Physiotherapy White Coat Ceremony

It was a joyous occasion for UTAR Bachelor of Physiotherapy students when they received their white coats during the White Coat Ceremony held on 24 February 2023 by UTAR M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) at UTAR Multipurpose Hall. The purpose of the ceremony was to celebrate the students’ official transition to the professional medical world.

Attending the ceremony were UTAR MK FMHS Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Dr Leong Pooi Pooi, Hospital Ampang Head of Physiotherapy Department Haishini Mageswaran, MK FMHS Head of Department of Physiotherapy Muhammad Noh Zulfikri Mohd Jamali, Head of Clinical Physiotherapy Programme Premala Krishnan, and a total of 58 Physiotherapy students who received their white coats.

The ceremony began with a speech from Dr Leong, who congratulated the recipients and said, “Congratulations on receiving your white coats, and this officially marks your journey of becoming a physiotherapist. When you step into the medical world, always remember to value the patients’ lives. Not only that, you have to recognise and acknowledge your limitations and consult with colleagues or superiors to gain knowledge for personal and professional development. Finally, with the Fourth Industrial Revolution well on its way, you should learn to embrace technology as it can greatly benefit you in physiotherapy practice by providing a good medical experience to the patients.”

The speech was then followed by the official inauguration of the White Coat ceremony, which was conducted by Dr Leong, Haishini, Muhammad Noh, Premala and MK FMHS lecturer Nadia Safirah binti Rusli.

Dr Leong congratulating the students

Dr Leong receiving a souvenir from Premala

The ceremony’s official inauguration

From left: Dr Leong, Haishini, Premala, Nadia and Muhammad Noh

Haishini advised, “Physiotherapy provides a holistic experience as it helps to restore patients’ quality of life, relieve their pain and prevent them from having further injuries. Thus, to become a good physiotherapist, one needs to be good at assessing their patients in order to identify the appropriate treatment needed for them. Moreover, being observant is also vital, as you will need observational skills to pinpoint the patient’s disabilities, injuries, etc. Good communication skills are essential as well since you would need to converse with patients to find out their condition and illness, and to put them at ease.”

Haishini dispensing her advice to the students

Muhammad Noh (right) exchanging souvenirs with Haishini

The ceremony then reached its peak with the presentation of the white coats to the Physiotherapy students, followed by the recital of the Oath of Commitment, led by the Class Representative, Alvin Yang Tien Jin.

Students receiving their white coats

Alvin Yang leading the oath recital

Students reciting the oath

After mesmerizing singing and dancing performances by the students, Premala and Muhammad Noh gave short speeches to motivate and encourage the students as they step into the medical world. The ceremony concluded with a short group photography session.

The students’ captivating performances

Muhammad Noh (left) and Premala imparting their words of wisdom

Front row, from left: Premala, Dr Leong, Haishini, Muhammad Noh and Nadia with MK FMHS staff and Physiotherapy students