MBRU Hold its Second White Coat Ceremony
Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) held its second White Coat Ceremony to welcome the second cohort of medical students into its College of Medicine. The ceremony was held on September 19, at the University’s campus in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC).
The White Coat Ceremony is a tradition held for the second year at MBRU where first year medical students receive their white coats and recite the modern Hippocratic Oath to affirm their commitment to a professional career in medicine.
The second cohort of medical students at MBRU, Class of 2023, comprises of a diverse student body that come from 13 different countries; with UAE nationals making up 40% of the student population. In the presence of Professor James McElnay, Acting President and Vice Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, MBRU’s academic partner, and the university’s faculty, staff, and family members, the students took the modern Hippocratic Oath.
MBRU’s medical program is a six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery program, delivering a homegrown innovative curriculum, in a learner-centered environment, by a diverse and experienced faculty, and leveraging advanced facilities including fully-equipped multi-disciplinary labs (research and anatomy), a comprehensive medical library, and the UAE’s largest medical simulation center.
On the occasion, the Dean of the College of Medicine, Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali recited along with the students the modern Hippocratic Oath both in Arabic and English. He spoke about the importance of hard work, and commitment; and gave the students advice about their journey in medical school.
Professor Alsheikh-Ali stated, “There is no better occasion to begin the transition to professional life than the very first day of medical school. It is so important to start, as soon as possible, to think and act like a professional, and to affirm commitment to the profession of medicine from this very early stage of our students’ careers”.”
Dr. Laila AlSuwaidi, Assistant Professor of Molecular Hematology, and Assistant Dean of Student Happiness and Wellbeing at the College of Medicine, the first position of its kind in the country, spoke at the event saying “Through my role I aim to promote health and wellbeing, create new opportunities for growth and development, and identify innovative programs to ensure student engagement and happiness.”
Proudly, over the 1st year of operation, MBRU’s College of Medicine received support through various national and international entities who believed in the university’s vision, to develop healthcare leaders who are nationally responsive and globally connected.
At the ceremony, MBRU’s supporters were honored for providing the first cohort of medical students with scholarships, summer studentship opportunities locally and internationally, and clinical placements.
Representatives from the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Dubai Rulers Court, Ministry of Health & Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, Al Jalila Foundation, Beit Al Khair Society were recognized for their support of scholarships. Dubai Health Authority’s Primary Healthcare Sector, Mediclinic City Hospital and Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital were recognized for their assistance in providing clinical placements. Queens University Belfast, Mediclinic City Hospital, Latifa Hospital, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Harvard Medical School Center for Global Health Delivery- Dubai, and University of Sharjah were recognized for providing summer studentship placements. Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg presented all the representatives with an honorary token of appreciation for all the contributions they’ve made across the year.
MBRU continues its commitment to develop healthcare professionals for the UAE to compliment the Dubai Plan 2021 and UAE’s 2021 vision. Through MBRU’s rigorous MBBS program, its plight to provide students with the latest technologies in the medical field, the university aims to produce a high-caliber of physicians who will serve the people, society, enhance their experience, make Dubai a destination of choice and contribute positively to the economy
