FMHS White Coat Ceremony

Fifty-three physiotherapy students from year one and two received their white coats during the White Coat Ceremony (WCC) on 26 June at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The ceremony marks the students’ transition from the classroom to clinical practice.

“This ceremony marks a new beginning on the journey towards a healthcare career. This WCC originated in University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine in 1989, but the first full-fledged ceremony was at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons,” said Faculty of Medicine and Health Science (FMHS) Dean, Emeritus Prof. Dr. Cheong Soon Keng. Prof Cheong also urged the students to serve the public with upmost respect and dignity.

“The clinical environment is completely different from the classroom. It’s a great opportunity for self-learning. What you learnt in the classroom is not always ideally applicable at work so you will have to make adjustments and it is really normal to expect situations like these. Seek help from your supervisors when in need. Most importantly, let the patient be your teacher,” said Faculty of Medicine and Health Science external examiner Dr Celia Tan Ia Choo.

“I’m really inspired by Dr Celia. It affirms my decision to study physiotherapy. I’m very motivated and driven with passion to serve others in my clinical training”, said Lee Kar Weng.

“This is a milestone for me and my fellow classmates. It’s a great stepping stone for my career in physiotherapy. I’m very excited to start my clinical training and serve the public,’said student representative Rakesh Kumar.

The ceremony concluded with students taking an oath led by Kumar. The students will undergo their clinical practice in hospitals around Klang Valley, Perak, and Johor.

Prof Cheong urging the students to serve with upmost respect

Kumar leading the oath

Dr Celia sharing her experience in clinical practice

Rakesh (center; left) and Ian Lim Wen Wei (center; right) in their white coats along with Dr. Cheong (far left) and Dr. Celia (far right)