St. Martinus University celebrated its annual White Coat Ceremony on October 29th at the Schottegatweg Oost campus, marking a significant milestone for incoming medical students. The event, attended by distinguished government officials and university leaders, aimed to inspire and motivate the future generation of healthcare professionals.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Dana Soria welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of this cherished tradition in the medical education process. The ceremony featured notable figures such as Charles Fernandes Cooper, Curaçao’s Minister of Traffic, Transport, and Spatial Planning; Javier Silvania, Minister of Social Development, Labor & Welfare; and Sithree van Heydoorn, Minister of Education, Science, Culture & Sport.
Minister Cooper shared personal stories about his family's long-standing connection to Curaçao’s healthcare sector, encouraging students to pursue their ambitions with perseverance. He praised St. Martinus University for its growth and pledged his support for future initiatives.
In his keynote address, Minister van Heydoorn highlighted the critical role medical students play in the community. He urged them to remain committed to their education and to prioritize serving the underserved over financial gain, underscoring the spirit of selflessness that defines the medical profession.
Minister Silvania congratulated the students on their accomplishments and encouraged them to aspire to be exemplary doctors. His remarks resonated with the audience, fostering optimism for the future of healthcare in Curaçao.
The ceremony reached a memorable moment as the Deans of Basic Sciences and Student Affairs, Dr. Ravi Kishor Vintha and Dr. José Mendoza, presented the students with their white coats, symbolizing their dedication to the medical field.
Inspector General of Public Health, Dr. Sirving O. Keli, addressed the new students and guided them in reciting the medical oath, reinforcing the ethical responsibilities they are about to embrace.
Chancellor Dr. Murali Chand Ginjupalli expressed his appreciation to the ministers for their presence on such short notice and discussed important issues, including immigration challenges for students, while thanking them for their continued support. He reflected on the university’s progress over the past two years, celebrating the achievement of accreditation and acknowledging the dedication of faculty and staff, particularly Dr. Keli's guidance throughout the process.
The ceremony also featured an introduction to the management of CarrieBena University of Nursing, highlighting the collaboration between the two institutions. Dr. Samhith Chand Ginjupalli, local chapter president of the American Medical Student Association, and SGA President Dr. Mohammed Asadullah Shaik were invited to share their experiences with fellow students.
The White Coat Ceremony served as a profound reminder of the dedication and compassion required in the medical profession, instilling a sense of purpose in the students as they begin their educational journeys.