NTHU's Inaugural White Coat Ceremony
2024.03.30
The first class of medical students at NTHU donned their white coats.
The White Coat Ceremony marks a milestone for 21 medical students in the first class of the Post-baccalaureate Program in Medicine (PPM) as they transition to the clinical phase. Faculty and clinical instructors adorned the students with white coats and stethoscopes on March 30th, encouraging them to embody responsibility and professionalism on their journey to become compassionate healers. Surrounded by family and friends, the students took their oaths, reaffirming their commitment to becoming doctors.
The first cohort of the PPM enrolled in 2022. Unlike typical six-year medical programs, students in this program already hold bachelor's degrees and have passed entrance exams in subjects such as biology and chemistry.
After introductory training in medicine, students swiftly delve into courses covering gross anatomy as well as integrated advanced studies in medicine, clinical medicine, and skills training within organ systems. They only need four years to complete their degrees. The students have finished their first two years of academic studies and are now ready to begin two years of hospital internships.
President W. John Kao (高為元) congratulated the students and emphasized the significance of the white coat. He said that the white coat is not just a piece of clothing but that it carries a great significance, similar to how athletes and firefighters wear specific attire for their roles, and how airline pilots' uniforms inspire confidence. Wearing the white coat from today onwards will help them feel responsible and earn the trust of patients.
Dean Ruey Ho Kao (高瑞和) of the College of Life Sciences and Medicine stressed that the ceremony is vital in the students' medical journey. It marks the shift into clinical training and signifies a change in identity. "Unlike Harry Potter's invisibility cloak, the white coat makes you stand out."
Dean Kao encouraged the medical students to see themselves as professional "quasi-doctors" today, ready to take on greater responsibilities. The white coat also symbolizes a change in "heart," from youthful to compassionate, selfless, and loving—the core of NTHU's motto, de (德), which means virtue.
Director Hung-Hsueh Chou (周宏學) of the PPM urged students to continue their quest for knowledge and skills following the ceremony. He recognized the internship phase as a crucial bridge between theory and practice, establishing the foundation for future patient diagnosis. He envisioned students gaining inspiration and expertise during rotations in various medical specialties.
Furthermore, Director Chou explained that the students will intern at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Linkou and Cathay General Hospital in Taipei for two years. These renowned teaching hospitals offer advanced medical care and structured physician training programs, ensuring a comprehensive clinical education.
All students are sponsored by the government and will serve in rural areas, making it vital to gain grassroots medical experience. NTHU has partnered with Taoyuan General Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare to offer students opportunities for rural medical internships. Students may also join medical service vehicles for a one-month rotation in rural medical services.
During the ceremony, student representative Jin-Rui Zeng (曾縉睿) gave a speech expressing that the white coat symbolizes the scientific, professional, pure, and upright aspects of medicine. "Maybe we discovered our path later than others, but as long as we remember why we started, I believe that with more experience, we can become skilled and caring doctors." He also rallied his classmates, encouraging them to work together to become the best versions of themselves.
Zeng shared that before joining the PPM, he worked as a therapist, helping patients recover their health. He has long dreamed of becoming a doctor, aiming to work on the front lines, caring for vulnerable patients, and contributing to society.
Ho-Chien Shen (沈和謙), the first president of the PPM student association, emphasized that today's ceremony holds even greater significance than the graduation ceremony. It signifies a pivotal moment in their professional journey. The students even celebrated the occasion by taking photos together in their white coats.
As they prepare for hospital training, they now have the opportunity to apply their textbook knowledge to real-life scenarios and assist patients. Shen conveyed his determination to bravely confront all forthcoming challenges.
As each medical student donned their white coats, cheers and applause erupted from their families and friends, showering them with blessings and support as they boldly go forward to pursue their dreams.
The first class of medical students at NTHU donned their white coats.
Professor Yung-Jen Chuang (莊永仁) of the College of Life Sciences and Medicine hung a stethoscope around student Yi-Yu Yeh's (葉怡佑) neck.
Medical students, clad in their white coats, took the oath while holding onto their initial intentions of becoming doctors.
Medical students, clad in their white coats, took the oath while holding onto their initial intentions of becoming doctors.
As each NTHU medical student received their white coat, fellow students cheered and applauded loudly.
President W. John Kao (高為元) extends his best wishes to the first class of medical students.
Dean Ruey Ho Kao (高瑞和) of the College of Life Sciences and Medicine extends his best wishes to the first class of medical students.
Faculty, students' families, and friends attended the inaugural White Coat Ceremony for the first class of medical students at NTHU.
The faculty attended the inaugural White Coat Ceremony for the first class of medical students at NTHU.
Faculty members extend their blessings to the first class of medical students. From left: Vice President for Student Affairs Hong-Lin Chan (詹鴻霖), Vice President Chen-Fu Chien (簡禎富), President W. John Kao (高為元), Dean Ruey Ho Kao (高瑞和) of the College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Director Hung-Hsueh Chou (周宏學) of the Post-baccalaureate Program in Medicine, and Vice Dean Linyi Chen (陳令儀) of the College of Life Sciences and Medicine.
Family and friends witnessed as medical student Chi-Jia Shen (沈琦家) received her white coat.
The first class of medical students at NTHU donned their white coats.