By Karen Villarreal

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – NOV. 7, 2024 – While some middle-schoolers get braces to straighten their teeth, Mariana Rodriguez experienced the sixth and seventh grade with leg braces.

“It was tough, but at least now I walk fine, thankfully!” said Rodriguez, a new student of the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine, Class of 2028.

“I had to relearn how to walk ‘heel toe, heel toe’ because I was walking on my toes all the time,” said the 24-year-old from Houston.  “I had done gymnastics for 10 years and that was something we had to do for performance, but it started to progress unconsciously into my everyday life.”

She said her experience with a podiatrist and learning how the orthotics corrected her gait and bunions inspired her to pursue a career in the medical field to help others.

At the third White Coat Ceremony of the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine, attended by family, friends and faculty, Rodriguez was one of 23 students recognized for starting their professional training at the only podiatric medical school in Texas. 

Rodriguez had a special supporter in the audience: Dr. Ana Urukalo, DPM, the podiatrist who she shadowed during her gap year. 

“She's a doctor that I really want to be,” Rodriguez said. “I was so inspired by her work.”

A PIN, A COAT, AN OATH 

The rite of passage for the third cohort was held on Friday, Oct. 25, at the Harlingen Convention Center. 

Dr. Javier La Fontaine, UTRGV SOPM dean, welcomed the students and their supporters, emphasizing the ceremony’s focus on the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. 

“The white coat represents our profession,” he said. “Every time you wear it, consider the values it embodies – trust, humanism, integrity, professionalism, empathy and compassion.” 

The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine celebrated the arrival of its third cohort, the Class of 2028, on Oct. 25 at a ceremonial White Coat Ceremony held at the Harlingen Convention Center. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

La Fontaine said wearing the white coat from the first day of training symbolizes the students’ awareness of their responsibilities to themselves, their fellow students and their future patients. 

“It also signifies leadership. You are the future educators, researchers and scientists who will carry the torch of our profession forward,” he said. 

Dr. Jose Luis Ayala, DPM and CMO of Valley Baptist Medical Center, added the white coat will be their constant friend throughout their practice of the art and science of medicine.

“It will be there when you laugh, and yes, even when you may cry. Never forget the incredible privilege of wearing this coat,” he said. “It will symbolize hope and trust for the many patients you will serve.”

La Fontaine and Dr. Javier Cavazos, associate dean of Academic Affairs, presented the new student-doctors with their coats, which were donated by Sagis Diagnostics. 

“Every class is really taking advantage of the opportunities they are getting and it's really a pleasure to see them develop,” Cavazos said. “That's what we're most excited for as we continue toward our first graduation next year.”

Dr. Michael VanPelt, DPM and president of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association, shook the students’ hands and pinned the TPMA badge to their lapel. 

“TPMA is here to support you in your growth in this profession and as lifelong learners and educators,” he said.  

REPRESENTING THE CLASS OF ‘28

After the symbolic donning of the white coat and pin, the future podiatrists recited an oath. Then class representative, Asad Mustafa, addressed his peers before ringing the UTRGV bell to close the ceremony.

Mustafa, 27, came to the Rio Grande Valley from Dallas after completing a neuroscience undergraduate degree and master’s in medical science. He chose Texas’s first and only podiatry school, to make his family proud.  

“They worked really hard to get me to this point,” said Mustafa, whose family immigrated to the U.S. from Pakistan when he was two years old. “My mom is here today.” 

Also, inspiring Mustafa on his journey are his peers, who he mentioned have achieved many professional accomplishments while balancing family responsibilities.

“We all come from incredibly diverse backgrounds, but we all have the shared common goal – work toward bettering the health of others,” he said. “Together, I know we can all make an impact.” 

Dr. Michael VanPelt, DPM and president of the Texas Podiatric Medical Association, shook each student's hand and pinned the official TPMA badge on their lapels during the White Coat Ceremony. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)