MBBS White Coat Ceremony

UTAR M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) recently held their White Coat Ceremony for UTAR Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Programme (MBBS) students on 9 November 2022 at UTAR Multipurpose Hall. The purpose of the ceremony was to celebrate the students’ official transition to the professional medical world.

The ceremony was attended by FMHS Dean Academician Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Consultant Cardiologist Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ridzwan, and around 250 staff and students. The White Coat Ceremony officially began with a speech from Prof Cheong, who congratulated the students, saying, “This rite of passage not only symbolises your passage into the medical world, but it also means that you have successfully graduated from this gruelling programme. These white coats are a token of responsibility as you are now responsible to give back to society by becoming competent doctors. All of you should continue to work hard and thrive to become excellent doctors.”

Prof Cheong giving his speech

Dr Ridzwan was next to give his speech. He said, “This ceremony signifies your entrance into the world of clinical medicine. Medicine is a lifelong journey, and there will be many options laid for you in the industry after graduation. For example, you could venture into academia by teaching at a university, or you could do medicinal research. You also have the option to try the administrative field or become a government service doctor by working in public hospitals. Other options include becoming a private practice doctor or simply going into another profession.”

Dr Ridzwan delivering his speech

The ceremony continued with the presentation of souvenirs to Dr Ridzwan and the distribution of white coats to the students. After group photo sessions with the students, a speech was given by MBBS Student Representative, Year 4 Medical student Chong Tze Ping. “This white coat ceremony is a very special one, as it is held for Year 2, 3 and 4 students. Although for some of us, it may not be the first time wearing these coats, this ceremony still means a lot to us as it is a symbolic process that reminds us of our passion of being medical students, taking the first step into the medicine world and becoming part of a bigger family,” said Chong.

Dr Ridzwan (left) receiving the souvenir from Prof Cheong (right)

Group photo of the students with the lecturers

Students receiving their coats

Chong speaking on behalf of the students

The ceremony also witnessed the recital of the Oath of Commitment by students, which was led by Chong. The oath served as a pledge of acceptance to all the duties and responsibilities associated with their profession. The ceremony then ended with a few light-hearted videos made by the MBBS students.

Chong leading the recitation of the Oath of Commitment

The MBBS students reciting the oath