More than 570 students took part in White Coat Ceremonies at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences yesterday, 6 October 2022.

The White Coat Ceremony has traditionally been a key event in the academic calendar for all new medicine, physiotherapy, pharmacy and physician associate students – marking their new role as student health professionals. This year, students enrolled in RCSI’s brand new BSc in Advanced Therapeutic Technologies also took part in the ceremony and donned their white coats for the first time.

Professor Cathal Kelly, RCSI Vice Chancellor, commented: "The White Coat ceremony is a momentous occasion for our newest healthcare students, their families and friends. These students are commencing their studies at a time of great challenge and change, and also one of great opportunity. I am proud to know that they are committed to becoming the healthcare professionals and leaders of the future."

The students were addressed by Professor Kelly, Professor Denis Harkin, Chair of Medical Professionalism, Professor Clive Lee, Professor of Anatomy, and Professor Celine Marmion, Deputy Dean for Student Engagement, all of whom offered their best wishes and advice to the students as they embark on their health sciences studies.

Professor Harkin told the students: "Your good days may be someone else’s bad days, so approach with caution and care, and also ask for and give compassion and support to your fellow students … You will all work together as part of an interprofessional healthcare team with the common goal of leading the world to better health."

During the ceremony, Amit Kalra, President of the RCSI Students' Union, and Lina Adil, Students' Union Vice President Education Officer, reflected on their student experiences since their own White Coat ceremonies and shared stories and advice with the group.

The students were then addressed by Professor Laura Viani, RCSI President, who led them in declaring their commitment to professionalism, mirroring the declaration recited by graduands on conferring day. The declaration signals the responsibilities they must begin to undertake as future health professionals from the start of their academic training.

Friends and family were invited to watch the proceedings live and share their wishes.