White Coat Ceremony

First semester students entering the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine received their white coats from school officials during the recent Orientation activities.  During this traditional “White Coat” ceremony, new students learned that their first coat symbolizes the commitment that their professors will be their guides and leaders, that they will provide the knowledge and required abilities to be successful physicians and the responsibility that they – the students – undertake.

Students from the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada participated in the ceremony, which took place in the auditorium of the Basic Science (ICB) campus.  Spouses, friends and other family members partook in the emotional event.  They, too, were witnesses to the commitment made by the students during the taking of the Hippocratic Oath.

Dr. Francisco Martínez Sandoval, Associate Dean of the International Program of the School of Medicine, mentioned that the use of the “white coat” began in the 19th century when a group of doctors broke with tradition and embraced the new world of science.   By wearing these “white coats”, the medical professionals were able to convince their patients of the transformation.  In this manner, the “white coat” became an icon of the profession that also symbolizes authority.

“This ceremony signifies your entrance into the medical community and your acceptance of a new moral and professional responsibility. It also emphasizes the importance of the care of your patients which should be done with quality, warmth and compassion,” Dr. Martinez Sandoval said.

Dr. Ricardo León Bórquez, Dean of the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine, administered the Hippocratic Oath to the new medical students ensuring that their new attitude began from the very first day.

The Hippocratic Oath underscores the altruism, commitment, excellence, responsibility, humility, passion, service, honor, integrity and respect with which a physician should treat the patient.

This Hippocratic Oath is named for Hippocrates, the most renowned Greek physician called the Father of Medicine.  This Oath has maintained its validity even though it was first administered over two thousand years ago.

In addition to the above-mentioned deans who were present, the following also participated in the “white coat” ceremony: Dr. Guillermo Villalobos Ocampo – Associate Dean of the Clinical Area, Adriana Rojo – Director of International Student Affairs in Guadalajara and Josette Centurión de Vinent – Director of the UAG office in Puerto Rico.  UAG Graduates present were Dr. John Brown, Dr. Brenda Liz Lobriel Rivera and Dr. Robert Del Junco.