Welcome to NUS Medicine, Class of 2020
Published: 08 Aug 2015
The annual White Coat Ceremony at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine marks the commencement of medical undergraduate studies. Students are presented the white coats as symbols of their commitment to a course of studies that aims to prepare them for a noble vocation – one of service to the health and wellbeing of their fellow men. This rite of passage was introduced in 2007 and has since gained recognition from clinicians nationwide as the induction ceremony for medical freshmen.
This year’s event on 24 August was a significant milestone for the School, which celebrates its 110th anniversary as well as for the 300 freshmen students of the Class of 2020 gathered at the NUS University Cultural Centre. There, they were officially welcomed to the School and presented with their white coats. Closed to 700 families and friends attended the event to witness and share this special moment.
Acapella and dance performances by senior students from Phase II and IV opened the ceremony, followed by greetings from the Dean, Associate Professor Yeoh Khay Guan and the Guest-of-Honour, Dr Benedict Tan. Associate Professor Yeoh emphasised the important attributes of a doctor during his opening address. “We hold high expectations of not only academic and clinical competence, but also appropriate attitudes and behaviours from our students. The privilege of being in a medical school comes with an expectation and demonstration of honesty and integrity, responsibility and participation, respect and sensitivity and compassion and empathy.” Dr Benedict Tan also shared with the students the importance of teamwork among healthcare professionals. “The healthcare team is complex and dynamic, so now is the time to practise working as a team, within your clinical group, during your clinical postings, during your community health projects and assignments.”
Later, the students proceeded on stage to receive their coats from teaching staff. The President of the 66th Executive Committee of the NUS Medical Society, Miss Nicole Lee then led the new medical students to recite the Medical Students’ Pledge. With that, the students committed themselves to a meaningful journey of lifelong learning, to uphold the standard of professionalism and to provide compassionate care to patients, with the latter’s best interests at heart.
The event ended on a high-note with the appearance of MedBear, offering plenty of photo opportunities for the students and guests on this memorable day. Congratulations to all our medical freshmen and a warm welcome to the NUS Medicine family!
