When does a doctor become a doctor? We queried doctors from a wide range of specialties, age groups, and geographical locations and asked them to describe what marks the transition: What event or events must transpire in order to turn a “civilian” into a professional? Initially, they recited moments that signified “offcial” recognition, such as: “When I received the white coat” or “At my graduation” or “When I received my license.” However, the real significance of such external signposts is captured in one doctor's story of the day he realized “the power of the white coat:”

I started the “Physical Diagnosis” class at my medical school just as I had completed most of my basic sciences courses. The class was taught by the chief of medicine, one of the best clinicians I've ever known. The first day set the format for the course.