St. George’s University medical students from across the globe were welcomed to Northumbria University last week (Friday 18 August) for the 10th annual White Coat Ceremony.
Students were presented with their White Coats by leading medical professionals, including keynote speaker and critical care trauma expert Daniel Herr, MD SGU ’82.
The students are part of the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program (KBTGSP), which allows St. George’s University medical students to complete their first year at Northumbria University‘s campus in Newcastle. The programme is an exciting option for students who want to gain an international perspective on global healthcare.
Dr. Daniel Herr, Associate Professor at St. George’s University and Chief of Critical Care Services at University of Maryland Medical Center, has a special interest in the use of hypothermia for resuscitation and in the avoidance and treatment of acute confusional states in the ICU.
“We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Northumbria University and it is very rewarding for us to see all the students attending the White Coat Ceremony today,” Dr. G. Richard Olds, President of St. George’s University, said. “This is a significant milestone in the life of a doctor as it symbolises their first step into the world of medicine. Dr. Herr’s speech was extremely moving, not only for students, but for the entire faculty. His career and his studies are an inspiration for all future doctors.”
“Having Dr. Herr here as a speaker was extremely interesting, not only for students, but for the entire faculty. His career and his studies are an inspiration for all future doctors.”
The White Coat Ceremony is a longstanding tradition that began in 1993 at the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, and is now seen at many universities around the world. It symbolises the induction of students into the medical profession, and affirms their obligation of service to others.
Students will undergo their first year of studies at Northumbria University, with the remainder of their degrees being completed at St. George’s University, Grenada, followed by clinical studies in the United States and NHS hospitals in the United Kingdom.