AUS School of Medicine holds 10th White Coat Ceremony

Twenty-eight students from the American University of St Vincent School of Medicine (AUS) were garbed in their white coats last Friday, May 13, by several doctors, including a Vincentian icon in the field of health care and a legendary surgeon, Dr Arthur Cecil Cyrus.

Cyrus, a retired consultant surgeon, is the owner of the Dr Cecil Cyrus Museum and author of several books, including a text – ‘A Clinical and Pathological Atlas: The Records of a Surgeon in St Vincent, The West Indies’ that received great reviews in 10 journals.{{more}}

In his keynote address, Dr Cyrus captivated the audience with his account of what he described as “near miracles”. He stressed the need for persons in the medical field to demonstrate compassion for their patients and to refrain from viewing medicine as an avenue for riches. Contrarily, he urged the students to strive to become doctors who can complement the “healing force of nature,” so as to achieve favourable outcomes for their patients. The need to study hard was strongly emphasized. However, Dr Cyrus stressed that this hard work must be supported by “method, discipline and dedication”.

These young medical students were further motivated by fellow student Ezeji Kizito Chigbu, president of the AUS Student Government Association. Kizito encouraged the students to be sincere and to demonstrate both commitment and humility, as these qualities are associated with a successful medical career. He also appealed to the white coat recipients to work hard and to balance their work appropriately.

The ceremony, which was held at the NIS building, was moderated by Dr Shakel Henson, an assistant professor at AUS and witnessed by the management, faculty and dean of AUS; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment Luis de Shong; parents, friends and seasoned students of AUS.

This memorable event marked the initial steps of a journey that leads to a noble career. The students beamed with excitement and enthusiasm as they were welcomed into the field of medicine. The occasion, which often symbolizes a significant milestone in the lives of medical students, entailed the cloaking of individuals in their white coats.

Dean of AUS Dr Dommalur Jayarangaiah encouraged the prospective physicians to be disciplined and studious so that their goals may be realized. Dr Bary Aussi, an adjunct professor at AUS, gave the closing remarks.

Dr Jayarangaiah, and the Campus Operations manager, Syam SL, were pleased with the evening’s event and vowed that AUS’ White Coat Ceremonies in the future are likely to witness even more students entering its medical programme. All new students have already commenced this summer 2016 semester and represent countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Trinidad and Tobago, Cameroon and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

First established in 2012, the American University of St Vincent School of Medicine is a medical school, located in New Montrose, St Vincent and the Grenadines, which is locally registered by the National Accreditation Board of St Vincent and the Grenadines. (Contributed by Shakel Henson, assistant professor at the American University of St Vincent School of Medicine)