The ninth White Coat Ceremony was held at the Pécs Medical School for third-year medical students. The ceremony indicates that they have successfully completed their theoretical subjects and are ready to enter the clinical module. Students proudly shared their feelings and thoughts about what this event meant to them.
Written by Hanga Kovács
The ceremony took place on 20 September in the Dr. Romhányi György Aula of the UP Medical School, during which the third-year medical students were given the opportunity to collect their white coats, symbolising the medical profession. The White Coat Ceremony, organised by the English-German Student Council (EGSC), is a reward from the university for the hardships they have endured: the students have completed the basic module and can start the clinical one, which means they can now work with patients as well.
“We have worn the white coat before, but this is something different: a well-deserved reward, an acknowledgment. For me, it has been a longer journey, so perhaps I can appreciate receiving my coat more than someone who has made it this far without having to overcome any obstacles. At times, my doubts were stronger than my belief that I would get here, but this is a great confirmation that if I have made it this far, I will be able to succeed in the remaining years of my studies as well,” said Leila Komlósi. For her, it will also be memorable to hear her teachers, whose subjects she had a hard time studying, speak approvingly to them at the event.
“For me, being here is a milestone, a successful step forward. The previous four semesters were difficult, but I managed to complete them. The purpose of this event is also to celebrate passing multiple obstacles,” said Máté Szabó, adding that he feels honoured to be rewarded by the university with a coat for his efforts.
Ivett Puskás had similar feelings: “It is a great honour to receive our first real white coat, which allows us to enter the hospital. For me, this ceremony symbolizes that we have overcome the initial difficulties and have earned the right to be part of the medical community, to learn first-hand how we can become as good professionals as our teaching doctors.” For her, the ceremony was like a light at the end of the tunnel, providing additional motivation in difficult times.
American-born Nicole Woods also said that there was much more to the ceremony than just getting a new coat: “It represents for me the ever-increasing marathon that I managed to win. It also symbolises determination, tenacity and perseverance, it is a lifetime commitment. It is hard to express my gratitude in words, I feel very lucky for the support of my family, friends and partner,” she said.
“I am looking forward to the clinical module, to learn at the bedside and help others with the knowledge I have gained. Medicine is a very diversified science, so I try to keep an open mind, everything interests me at the moment,” said Patrik Deák.
Photo:
Dávid VERÉBI
Photos:
