The Medical Gateways Academy, directed by Ms. Amy Anci, proudly presented twenty-two senior Cathedralites with their symbolic white coats in a rite of passage ceremony that honored their dedication to their medical education and marked their future as students of medicine.
Fittingly, the ceremony fell on the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, the patron saint of physicians. Before the ceremony, students and families attended Mass at the beautiful parish of St. Thomas More, which so graciously hosted our students for Mass and our reception. Our wonderful celebrant was Father Hyacinth Grubb O.P., who works with the Dominican Healthcare Ministry which provides daily spiritual care to patients at Hospital for Special Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Archcare at Mary Manning Walsh Home and supplemental services for urgent or emergency needs at a number of other hospitals in the city. In his homily, Fr. Grubb preached about the importance of ministering to the sick, body and soul, and how healthcare professionals and priests each have an important role in this great work. After communion, Fr. Grubb blessed the hands of our senior Medical Gateways Students.
The ceremony included keynote remarks by Medical Gateways Academy alumna Shannon Wales ’03 and senior Madison C. ’25 as well as the recitation of the Medical Gateways Pledge by all students. Shannon Wales ’03 is a proud Irish-Puerto Rican from the Bronx and a mother of three, and she is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Health Policy and Administration at New York Medical College. She inspired our Medical Gateways students with her message: “You will discover the depth of your passion and commitment. These experiences will teach you lessons far beyond any case study or class that you may be sitting in. They will shape your character and give you the resilience to overcome your future obstacles. As you move forward, remember: be open minded to learning. We live in a world that is constantly evolving, and those that succeed are the ones that remain curious, adaptable, and willing to grow.”
After the students received their white coats and recited the pledge, Madison C. ’25 remarked in her keynote address: “This program isn't just about getting medical knowledge; it’s about the heart of medicine.” These students are truly prepared to carry with them the spirit of Cathedral, a tradition of excellence, service, and faith, as they prepare to graduate and pursue the study of medicine!