St. Martinus University Celebrates White Coat Ceremony at Schottegatweg Oost Campus

Willemstad, Curaçao, October 29, 2024: St. Martinus University held its annual White Coat Ceremony on October 29th at its Schottegatweg Oost campus, marking a significant milestone for incoming medical students. The ceremony, attended by esteemed government officials and university leadership, aimed to inspire and motivate the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Dana Soria opened the event, welcoming guests and highlighting the importance of this tradition in the medical education journey. The ceremony was graced by notable figures, including 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 anecdotes about his family’s long-standing involvement in Curaçao’s healthcare sector, urging students to pursue their goals with determination. He commended St. Martinus University for its growth and offered his support for future developments.

In his keynote address, Minister van Heydoorn emphasized the vital role that medical students play in the community. He encouraged them to remain focused on their education and to prioritize service to the underserved over financial gain, reinforcing the ethos of selflessness in the medical profession.

Minister Silvania congratulated the students on their achievements and motivated them to strive to become exemplary doctors. His words resonated with the audience, inspiring hope and optimism for the future of healthcare in Curaçao.

The ceremonial highlight came as the Deans of Basic Sciences and Student Affairs, Dr. Ravi Kishor Vintha and Dr. José Mendoza, respectively, presented the students with their white coats, symbolizing their commitment to the medical field. Inspector General of Public Health, Dr. Sirving O. Keli, addressed the new students and led them in reciting the medical oath, reinforcing the ethical responsibilities they are about to undertake.

Chancellor Dr. Murali Chand Ginjupalli expressed gratitude to the ministers for attending on such short notice and discussed pressing issues, including immigration concerns for students, while thanking the ministers for their ongoing support. He reflected on the university’s progress over the past two years, celebrating the achievement of accreditation and acknowledging the faculty and staff’s dedication, 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. The local chapter president of the American Medical Student Association, Dr. Samhith Chand Ginjupalli, and SGA President Dr. Mohammed Asadullah Shaik were invited to share their insights with fellow students.

The White Coat Ceremony at St. Martinus University 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 embark on their educational journeys.