensures that on this momentous day marking the start of students’ pursuit to becoming physicians, they know that they belong.

If you are interested in learning more about sponsoring a White Coat, click here.