The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Professor Busisiwe Ncama, was among the many inspirational speakers who wished UKZN’s first-year medical students an enriching journey in the MBChB programme.
This was at the significant and fun-filled White Coat ceremony held at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine’s Exam Hall, where the students donned white coats over their formal and smart casual outfits to solemnly pledge to serve humanity with their most important consideration being the health of patients and the health of their communities. The recitation of the Hippocratic Oath was led by Ophthalmology Chief Specialist and Acting Head of Discipline Dr Nombuso Mathe.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean and Head of the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences (SLMMS), Professor Musa Mabandla, the School’s Academic Leader for Infectious Diseases, Professor Michelle Gordon, said the day marked a significant milestone in the students’ journey towards becoming a doctor.
Gordon said: ‘The White Coat Ceremony and the taking of the Hippocratic Oath signify your induction into the esteemed field of medicine, being a doctor is not merely a profession but a vocation—a calling to serve humanity with compassion and excellence. Your white coats should therefore always remind you of the commitment you will make today: to uphold the principle of “do no harm”; to treat each patient with utmost dignity and respect; and to adhere unwaveringly to the highest ethical standards.
‘A long time ago,’ Gordon said, ‘doctors used to wear formal black suits – a time when medical practices lacked disinfectants, leading to high infection rates and scepticism towards medical professionals. The transition to white coats symbolised a merger of scientific rigor and medical practice, signifying cleanliness and professionalism. Wearing your white coat not only sets you apart but also invites trust and respect from patients. You will notice how people treat you differently when you have your white coat on.
‘You are all fresh out of high school and full of excitement and enthusiasm. However, the journey ahead, and especially during this first year, may challenge your expectations and make you question whether you really want to become a doctor. University life, particularly in medicine, is rigorous and demanding, very different from school and often vastly different from what you might have seen on TV or even imagined it would be. During these moments of doubt and difficulty, remember why you embarked on this path to become a healthcare professional. Whether it was a desire to save lives, someone inspired you, or wanting to make a difference to the state of healthcare in the country… hold on to that motivation.’
Various speakers, including the Medical Students Representative Council and alumnus, Dr Nazo Nxumalo, encouraged students to embrace the privilege of studying medicine, knowing that they were among the few chosen for this noble profession, and in many cases, their families had made sacrifices for them to study medicine.
Students were told: ‘Lean on each other for support and guidance; your peers will become your allies in navigating the challenges ahead. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from the School,’ Gordon and the School Operations Manager, Dr Bonisiwe Mbatha insisted.
‘We are here to support you, ensuring that you thrive academically and personally. Just go down to the School Office, talk to the Principal Programme Officer or Academic Leader. Your lecturers are also there to help as well as Student Support Services. May your time here be purposeful and rewarding. Forge bonds with your classmates that will endure beyond your years in medical school.’
Words: Lunga Memela