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HIMS Inaugurates White Coat Ceremony, Welcoming Future Doctors

Published on: October 6, 2025

White Coat Ceremony Marks New Beginnings for MBBS Students at HIMS

The Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), Swami Rama Himalayan University, hosted its White Coat Ceremony on October 6, 2025, formally marking the beginning of the journey for its newest MBBS students. The solemn occasion established a new tradition at the institute, underscoring the gravity and nobility of the medical profession.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Abha Shrivastava, Professor and Head of the Department of Physiology, followed by a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. The ceremony was graced by dignitaries including Dean-cum-Principal Prof. Dr. Renu Dhasmana, Director General, Academic Development Prof. Dr. Vijendra D. Chauhan, and other key academic leaders — Dr. Anuradha Kusum, Dr. D. C. Dhasmana, Dr. Vinit Mehrotra, Dr. Archana Prakash, Dr. S. S. Bist, Dr. Kiran Bhatt, and Dr. Barnali Kakati.

In her keynote address, Principal Dhasmana emphasized the immense responsibility symbolized by the white coat, describing it as a “representation of purity, professionalism, and empathy.” She urged the students to uphold ethical standards and to serve humanity with dedication and compassion. Prof. Dr. Vijendra D. Chauhan also addressed the gathering, offering guidance and encouragement as the students embarked on their challenging yet rewarding educational journey.

The central moment of the event saw senior faculty members assisting students in donning their white coats, followed by the solemn recitation of the Charak Shapath, administered by the Principal and Director General, Academic Development. This symbolic induction reaffirmed the students’ commitment to the ideals of the medical profession and to their growth as skilled and compassionate doctors.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anuradha Kusum, Vice-Principal, UG Medical Programme. The event not only marked a memorable milestone in the lives of the new medical students but also reinforced their pledge to uphold the values of service, empathy, and integrity — with the white coat now standing as a constant reminder of the noble path they have chosen.

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International Endowed Chair Professor

Prof Rakesh Kumar

Prof Rakesh Kumar is the Founder and President of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (USA), dedicated to vaddressing the distinct issues affecting young women with breast cancer. He also serves as the International Endowed Chair Professor at the Cancer Research Institute of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he holds adjunct professorships at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1984 and began his research career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in January 1986. From 1988 to 2017, he held various academic and leadership positions —including faculty member, tenured professor, distinguished professor, endowed chair, department chair, and research leader—at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Chair for Cancer Research for the Government of India and as a distinguished professor, continuing his innovative work in breast cancer research.

With nearly 40 years of research and professional experience, Dr. Kumar has made conceptual contributions to the field of cancer research (h-index 108, citations >50,000). He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications, edited or co-edited nine books, and delivered 290 invited lectures worldwide. His work has been featured on the covers of 18 major cancer journals and has been highlighted in institutional research reports of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Kumar has guided 67 trainees throughout his career. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple leading cancer journals and has served on the editorial boards of 21 top cancer journals. His global reputation is further demonstrated by his participation in about 100 peer-review panels for cancer research funding in the US and internationally over the past 28 years.

Dr. Kumar's innovative research has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Hinkle Society Faculty Award at Penn State University (1994), the Dalla/Fort Worth Living Legend Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Sciences (2004), the Ranbaxy Research Award (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2013), among others. Dr. Kumar's pioneering research continues to have a profound influence on the fields of oncology and breast cancer, opening up new opportunities for biomedical scientists and trainees worldwide.