White Coat Ceremony for medical students of the 3rd year

The last October 25th, 143 medical students of the 3rd year celebrated the beginning of their clerkship in the hospital with the “White Coat Ceremony”, originally introduced in Anglo-Saxon countries but now widespread in all universities around the world. It is a solemn moment that aims to emphasize the symbolic transition from pre-clinical to clinical activities. In the third year of our medical degree course, our students are called upon to “walk down” the aisle and have their first real contact with   patients and healthcare. This year 43% of our students are non-Italian, coming from different countries, amongst which the most represented are UK, Germany, India, Canada, Lebanon.

The ceremony began with the welcome speech of Dr. Ravera, CEO of Humanitas and Dr. Lagioia, the Health Director, followed by a message from the Rector Prof. Marco Montorsi, who reminded future doctors to put the human being first not forgetting that even communication is an integral part of any treatment. It is, therefore, important to respect the patients, their emotions and fears, learning to listen and relate to them and their families in the best possible way

The ceremony ended with the solemn reading of the Geneva Declaration.