PRESS RELEASE - Seventy five students enrolled with the International American University College of Medicine (IAUCOM) in September 2014 for the MD (Doctor of Medicine) and Pre-med programs.
The forty MD students began their journey into the medical profession formally at its 27th White Coat Ceremony, held at the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) in Vieux-Fort on Friday.
Clad in their white coats and stethoscopes, the students read the Hippocratic Oath which spelt out what is expected of them as physician in training. It reads in part: “I publicly acknowledge and accept the privileges and responsibility given to me as physician in training and dedicate myself to provide care to those who need…”
In his welcome remarks, Dean of Basic Sciences at the school, James Villanueva, called upon the students to take their work seriously and make the school proud. He added that the task ahead is not easy and urged the students not to be daunted by the challenges they will face.
“Be committed, optimistic…. and be prepared for the challenges ahead,” Villanueva told the students, who were all beaming with delight.
Professor Dhruva Kumar Revanoor, in his remarks said: “The International American University offers more than education. The university is all about character building from the first day of class until you leave…”
He told the students that the road to success is very rough and is full of distractions, adding that it will require much determination and commitment on their part to achieve their goals. “Stay focus and don’t lose hope. Hard work pays,” he said.
Professor Revanoor called on the students to be respectful and humble in whatever they do, adding that that these are virtues of successful physicians.
Remarks were also made by students of the school who expressed delight in being a student of the school and promised to take their work seriously.
Students who performed excellently in their exams were also awarded at the momentous occasion.
In an interview with this reporter after the ceremony, Public Relations Officer of the school, Sibi Gopalakrishnan said the number of students who have enrolled with the school over the years has increased significantly. He added that this is an indication that medical students have confidence in school.
“Over the years the school has attracted students of varied nationalities, who have been performing very well in their medical exams and the school is very proud of this,” Gopalakrishnan said.
He said that he expects this trend to continue in the future, adding that the school will continue to improve on the quality of education it offers to its students.