Forty medical students draped in their white coats and stethoscopes, reciting the Hippocratic Oath, were formally enrolled at the International American University College of Medicine {IAUCOM) last Friday in its 21st White Coat ceremony which was held at Kimatrai Hotel in Vieux-Fort.

In his inspiring welcome remarks, Dean of Basic Sciences, Dr. Ezzeldin Nasser encouraged the students to work hard to ensure that they pass their exams, adding that the task ahead is challenging. “It is how much you put into it that will determine your success.” he said.

An IAU graduate and Clinical Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky, Dr. Manish Nair exhorted the students to respect the white coat. “The white coat comes with responsibility and power. If you value what the white coat represents you will become successful physicians. There is no doubt about that.” he told the students.

Darryl Montrope, Cabinet Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, in his keynote address told the students that there is lot healthcare professionals can do for the world to make it a better place to live in.“ As you take up the challenge of learning, remember the patients… Remember what is important to them and do it”. he said. He called upon the school to be a part of the community and acknowledged IAU for reaching out to the community over the last several years.

President of IAU, Manmadhan Nair said the school is proud to be rated as the best medical school in St. Lucia by the Elizabeth Grant Community of England. “This is a reputable start for us but we still have a long way to go,” Nair said. “Treat your patients with dignity and respect. When they are sick you have to bring back life to them, so you are next to God,” he mentioned in his address to the new batch of students.