_{By Carol Kasujja and Zaam Ssali}

Medical students at Makerere University have been urged to wear the white coat with humility as they begin their journey in the medical profession.

The call was made during the White Coat Ceremony held on Thursday at the Makerere University College of Health Sciences in Mulago.

The White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of a new journey in healthcare and symbolises professionalism, compassion and excellence. It represents not only the mastery of medical knowledge but also a promise to always place patients at the centre of care. It is a commitment to listen, advocate, heal, and treat every individual with dignity and respect.

“We would have given you a suit, but the symbol of the white coat reminds you that you are here to work. White signifies purity in service. You are in medical school because you are among the best, and you have some of the best lecturers,” said Bruce Kirenga, the Principal of the College of Health Sciences.

Prof Kirenga lauded the students for their dedication to a path dedicated to preserving lives and urged the students to serve with dedication and protect the image of health workers.

“These days, you can use Artificial Intelligence to generate entire coursework, but when it comes to practice, remember the university has an AI policy and you must use it responsibly. In medicine, you take responsibility for your decisions. AI may make life easier, but you must learn and use your hands. Go where the patients are,” he noted.

Prof Kirenga also reminded the students that a medical career offers different paths, including research, teaching, clinical care, and administration.

“As first-year medical students, support each other. Find peers to share your struggles with, especially those in your year. Get mentors and coaches. It took me 26 years to become a Principal, so find mentors who can guide you,” he advised.

Speaking at the event, Sabrina Kitaka, a senior lecturer at the medical school, urged students to uphold the values expected of someone putting on the white coat by being humble and making sure that they connect with their patients.

“Wearing a white coat is a symbol of your commitment to a profession full of honour. This moment is like a rite of passage, from adolescence into adulthood. Joining this noble profession does not make you more important than other students. Be humble,” Dr Kitaka said.

She also encouraged the students to show kindness and compassion to their patients.

Addressing the students, Dr Idro Richard, the Deputy Principal at the College of Health Sciences, called upon the students to always make sure that they keep patients secrets.

“People will come to you and share secrets they have never shared even with their closest family members, do not share people’s pains. If one of you makes a mistake the public will blame all the fraternity so handle your patients with dignity. Always place yourself in the life of those patients when you are in the ward,” Dr Idro, said.

Dr Idro reminded the students to always think of their safety while on the ward by avoiding open shoes.

“Be smart for your own safety, always wear closed shoes, a needle can fall and hurt your legs when you are wearing open shoes. Maintain the excellence you had when you joined and avoid doing life alone,” Dr Idro said.

He further advised the students to always create time and have fun because it is not all about medicine

“Have an open mind, have some fun and also learn other things like soft skills, write, sell and travel. You are in the best School with the best teachers do not allow mediocrity. Avoid cheating, laziness, drugs and betting,” Dr Idro, noted.

In her speech, Anne Atukunda Ronaldine, the chairperson of the Makerere University Medical Students Association (MUMSA), told the first years that they are privileged to join the College as it celebrates a century of excellence.

“Be your brother’s keeper. You will make it together if you work together as a class. Do not avoid your lectures. Medical school is a lot of work, but it gives back,” Atukunda said.

During the ceremony, the College of Health Sciences safeguarding and inclusion champions encouraged students to speak up and report any form of harassment, abuse, or unsafe situations, noting that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

The champions reminded students that creating a safe learning environment requires respect for one another, responsible behavior, and the courage to raise concerns when something is not right. They also urged the new students to support their peers and make use of the available safeguarding channels whenever they feel unsafe or witness misconduct.

The Champions also called upon their peers to support students with disabilities so that no one is left behind. It was a proud moment for many first-year students to finally see themselves wearing white coats, as it was a dream come true for many. The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and a dinner.