Though a few seasons have passed since the Class of 2027’s White Coat Ceremony, UNC Urology would like to revisit and recognize a particularly meaningful moment that continues to resonate with us.
On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the UNC School of Medicine gathered in celebration of the Class of 2027’s White Coat Ceremony, marking a profound moment of transition as students formally began their journey into the field of medicine. Among the speakers selected for this milestone event was Dr. Kristy Borawski, Professor of Urology, Residency Program Director for UNC Urology, and Director of the Learning Environment for Undergraduate Medical Education.
Dr. Borawski’s invitation to speak at the White Coat Ceremony is an honor, reflecting her deep commitment to education and her influence within the UNC School of Medicine community. A respected physician, educator, and mentor, she brought both personal insight and professional wisdom to the ceremony.
In her remarks, Dr. Borawski reflected on the symbolism of the white coat, not as a superhero costume, as is often suggested, but as a representation of earned trust and transformation. “You are here today,” she told the students, “not because of your DNA… but because of the years of hard work, dedication, and passion that have brought you to this moment.”
While she initially resisted the popular analogy comparing white coats to superhero capes, she came to embrace it through a new lens, emphasizing how both represent identity, transformation, purpose, and trust. Drawing on her own memories, she shared the full spectrum of emotions that accompany donning the coat for the first time: pride, gratitude, fear, and hope. “In case any of you are wondering,” she reassured the class, “yes, you do [belong]. And yes, you will.”
Central to her message was the idea of trust, between students and their educators, between physicians and their patients, and within the healthcare team itself. The white coat, she explained, may be made of ordinary fabric, but it carries extraordinary meaning. “It represents the trust you have in us, we in you, and, most critically, your patients’ trust in you and the profession.”
As the Class of 2027 continues its journey through medical school, Dr. Borawski’s words remain as timely as ever, a reminder that behind every white coat is a commitment not only to knowledge and skill, but to trust, empathy, and purpose.
Watch the full ceremony including Dr. Borawski’s talk below (starts at 13:00):
A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship
Dr. Borawski has long been recognized as a champion of medical education at UNC. In 2022, she was named Director of the Learning Environment for Undergraduate Medical Education, a role in which she oversees efforts to foster a safe, respectful, and inviting atmosphere for medical students. Her leadership has been further affirmed through her 2023 promotion to Professor of Urology and her recent appointment as UNC Urology’s Residency Program Director, where she is guiding the next generation of urologists with a focus on mentorship, innovation, and humanistic care.
Her numerous accolades, including the Craver Medical Student Teaching Award and the Friend of Nursing Award, reflect the high regard in which she is held by colleagues, students, and healthcare partners alike.