Bulletin No. 2, 2014

Donning White Coats to Pledge Medical Professionalism  27  T he Faculty of Medicine and the School of Chinese Medicine hosted their first White Coat Ceremonies in 2014–15 for about 300 medical and Chinese medicine freshmen. The students took the oath to uphold the highest professionalism, accountability, responsibility and integrity. The inaugural White Coat Ceremony for medical students was held on 6 September (top left). Over 200 newly admitted medical students, under the witness of their parents, friends and teachers, were conferred white coats which represent their entrance into the medical profession. Prof. Joseph J.Y. Sung , Vice-Chancellor of CUHK and Mok Hing Yiu Professor of Medicine, said the ceremony signified a turning point in the students’ life, ‘When you put on your white coat for the first time, you become a different person. You are no longer simply a student. You are a future doctor, joining the ranks of a noble profession that will shape your perspective, your principles and your sense of value for the rest of your days.’ Led by Prof. Francis Chan (centre, left), Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, the students took the oath and committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct to care for patients and to contribute to society. Professor Chan hoped the students would bear in mind the words—’practice with integrity, honesty, respect and compassion’ as these are the essential qualities of a medical practitioner. During the ceremony for the Chinese medicine freshmen on 24 September (top right), the officiating guests presented white coats and wrist-cushions to the 61 freshmen, and the students pledged to confirm their untiring pursuit of knowledge, observance of the code of ethics and professional conduct, and commitment to the community. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ko Wing-man (6th right), Secretary for Food and Health, HKSAR Government, said that medical students are different from other university students as they are required not only to develop independent and critical thinking, but also to shoulder the important responsibilities of a doctor. He encouraged students to always act in the best interest of their patients, and to uphold the highest professionalism, accountability, responsibility and integrity. Prof. Leung Wing-nang Albert (2nd right), Director of the School of Chinese Medicine, encouraged students to persistently maintain professional attitudes and behaviours. By accepting the white coat, a symbol of the medical profession‘s importance to the community, students make a solemn pledge to accept the responsibilities of being medical students.