'White Coat Ceremony’ was held for the 2024 batch of MBBS students at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS)
The Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) celebrated a momentous occasion on 24th October 2024, as its newest batch of MBBS students donned the apron for the first time during the White Coat Ceremony. This tradition marks the inception of their journey into the field of medical studies and was organized in the institute for the very first time.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome note by Dr. Abha Shrivastava, Professor and Head, Department of Physiology and Coordinator, Foundation Course followed by a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony performed by dignitaries. The occasion was graced by Prof. Dr. Ashok Kumar Deorari, Principal, HIMS, Prof. Dr. DC Dhasmana, Professor, Pharmacology and Link-principal, HIMS, Prof. Dr. Renu Dhasmana, Vice-Principal (administration) and Head, Ophthalmology, Prof. Dr. Vinit Mehrotra, Director, Student Affairs and Professor, Biochemistry, Prof. Dr. Archana Prakash, Controller of Examinations and Professor, Biochemistry, Prof. Dr. Reshma Kaushik, Vice-Principal (PG), Dr. Anuradha Kusum, Vice-Principal (UG) and heads and faculty members of various departments. Dr. Abha Shrivastava expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the gathering, setting a tone of reverence and anticipation for the proceedings ahead.
Following this, Professor (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Deorari, Principal, Himalayan Institute of Medical sciences, in his inspiring address, emphasized the significance of the white coat, highlighting the responsibilities that come with this important symbol. He urged the students to uphold the highest ethical standards and to serve humanity with compassion and dedication, sharing small anecdotes of his own journey going back several decades. He reminded the students that the apron is a representation of purity, professionalism, and empathy, and it signifies the students' commitment to the medical profession and the trust placed in them by patients and the community.
This ceremony not only celebrates a milestone in their educational journey but also symbolizes the passing of a baton of goodwill from the faculty to the students, nurturing the seeds of their future practice and formally inducting the next generation of doctors into medical training. As faculty members assisted the students in donning their white coats, it was a powerful moment, akin to planting the seeds of compassion and dedication that will grow throughout their medical careers.
Following this, Dr. Ramkumar S, conducted a demonstration of the event and called out the names of the students one by one. Each student was donned the white coat by a senior professor. The students then took the Charak Shapath, administered by the principal, pledging to uphold the principles of medical ethics and serve their patients with utmost care.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Anuradha Kusum, Vice-Principal, UG Medical Programme. She expressed her appreciation for the faculty, staff, and guests in attendance, wishing the students success in their future endeavours.
The White Coat Ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of the newly admitted MBBS students, reinforcing their commitment to the medical profession. As they embark on this journey to become skilled and compassionate doctors, the white coat will serve as a constant reminder of the noble path they have chosen, nurtured by the guidance of their mentors.
