Media Release

Ajman, Oct 1: Gulf Medical University ceremoniously conducted the white coat ceremony at the University campus in Ajman on Thursday September 27.

The ceremony was honored by the presence of the chief guest professor Ed Peile, Professor Emeritus (Medical Education) University of Warwick, editor in chief, education for primary care, UK, along with guest of honor HE Sheikh Dr Majid Bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, chairman – Ruler’s Court, Ajman.

Professor Gita Ashok Raj, provost of the Gulf Medical University delivered the welcome address to the visiting dignitaries, the founder president, parents, medical students, faculty and staff of the University.

While delivering his inspirational speech to the 15th batch of new students, Professor Ed Peile emphasized on the importance of the white coat ceremony and congratulated the new batch of students for celebrating the important event in a solemn manner.  Besides highlighting about the portals of collegiality he also recommended the students to follow diversity of thoughts, value and communication skills.  He also emphasized that evidence based practice is more applicable to population, but value based practice has to be followed by an individual especially in times of ethical dilemma.  He added that when policy decision becomes difficult then it is important for the individual to know and understand what the patient wants.  He strongly advocated the students to adhere to the patient centered practice to overcome ethical dilemma.

After touring the campus, the facilities and interacting with the faculty professor Ed Peile added, “Gulf Medical University is surely progressing on the path of excellence”.

The founder president of Gulf Medical University, Thumbay Moideen and the faculty members of the University welcomed a total of 146 students newly admitted to the MBBS, BPT, DMD and PharmD  programs and conferred the “white coats” as a symbol of their entry into their chosen professions.

Professor Gita Ashok Raj administered GMU honor code followed by the white coat conferral to the students.

The white coat ceremony, a highlight of the orientation process, signifies the student’s commitment to the healthcare profession and its responsibilities and obligations. New students cloaked in their first white coats, collectively recited the GMU honor code. They assumed the mantle of their profession in a meaningful ritual before an audience of mentors, family and friends. The ceremony was designed to impress upon the first-year students, the significance and symbolism of the white coat.

As a gesture of goodwill HE Sheikh Dr Majid Bin Saeed Al Nuaimi together with Thumbay Moideen and provost professor Gita Ashok Raj presented a special memento to profesor Ed Peile.