More than 700 students took part in White Coat Ceremonies at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences yesterday, 3 October 2023.

The White Coat Ceremony is a traditional event in the academic calendar that originated in RCSI during the 1990s as a result of a Students’ Union request for an occasion to acknowledge the introduction of students into the Anatomy Room. It has since progressed to a formal, inter-professional event to recognise professionalism for all our new students of medicine, physiotherapy, pharmacy, physician associates studies and advanced therapeutic technologies.

Professor Hannah McGee, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, welcomed students by saying: "I am delighted to have all of you joining us here this evening as we celebrate the beginning of your student journey at RCSI. This evening you will hear from senior faculty and from Student Union representatives and student speakers; we hope these talks will inspire you as you begin your RCSI student journey.”

The students were also addressed by Vice Chancellor and Registrar Professor Cathal Kelly, Professor Denis Harkin, Head of the Centre for Professionalism in Medicine and Health Sciences; 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.

Precious trust

Professor Harkin told the students: "You will wear your white coat as you train in anatomy, in the laboratory when doing experiments and research, and in your clinical training... It is regarded as an emblem of the precious trust which is placed in us by both patients and the public, a trust we must earn and protect."

During the ceremony, Connor Lenihan, President of the RCSI Students' Union, and Megan Cronin, Events Officer, along with other student representatives, reflected on their 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 healthcare professionals and scientists from the start of their academic training.

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