White Coat Profile: Olivia Holman

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 2029 will receive their white coats on July 18 during a ceremony that begins at 3:30 p.m. in Phoenix Symphony Hall.

Meet Olivia Holman

With her roots in Raleigh, North Carolina, Olivia Holman attended Arizona State University (ASU) in pursuit of her higher education and earned a bachelor of science in biochemistry.

Holman will be participating in the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix’s MD/PhD program and is eager to combine research with clinical practice. She is interested in neurology and drug development for neurological diseases.

For Holman, her biggest supporters in her journey have been her boyfriend and her parents

Path toward Medicine

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

I have always had an interest in medicine and several experiences helped me prove to myself that I want to be a physician. Working at the ASU Health Services was a big one. This was my first time interacting with patients, and I loved being able to answer their questions and direct them to the right resources. 

Shadowing physicians was also pivotal because it helped me see the role I wanted to play in health care and all the possibilities available to me. Lastly, doing biochemistry research and seeing the human body and disease at the molecular level made me want to continue exploring those topics at the macro level.

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

I volunteered with the No More Deaths Club at ASU. We did humanitarian aid work and provided water and supplies at the US/Mexico border. This work helped me understand the struggles some people go through without health care and the need for physicians in diverse environments.

The College of Medicine – Phoenix

Why did you choose the College of Medicine – Phoenix?

After attending ASU, I had a strong desire to stay in the Phoenix area. I was super excited by the research opportunities at U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix, and I felt the faculty and administration were very supportive.

What excites you most about beginning medical school?

I am most excited to learn as much as I can and then be able to see how everything applies to real life situations.

Significance of the White Coat

What does the white coat mean to you?

To me, the white coat marks an accomplishment in my journey to becoming a physician. It is a commitment to serving my community and it puts me in a position to learn as much as I can to help those around me.