White Coat Profiles – Matthew Torel

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 2030 will receive their white coats on July 17 during a ceremony that begins at 3:30 p.m. in the North Ballroom of the Phoenix Convention Center.

Meet Matthew Torel

Matthew Torel is from Gilbert, Arizona, and attended Arizona State University’s Barrett, The Honors College, where he earned degrees in biomedical sciences and business administration with a minor in Spanish language/culture. His interests in medicine currently include emergency medicine and internal medicine. 

As an EMT, he enjoys the challenges of caring for patients with a wide range of conditions and appreciates the need to understand how multiple organ systems interact to provide comprehensive care. His biggest supporters have been his family — especially his parents — as well as his friends, mentors, and teachers who have encouraged and guided him throughout his journey.

Path toward Medicine

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

My desire to become a physician began with my own experiences as a patient. I was born with a congenital kidney disorder and underwent three kidney surgeries during my childhood. Along with ongoing gastrointestinal complications, these experiences resulted in countless visits with physicians and health care teams. Through those encounters, I witnessed the profound impact that compassionate and attentive physicians can have on patients and their families. Those experiences inspired me to pursue medicine so that I can support others facing similar challenges, serving as both a knowledgeable advocate and a source of comfort during difficult times.

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

Yes. Prior to medical school, I was fortunate to volunteer in several health care settings. I served as an emergency department team lead at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. where I helped train and mentor new volunteers. I also volunteered at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix in the surgery waiting room, pre-op/PACU and NICU. In addition, I volunteered at a Phoenix clinic that provides care to underserved populations. 

These experiences allowed me to interact with patients from diverse backgrounds and strengthened my commitment to serving others through medicine.

The College of Medicine – Phoenix

Why did you choose the College of Medicine – Phoenix?

I chose the College of Medicine – Phoenix because much of my personal and professional growth can be traced back to the College’s pre-medical programs. Through Pre-Medical Academy and Summer Scrubs, I experienced firsthand the supportive and collaborative culture that defines the college. The faculty and advisors not only provided guidance but also emphasized the importance of seeking mentorship and building meaningful relationships throughout one’s career.

As a first-generation college student, the path to medicine often felt uncertain. While I always knew I wanted to become a physician and serve my community, I did not always know how to navigate the journey. The College of Medicine – Phoenix provided the resources, encouragement and sense of belonging that helped me grow into the person I am today. It is an honor to return to the institution that played such an important role in my development, and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Arizona, the state that I am proud to call home.

What excites you most about beginning medical school?

I am most excited about learning alongside a community of passionate, like-minded individuals who share a commitment to serving others. One of the things I love most about medicine is that there is always more to learn. Every patient encounter, mentor, and experience offers a new perspective and an opportunity for growth. I look forward to challenging myself academically while building lasting relationships with classmates, faculty and patients.

Significance of the White Coat

What does the white coat mean to you?

To me, the white coat symbolizes a commitment to compassion, service and lifelong learning. It represents a promise to listen to patients, treat them with empathy and respect, and advocate for them during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. It also serves as a reminder of the responsibility I have to work diligently throughout medical school and beyond, developing the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the highest quality care. More than anything, the white coat represents the trust that patients place in physicians and the privilege of serving others through medicine.