NCHU Holds First White Coat Ceremony for Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, Students Put on White Coats and Prepare for Clinical Practice

The first class of students from the Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU)’s College of Medicine has completed their two-year studies and will now embark on a new stage, clinical practice. On June 15, the department held a white coat ceremony. Teachers from NCHU and four partner hospitals helped 23 students don their white coats and drape their stethoscopes, symbolizing responsibility and continued tradition. Over the next two years, these medical students will receive practical training at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Changhua Christian Hospital, Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, and Show Chwan Memorial Hospital.

The Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine’s first class of students enrolled in 2022. The students have bachelor’s degrees and diverse backgrounds, including engineers, social workers, medical technicians, and occupational therapists. The majority had several years of work experience and clear intentions to practice medicine and serve rural areas. NCHU was the first school in Taiwan to create such a department following Harvard University medical school model. The department collaborates with Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Changhua Christian Hospital, Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, and Show Chwan Memorial Hospital. It integrated ten significant fields within the school to offer the three “modular courses” of holistic medical treatment, intelligent medical treatment, and precision health, allowing students to explore different fields.

The white coat ceremony is of great significance to medical students. NCHU President Dr. Fuh-Jyh Jan; former NCHU President Dr. Fuh-Sheng Shieu; Taichung Veterans General Hospital Superintendent and NCHU Vice President Dr. Shih-Ann Chen; , Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital Superintendent Dr. Min-Che Tung, and faculty in the College of Medicine were all in attendance to express their best wishes and encourage the students to take on the mission of serving and saving people and contributing to society.

Teachers, fellow students, friends, and family members watched as the medical students walked onto the stage individually to receive white coats and stethoscopes and take the Hippocratic Oath during the solemn yet warm ceremony. Dr. Jan expressed his hopes that students will always remember their original reason for pursuing a career in medicine and that everyone will fully seize the opportunity to undergo practical training at the four hospitals. He added that the teaching doctors at these hospitals are all outstanding, and he’s confident everyone will benefit. He also called on teachers, family, and friends to continue serving as the students’ strongest supporters in the future.