White Coat Profile: Niomi Tsingine

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 Niomi Tsingine

Niomi Tsingine, a member of the Navajo Nation, is from Kirtland, New Mexico (NM), a small town just west of Farmington, NM. It sits in the “Four Corners” area of the Southwest region of the U.S. A graduate of Kirtland Central High School, she went on to study at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where she majored in Physiology.

In her journey to medical school, Tsingine’s biggest supporters have been her parents, grandparents and siblings. She has learned a lot from her parents, and she is grateful for all the love and guidance they have given her.

She is also appreciative for grandparents’ active involvement in her life. They helped shape who Tsingine is today with their teachings and prayers.

She credits her siblings as being her biggest cheerleaders, without whom, life would not be as fun. She loves them all dearly.

Path toward Medicine

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

I have been interested in medicine for as long as I can remember; however, it was not until I was in eighth grade that I knew I wanted to become a physician — when I would accompany my mother, a hospice nurse, to home visits.

I was able to provide music therapy to the patients, as I sang and played my guitar. I made meaningful connections with people in this way, and it was not limited to only the patients, but their family members, too.

I have learned that in medicine, you not only consider science, but also each individual story a patient tells you about their life. This experience made me realize that I wanted to be a part of providing care in a health care setting.

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

Before being admitted to medical school, I worked in the operating room with the orthopaedic team at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson. They will always have a special place in my heart, as they have supported and taught me valuable lessons that I will take into my years as a medical student and beyond. As I enter this part of my life, I am assured that with my family and friends’ support, I can do anything.

The College of Medicine – Phoenix

Why did you choose the College of Medicine – Phoenix?

I chose the University of Arizona – Phoenix because, firstly, I consider Arizona my home, and I am not one to venture too far. Growing up, I spent half of my life in Mesa, Arizona, and the other half in New Mexico.

Second, the college has shown tremendous support to me as a student coming from an underrepresented population. I must especially thank the Pathways Scholar Program and all the people who were involved in my learning thus far. It is the faculty, staff and peers that I have met through this program that make this journey toward medicine very special for me.

What excites you most about beginning medical school?

I am most excited for the personal and professional growth ahead. As I stand at the beginning of an extensive road, I am excited to take these next steps toward a calling I have dreamed of pursuing for a very long time. I cannot wait to begin this career of lifelong learning, even more so with my fellow peers who have likeminded goals for the health and wellbeing of our communities.

Significance of the White Coat

What does the white coat mean to you?

This white coat signifies selfless dedication to the communities we all will soon be serving. I think of the impact I can have as a medical student, resident, fellow and physician. I see the white coat as the beginning of a chapter that will not only change my life but change the lives of others around me.