AUS’ 13th White Coat Ceremony

“Wear your white coats with pride. Keep them clean, as a clean white coat can make a difference in the health and care of your patient”.

The words uttered by dean of Student Affairs at the American University of St Vincent School of Medicine (AUS) Dr Shakel Henson were directed to the 10 white coat recipients at the recently conducted White Coat Ceremony of AUS.

The enthusiastic group of new medical students, who represented Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Trinidad and Tobago, plus St Vincent and the Grenadines, was also informed that the white coat is a symbol that serves to remind physicians and medical students of the need to execute their professional duties in the field of medicine with integrity and honour.

Dr Henson not only encouraged the students to enhance their knowledge and to continue learning, but she also warned them that the path to success is rugged and winding. The endpoint, she added, may be reached through hard work and dedication.

This 13th White Coat Ceremony of AUS was held on May 12, 2017 at the Grenadine House. The aspiring physicians were welcomed into the MD programme by the dean of Basic Sciences, Dr Dommalur Jayarangaiah, who urged the students to remain committed to the field of medicine and all that it entails.

Additionally, he highlighted some qualities of a great physician and urged the students to be disciplined, dedicated, diligent, empathetic and resilient. Dr Jayarangaiah emphasized the need for a positive work attitude, professionalism and sincerity and further stressed the importance of acquiring knowledge.

During the ceremony, the diverse group of medical students accepted the challenges and responsibilities of becoming health care professionals with a commitment to serving others.

It was a momentous occasion that was witnessed by faculty, staff and management of AUS, family and friends, as well as seasoned students of the institution. This event marked the initial steps of a journey that leads to a noble career for the regional and international students, who “beamed with excitement and enthusiasm”.

The closing remarks were delivered by Pathology lecturer, Dr Ramkumar Subramanyam, who reminded the students that the field of medicine requires them to demonstrate integrity. He reiterated the need to work hard to accomplish their goals, and to remain focused throughout their career.

Meanwhile, Doctors Jayarangaiah and Henson said they were pleased with the event and vowed that AUS’ White Coat ceremonies in the future would likely see even more students entering its medical programme.

Established in 2012, the American University of St Vincent School of Medicine is located at New Montrose, St Vincent and the Grenadines. It is a registered institution with the National Accreditation Board of St Vincent and the Grenadines and recognized by the World Health Organization.