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Back to School 2010 – Micki Gonzalez knows white coats









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Micki Gonzalez
For the past 26 years, Micki Gonzalez has ordered the white coats that are given to students at ceremonies such as those that took place statewide this week at UNMC campuses.

The UNMC Bookstore employee also orders and supplies coats used by medical center residents and physicians.












Coats by college



More than 500 white coats were distributed at ceremonies around the state last week. Here’s an approximate breakdown of how they were distributed by college:

  • College of Nursing — 400
  • College of Medicine — 135
  • College of Pharmacy — 60

The School of Allied Health Professions will distribute about 80 white coats to physical therapy and physician assistant ceremonies later in the school year.

All student white coats are paid for by UNMC Alumni Relations thanks to donations from medical center alumni who sponsor the coats.




As UNMC newest students break in their new jackets, Gonzalez talks a little shop with UNMC Today.

How many white coats do you have on hand at the bookstore?

We have about 5,000 coats. The short student coats as well as the longer versions for health care workers.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

Coat sizes. I start ordering in April and often don’t have a complete list of all incoming student coat sizes. Based on past experience, I gauge how many coats I’ll need in particular sizes but I never know what size we’ll have a run on. Once I start to get student size information — I may have to place several more orders.

How would I know what size I am?












Hearing from the northsiders



Read UNMC Today on Wednesday to hear from students who will study in the new UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division.




Your size for the long coats is generally the same as your pant size. As for student coats, it’s your shirt size.

Anything else you’d like to tell the campus?

Yes, when you try on white coats at the bookstore, use the display coats on the hangers. Please don’t open the coats that are wrapped in plastic. Those are for sale only.

2 comments

  1. Anji Wittman says:

    Thank you Micki for keeping our students and physicians looking great!

  2. Sheryl Houston says:

    I am so proud of the white coat I received last Friday as an incoming nursing student at the new Northern Division campus in Norfolk. Thanks for your help, as well as the alumni and staff, in making this a very special transition – both for me, and for the new level of patient care that will soon be available in northeast Nebraska!

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