White Coat Profile: Soofia Kisana

The White Coat Ceremony marks the first time a medical student will don his or her white coat, the defining symbol of a physician. The coat bestows a great honor on each student, and with it comes a responsibility to uphold the trust of every patient they will encounter. The Class of 2027 will receive their white coats on July 14 during a ceremony that begins at 3:30 p.m. in the West Ballroom of the Phoenix Convention Center downtown.

Meet Soofia Kisana

Born in Murray, Utah, Soofia Kisana grew up in Chandler, Arizona before her and her family moved to Saudi Arabia for her dad’s job when she was 14. The family moved back to Chandler a couple of months before Kisana graduated high school to take care of her grandfather.

When Kisana was 17, her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Through caring for him and seeing how his doctors provided him with care, her interest in medicine grew.

Kisana attended Arizona State University and majored in microbiology. She said her time abroad made her more conscious of culture-specific adversities in health care. So much so, that it influenced the work she did on her honors thesis regarding hepatitis C prevention in Pakistan.

Kisana credits her parents, brother and her close friends as her biggest supporters. She said she would not be where she is without their love and support.

Path toward Medicine

What was the spark that led you to become a physician?

My mom and I became my grandfather’s primary caregivers. His illness encouraged me to explore the field of medicine. I explored the field by shadowing amazing doctors, engaging in clinical research and volunteering.

While my grandfather’s illness unexpectedly helped me gain tremendous insight into why I want to be a physician, it also highlighted the many layers of challenges, both physical and emotional, that exist for people with serious illnesses.

Did you do any volunteering in health fields prior to medical school?

I volunteered weekly for Hospice of the Valley at Dobson Home, an in-patient hospice and palliative care unit. I aimed to make patients feel as comfortable as possible at the end of their lives. Although this was a very challenging experience, I found it rewarding to know that I could play a small part in these patients’ journeys.

I gained insight into how end-of-life care provides compassionate care and promotes dignity. I came to appreciate the many ways to improve a patient’s quality of life, even if a patient is not being actively treated for an illness.

During the pandemic, I became a crisis counselor online and engaged in conversations with individuals in crisis. I learned to use active listening, collaborative problem-solving and safety planning. My goal was to listen and help diffuse complicated personal situations.

I provided people with resources and coping strategies to use when they may feel overwhelmed or anxious. Each person has a unique story, and I learned to communicate with respect, humility and sensitivity.

The College of Medicine – Phoenix

Why did you choose the College of Medicine – Phoenix?

As an Arizona native, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix was my top choice for many reasons. Aside from the innovative facilities and unique classrooms, the strong sense of community stood out to me the most.

I had volunteered with Street Medicine Phoenix at the Human Services Shelter, where I met medical students who were dedicated to helping others and had a strong sense of camaraderie. I knew that this was the atmosphere I wanted during my medical education.

Another unique aspect is the Scholarly Project. I find it a fantastic opportunity to hone and build upon my clinical research skills, which will further my future career as an academic physician.

I am interested in the Global Health opportunities and feel that it will give me a chance to explore and learn about medical issues abroad. I believe the college will provide me with solid foundations in education, research and patient care that will make me a well-rounded physician.

What excites you most about beginning medical school?

I am very excited to start learning about medicine through coursework, learning doctoring skills and becoming more involved in research.

Significance of the White Coat

What does the white coat mean to you?

The white coat symbolizes my duty to deliver the best possible care to my patients with empathy, compassion and professionalism. It also signifies a physician’s obligation to lifelong learning.