Trinity holds White Coat Ceremony for 65 students

Whenever a white coat is placed on the shoulders of a medical student, it acts as a rite of passage into the field of medicine. At that juncture, each student is reminded of the commitment made to become and stay proficient in the science and skill of medicine, and to the human obligations of being a doctor.{{more}}

On Saturday, September 3, some 65 medical students of Trinity School of Medicine received their white coats at a ceremony held at Faith Temple church at New Montrose. Dr Frances Jack-Edwards, associate dean, Admissions and Student Affairs, said the act of placing those white coats represented Trinity’s confidence in its students’ ability to carry on the noble tradition of medicine. Seven out of the 69 total students were Vincentians: Shanka Edwards, Angelique Fitzpatrick, Kavir Gaymes, Amog Jayarangaiah, Gabrielle Robertson and Kimberly Smith; with Kelsey Dowers in pre-med.

Presiding over the ceremony was dean Linda Adkinson, who welcomed all, including Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne; president of Trinity, Steven Wilson; Monty Maule of the Trinity Board of Trustees; Minister of Education St Clair Prince; and Minister of Health and the Environment Luke Browne.

President Steven Wilson, welcomed all, making mention that the Governor General had not missed a single White Coat Ceremony since Trinity began over eight years ago. He declared, “Students, we are very proud to have you. The reason you’re here is because you didn’t take no for an answer. The door was shut and we opened it for you and we’re very proud that you chose Trinity. We know that we can provide you with the education that you need, as we’ve had students with lower MCAT’s, who went on to score high on their Step One.” Faculty, parents, friends and other well-wishers also gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, Minister of Education St Clair Prince called the event a significant one in the life of the institution and the white coat recipients. “We have put a premium on education,” he stated. “In the last 15 years, we have intensified our quest for education, and today we are in the process of a noble education revolution. That is why we feel so proud that this week Trinity School of Medicine is honouring us by having a White Coat Ceremony here.” He formally welcomed the new students, “We are delighted that you are beginning to realize your dreams as medical students in St Vincent and the Grenadines. We hope that your stay will be both fruitful and rewarding and that it would add positive experiences to your journey through life.”

A prominent feature of the exercise was a video presentation of recent graduates of Trinity, who welcomed the new students and explained their emotions at that very point in their journey. They shed some light on the misgivings they first experienced and how quickly these were allayed, touching on issues such as their first impressions of the island, the school, and their roommates. They explored work and play, outlining ways in which Trinity makes a difference in the lives of its students and gave some advice for maximizing this advantage.

Speaking on behalf of the Vincentian contingent, Shanka Edwards affirmed, “I know it’s going to be very hard, and though we come from different countries, the workload is the same. I’m going to make use of the time I have.” Gabrielle Robertson added, “I’m just ready to jump right into it and get to the point where I’ve wanted to reach from ever since I joined pre-med.” Term One began on Monday, September 5.