A total of 26 new pharmacy students at Qatar University (QU) took their oath during the 10th annual White Coat ceremony, attended by a large number of guests and well-wishers.
The students signed the pledge of professionalism and received the pharmacist’s White Coat at the event.
“You are the 10th incoming class to enter the College of Pharmacy (CPH) since it was established in 2007,” said QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham as he welcomed the new comers and congratulated the scholarship awardees.
At the event, Dr al-Derham told students that they will have chance to benefit from QU’s strong partnerships with key institutions in the community, and take part in service and outreach programmes as they build bridges to their future careers.
The ceremony also saw Hamad Medical Corp (HMC) executive director of Pharmacy professor Moza al-Hail honoured for her significant contribution to the pharmacy education in Qatar.
The guest speaker, Dr Anas Hamad, director of Pharmacy Department at HMC National Centre for Cancer Care and Research, addressed the development of the pharmacy profession over the past few years.
Canadian ambassador Adrian Norfolk, other university and HMC officials, faculty, alumni, and families also attended the ceremony.
The event featured the distribution of Ebn Sina Medical Scholarship Awards to students who achieved a high GPA.
This year’s winners include second-year student Ayah Hamdy Maklad (GPA 3.85), third-year student Dima Kawas (GPA 3.76), fourth-year student Nawal BenSmail (GPA 3.92), Masters student Myriam Jihad Jaam (GPA 3.66), and PharmD student Alya Salah Babiker (GPA 3.45).
Stressing the importance of the event, QU VP for Medical Education and College of Medicine dean Dr Egon Toft said: “Receiving their (students) white coats and taking their Oath of a Pharmacist represent the students’ commitment to integrity, honesty and service to others, as it is for all healthcare students.”
QU Health continues its progressive plans to meet the healthcare needs of Qatar by exposing our students to a wide range of learning opportunities, interprofessional development and onsite training in community pharmacy, primary health care clinics, hospitals, and research, he noted.
Echoing Toft’s statement, CPH dean Dr Mohamed Diab said students have accepted a huge responsibility as they take oath and celebrate their first step into the world of patient care.
“Remember that you have the chance to learn from and participate with world-class researchers on projects that have real significance for the health and prosperity of our nation,” he told students.