Forty seven students enrolled with the International American University College of Medicine (IAUCOM) in January 2015 for the MD (Doctor of Medicine) and Pre-med programs. The thirty two MD students began their journey into the medical profession formally at its 28th White Coat Ceremony, held at the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) in Vieux-Fort on Friday, January 9, 2015.

A striking feature of the glittering ceremony was the donning of the white coat by the students who were showered with words of inspiration by the various speakers, which included professors of the school and the Medical Director of St. Jude hospital, Dr. Carlene Radix.

Draped in their white coats and stethoscope, the students recited the Hippocratic Oath which spelt out what is expected of them as physicians in training. In her inspiring remarks, Dr. Radix stressed on the importance for medical students and doctors not to procrastinate when it comes to their work or studies, quoting from a book written by world renowned doctor, Dr. Seuss, which emphasized that what is needed to be done today, be done “superbly well” today.

In his address to the students, Director for Recruitment at IAU, Dr. Daniyal Saud, said : “Becoming a physician is no different from developing your human, social, ethnic and religious identity. The next four years of your life you will be developed so you will identify yourself foremost as a physician, symbolized by this esteemed white coat.

Remarks were also made by students of the school who expressed delight in being part of the IAU family and vowed to do their best to make the school and their family proud. At the ceremony students were also awarded for their excellent performances in their exams, and facility staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the semester.