By Jones Anlimah
The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has held its 2025 White Coat Ceremony for students from the School of Medicine and the School of Pharmacy. The event marked a significant milestone for Level 300 Bachelor of Physician Assistant students, Level 400 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) students, and Level 500 Doctor of Pharmacy students as they transition into clinical training.
The theme for this year’s ceremony was “Interprofessional Health Training and Collaborative Practice: Bridging the Gaps,” highlighting the importance of teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare delivery.
The Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, reminded students of the responsibility they now bear as clinical trainees.
“Now that you are going to have the responsibility fully on your shoulders as clinical students, I bet you it’s not going to be a walk in the park. It is a very tasking and difficult phase in your training and career development,” she stated.
She further emphasized the values associated with the white coat, urging students to uphold professionalism and ethical standards.
“The White Coat Ceremony aligns with our ethos. A professional is someone who is pure, compassionate, and empathetic. You have to work with integrity, think innovatively, and exhibit service and care,” she added.
The keynote speaker, Professor Mahama Duwiejua of the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the University of Ghana, Legon, underscored the importance of collaborative practice in healthcare. He emphasized that teamwork among health professionals leads to improved patient outcomes and resource efficiency.
“Evidence abounds to support the case for collaborative practice. At the least, we know that when you work together, you offer enhanced patient care and outcomes. Different health professions bring their unique expertise and perspectives to improve patient outcomes. In the end, there will be efficient use of resources, cost savings for the patient and the health system, and the prevention of avoidable mistakes,” Professor Duwiejua stated.
The White Coat Ceremony is a symbolic event that signifies students’ transition from classroom-based learning to hands-on clinical experience. The event reaffirms the commitment of UHAS to training competent healthcare professionals dedicated to patient-centered care.
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