AJMAN, 7 October 2004 — UAE Health Minister Hamad Abdul Rahman Al-Midfa inducted the new batch of 85 students at a recent white coat ceremony held at Gulf Medical College Ajman (GMCA).
Al-Midfa addressed the students and handed over the white coats, thus initiating them into the medical profession. The minister said that the healthcare profession involves life-long study. "It is a noble profession and GMCA with its excellent facilities and highly experienced teachers will provide just the kind of quality education that is needed,"he said.
Prof. George Carruthers, Dean, Faculty and Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University Al Ain stressed the importance of the profession and highlighted the latest trends in medical education. He also said that the profession involves a great deal of discipline, dedication and hard work. Ethics, communication skills and commitment play an important role in the making of a successful healthcare professional.
Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen, chairman, BA Group India; Dr. Abdul Gaffar Abdul Gafoor, assistant undersecretary, Ministry of Health, director of Ajman Medical District; Abdullah Amin, adviser to Sheikh Humaid ibn Rashid Al-Nuaimi, ruler of Ajman and member of the UAE Supreme Council, and other officials from various departments were present on the occasion.
Earlier in his welcome address, Thumbay Moideen, founder president of the college said that he was grateful to the rulers of the country for their continuous encouragement and support.
The white coat ceremony, a highlight of the orientation process, signifies the student's dedication to healthcare profession and its responsibilities and obligations. New students are personally cloaked in their first white coats by college faculty, and then recite the pledge.
The Gulf Medical College's MBBS degree program has recently received the initial recognition from the UAE's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The graduation certificate of the college will be attested by the ministry and will be accepted throughout the world. Its graduates are qualified to apply for USMLE, PLAB and other licensing examinations and can also go for their postgraduation and specialization studies abroad, GMCA said in a press release.