White Coat Profile: Alireza Moussavi

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 2028 will receive their white coats on July 19 during a ceremony that begins at 3:30 p.m. in the West Ballroom of the Phoenix Convention Center downtown.

Meet Alireza Moussavi

A graduate of Arizona State University, where he majored in medical studies, Alireza Moussavi grew up in Fars, Iran, and moved to Arizona with his parents when he was 12 years old. Starting 7th grade in a new country was challenging for him, but it also opened many opportunities for him.

It was during his early years in Iran that his interest in medicine began. There, he witnessed the lack of physicians and the impact that shortage could have on the community. In his family’s small town near Shiraz, the absence of consistent medical care and hospitals made access to certain necessary care difficult for many humble families, including his own.

Although most of his family remains in Iran, Moussavi is incredibly grateful to have his parents here with him in Arizona. They are his biggest supporters, and he recognizes the sacrifices they have made to invest in his future and passion. He also feels blessed to have great friends, who inspire him as he begins his medical journey.

Path toward Medicine

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

The nature of medicine, embedded in both science and humanity, has always fascinated me. My interest in the scientific aspects of medicine blossomed during high school when I joined the biomedical program, a division within the four STEM tracks. This program spanned four years and provided me with the opportunity to learn anatomy and interact with physicians from various fields.

Equally compelling to me has always been the human side of medicine. Throughout my upbringing and later during my high school and undergraduate years, various experiences deepened my passion for this field. I learned that as a physician, understanding a patient's story is just as crucial as the science behind their diagnosis. This holistic approach to medicine, where both the scientific and human elements are valued, solidified my desire to become a physician.

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

Before beginning medical school, during my junior year of college, I began volunteering at Wesley Community and Health Center. As Phoenix became a primary destination for refugees from Afghanistan, my passion led me to the Refugee Program there, and I had the honor to serve as an interpreter and clinical navigator. This role made me acutely aware of the barriers marginalized populations face and the significant impact social determinants of health have on vulnerable communities.

I was responsible for educating and guiding resilient Afghan refugees through the complex health care system. My primary goal was to help establish a medical home for these families, many of whom needed access to preventative and chronic care. Being part of such a meaningful cause was incredibly rewarding and further fueled my passion for medicine.

I am deeply grateful to have been part of the dedicated team at Wesley. The support from the providers, faculty, staff and volunteers has been amazing

This experience provided a valuable opportunity to engage with a resilient community and learn essential skills that will empower me on my path toward becoming a physician.

The College of Medicine – Phoenix

Why did you choose the College of Medicine – Phoenix?

One of my first interactions with the College of Medicine – Phoenix was through my volunteering experience at Wesley Clinic. There, I had the opportunity to meet exceptional physician teachers and get to know the medical students. My first impression of the University of Arizona was very positive, as I observed the medical students and physician instructors. The students were not only happy, but also well-supported and well-prepared for their patient interactions. The instructors demonstrated remarkable patience and encouragement, fostering a supportive learning environment.

I chose the College of Medicine – Phoenix because it allows me to remain close to my family and support system in Arizona. More importantly, it enables me to receive my medical education and serve a community I am deeply committed to. After graduating from Arizona State University, I was fortunate to complete my master’s degree at the College of Medicine – Phoenix, thanks to the Pathway Scholars Program. This program allowed me to interact with the dedicated staff and faculty at UA, who have been instrumental in my educational journey thus far.

What excites you most about beginning medical school?

What excites me most about beginning medical school is the unique journey ahead, where I will have the unparalleled opportunity to dedicate four years to learning about my passion for medicine. I am eager to immerse myself in the comprehensive education that the College of Medicine – Phoenix offers, and to grow both personally and professionally.

I am particularly enthusiastic about collaborating with an incredible team of peers, faculty, staff and instructors. The prospect of learning alongside such dedicated individuals in an environment that fosters growth, support and excellence is truly inspiring. This journey represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fully devote myself to understanding the complexities of medicine and to develop the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the lives of my future patients. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and look forward to the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.

Significance of the White Coat

What does the white coat mean to you?

Putting on the white coat signifies embracing a profound responsibility and commitment to one of the noblest duties in life. To me, it embodies the honor and respect that come with caring for others and the dedication to uphold the highest standards of medical practice. It is a symbol of my journey — from volunteering and learning to serving my community with compassion and excellence. Wearing the white coat marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of my patients, and I am both humbled and honored to take on this role.