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By Alyce Collins
Senior Reporter
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A 97-year-old doctor who devoted decades of his life to helping patients was thrilled to attend his great granddaughter’s white coat ceremony, and after all these years, it was the perfect opportunity for him to dress the part.
Celebrating a graduation is a monumental day for any family, and for Dr. Westel Creager, 97, there was an even greater sentimental value. Following years of treating patients in his own career, Creager, of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was delighted to be at his great granddaughter Haiden Hauret’s white coat ceremony as she begins her very own medical career.
The special day was documented by Kristi Johnson, Creager’s granddaughter and Hauret’s aunt. Johnson, 51, told Newsweek that her grandfather had “the best weekend” celebrating the white coat ceremony, and it was something he “wouldn’t have missed for anything.”
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“She’s one of grandpa’s many great grandchildren, but the first to go to his medical school,” Johnson said.
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Indeed, Creager decided to don his own white coat for the ceremony to mark the occasion. He graduated in 1970 (at the age of 41), so it was unforgettable to see his great granddaughter get her white coat in 2026 from the same institution.
“He’s told Haiden that if she got into medical school, he’d be there. He felt so respected and important for the first time in a while. His mind is so sharp, yet people treat him like a child most of the time because of his age. But no one treated him like that at the ceremony; he felt honored and respected,” Johnson said.
Creager certainly does not let age hold him back, as he has already set his sights on attending Hauret’s hooding ceremony to mark her doctoral graduation.
Having started his career as a carpenter, Creager decided to attend college in his thirties. After proving his accomplishments, he then got accepted by the University of Kentucky Medical School. Being the oldest in his class was never a deterrent and he went on to enjoy an incredibly fulfilling career. In fact, Creager worked in an emergency room well into his seventies.
“He loved his career and always gave back to low economic areas that were underserved medically,” Johnson said. “He got his pilot’s license and flew his plane with the Good Samaritans into Mexico and treated patients. He also opened an AIDS hospital in his later years.”
All these years later, Johnson tells Newsweek that Creager is still “a go-getter” and highly quick witted. He has barely slowed down and still enjoys driving his car, maintaining his hobbies and fixing up his boat.
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Johnson captured footage of her great grandfather reuniting with his white coat to attend the recent ceremony and shared it on social media (@kristidjohnsonfam on Instagram and @kristidjohnson on TikTok). The moving footage has warmed millions of hearts, endearing Creager to people around the world.
Alongside the clip, Johnson said that his “dreams are coming true” to watch his great granddaughter achieve the same feat as him. The family hopes this will remind others that you are never too old to achieve your dreams and there really is no time limit for success.
Johnson said: “Grandpa was tired of being poor and wanted to become a well-respected doctor, so he did it. He says it’s the key to staying young and sharp. You are never too old, so keep pushing yourself, keep taking the stairs, adding new hobbies and changing your path if needed.”
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Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Charlotte Nisbet and Emma Lee-Sang
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