In 2014, Deepak Kaji, MD, PhD, ISMMS '22, began his journey at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai with a heartfelt gesture—a stethoscope gifted during his White Coat Ceremony. Like many students, Deepak was excited for the future, and that powerful symbol of a doctor’s commitment to care resonated with him. He emailed David B. Sachar, MD, to express his gratitude for the stethoscope he received in the ceremony, as it was sponsored by Dr. Sachar’s donation. That message would be the first step in what would become a long-standing correspondence between the two doctors.
As time went on, Dr. Kaji’s path took him through a PhD, a medical degree, and eventually into his residency in psychiatry at Mount Sinai. Recently, he was asked about the origins of his stethoscope, prompting Dr. Kaji to reflect on his journey. He decided to reach out to Dr. Sachar once again. “Although as a psych resident I don't use my stethoscope as much as I used to, the symbolism of the gift still remains with me,” he wrote.
For Dr. Sachar, the exchange was just as meaningful. Receiving that email a decade later reaffirmed the impact of the gift he had made back in 2014. In his response, he shared how proud he was to see how far Dr. Kaji had come. “I predicted in 2014 that you would go on to make us all proud. You have certainly validated the prediction and will surely continue to do so over the years to come!”
The lasting connections formed through the White Coat Ceremony at Icahn Mount Sinai is more than just a tradition—it’s a powerful reminder of the support and encouragement from the alumni community who help shape the next generation of medical professionals at Mount Sinai.
Support Mount Sinai’s future generations by making a White Coat gift.
Featured Physicians:
David B. Sachar, MD, FACP, MACG, AGAF
Clinical Professor of Medicine
Master Educator, Institute for Medical Education
Director Emeritus, Dr. Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Deepak Kaji, MD, PhD, ISMMS '22
Resident, Department of Psychiatry
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai