THE University of Guyana Medical Students’ Association on Saturday night held a virtual white coat ceremony to honour the students of the graduating class of 2020.
The brief but significant ceremony saw 25 new doctors and health professionals being welcomed into the local healthcare system. Delivering the keynote address to the students, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony charged the new healthcare professionals to tap into their full potential and to work alongside the Health Ministry to provide the best possible healthcare services to the people of Guyana.
He also congratulated the graduating class for their achievement and resilience during the pandemic to complete their medical education.
“Let me start by congratulating all of you on this milestone and this achievement …your graduation is a milestone achieved with much grit and determination,” he said.
He added that the task is now up to them to work to the best of their abilities to see the betterment of the country’s healthcare sector.
“Now the difficult job of embarking on a career begins. I wish you luck. We in Guyana need each of you to succeed to add to our country’s betterment and development, whether you all serve your career at home or part of your career in Guyana,” he said.

The minister told the students that while their graduation may feel as though it is the end of a road, it is actually the beginning of a grand journey and commitment to the service of humanity and saving lives.
“I have heard on many occasions too many young people describe this day, like today…as the end of the journey and one that requires celebration. It is not the end of the journey, but we can celebrate,” he said, adding: “Today calls for celebration, putting on your white coat signifies your entry into a profession that commits you to the service of humanity. Wearing a white coat today and for the rest of your life [sic] brings responsibilities.”
The white coat, he added, is a symbolic reminder for future healthcare professionals to serve with humility, compassion, and to always commit and serve to the best of their abilities.
“As you strive for individual excellence, the path will be filled with many ups and downs and twists and turns and the challenge will not be to just bask in your successes, but to learn from your failures,” the minister said.

Sharing a few words of wisdom and encouragement with the graduates, the minister quoted Nelson Mandela, who said: “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and are passionate about what they do.”
Minister Anthony expressed the hope that the new healthcare professionals are all “passionate about medicine and to serve the people of Guyana.”
Meanwhile, UG’s Vice-Chancellor Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin expressed her delight at the accomplishment and perseverance of the graduates.
“We are elated that despite all the curve balls thrown at our wonderful and brilliant young doctors in the last year, you have shown want it takes to overcome,” she said before congratulating them and their families, lecturers and others who supported them during the journey.