TWENTY-FOUR students were formally enrolled with the Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine at its glittering White Coat Ceremony, held in the school’s auditorium on Friday, January 17th, 2020.
A striking feature of the auspicious occasion was the students’ donning of their white coats and their recitation of the Hippocratic Oath which spelt out what is expected of them as physicians in training.
It reads in part: “I swear in the presence of my professors, my family and my peers that according to my ability and judgement I will abide by this Oath.
I will follow that method of treatment which according to my ability and judgement, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is harmful.”
In his keynote address, Daniel Cherry, a Spartan alumnus, urged the students to take their work seriously and to stay focused.
He told the students that he sensed their desire for success and to be good physicians.
“Before me, I see students who are hungry to become medical practitioners. I could see it in your eyes,” Dr Cherry said.
He implored them to make good use of the opportunity to fulfil their dreams.
Dr Cherry told the enthusiastic students that they will face challenges during their journey into the medical profession, but they should not be daunted by it.
“It is only through hard work and determination you will be able to succeed,” Dr Cherry, an expert in hematology said.
He described Spartan as a “very good school”, which provides its students with quality education.
“The school is constantly improving and has produced great physicians,” Dr Cherry said.
Kimberly Moonsammy, one of the new students of the school, in her remarks said she is pleased to be a student of Spartan and promised to do her best to make the school proud.
According to her, they are all prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead. She urged her fellow students to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
Moonsammy described the occasion as an auspicious one and the most difficult but rewarding time of their lives.
The ceremony also saw several students receiving awards for their excellent performances in their exams.
To me this looks more like the awakening from a long and pleasant dream, the ones
I wished should never end. I am very proud to see the advancement especially in the
medical field – though we are only viewing students – but to me an old timer, it makes
me very proud and hopeful for the citizens of tomorrow. This is a giant leap in progress.