62 new students representing 18 nationalities take Hippocratic Oath and start their journey towards career in medicine 

UAE, 17 September, 2019:  Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine & Health Sciences (MBRU) accepted its fourth cohort of students for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program celebrating them at the 4th MBRU White Coat Ceremony in the presence of Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Sciences.

In line with its mission to advance health in the UAE and the region through an innovative and integrated academic health system, MBRU welcomed 62 students representing 18 nationalities, taking the total number of MBBS undergraduates to more than 200.

This year’s MBRU White Coat Ceremony expanded its reach to welcome students from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malawi and Dominica; confirming its position in embracing students from across the world to become a global hub for innovative and integrated healthcare education and research at the service of humanity.
The White Coat Ceremony represented an important step for the students, as they took the Hippocratic Oath, the oath of ethics taken by medical professionals, and wore their medical white coats for the first time. 

The day was made extra special with the presence of Her Excellency, Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri the Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, who delivered a keynote address at the ceremony.

In her keynote speech, Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, asserted that medicine embodies a noble message that goes beyond the mere conventional concept of vocation or occupation. “Medicine is a comprehensive humane calling, based on providing care or service with dedication and compassion to those who are in need for healthcare. Students pursuing a career in medicine are well aware of their future role as doctors and the intrinsic ethical, national and humane responsibilities associated with this role in saving people’s lives and preserving their health,” Al Amiri Added.

Speaking about the unbreakable bonds between medicine and science, Her Excellency noted that medicine is largely and essentially dependent on advanced sciences and future technologies, which makes it imperative for doctors and medical students to pursue continuous learning and acquire high-end skills to further develop the medical sector in the UAE.

Her Excellency Minister of State for Advanced Sciences hailed the role of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences in nurturing specialized medical staff, capable of supporting and providing quality healthcare in the UAE and further consolidating the prestigious and leading position of the UAE in healthcare.

With the White Coat Ceremony marking the start of the students’ transition from high school and college students to future medical professionals, Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Dean of the College of Medicine, said: 

“Through a transformative learning experience, access to research opportunities and global connectivity our students are the embodiment of our mission to advance health in the UAE and the region, all while embracing respect, integrity and excellence: the qualities of a complete physician.”

Dr Laila Alsuwaidi, Assistant Dean of Student Happiness and Wellbeing at the College of Medicine, added: “It is a pleasure to welcome the fourth cohort of students into the MBRU family. The journey of students is a rewarding one and we are committed to ensuring their happiness and wellbeing throughout. In addition to interactive learning and clinical exposure, the students will have access to a range of facilities and activities to enhance their experience and personal development during their time at MBRU.” 

The 4th White Coat Ceremony also recognised key supporters of the medical students at MBRU: His Highness The Rulers Court Dubai; UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention; Dubai Health Authority; Al Jalila Foundation; Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital; Mediclinic Middle East; Queen’s University Belfast; Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai.