Smu...

[charger5001]

What a great white coat ceremony we had last night. I was so proud to be part of the event which was put together very well. It was very professional and very well conducted

Although the most touching part of the event was when the Brody award was given and the SMU girl spoke about giving to others love and acceptance. I thought she spoke so well... the standing ovation given was rightfully deserved.

Did you guys enjoy it as much as I did?

[ES21]

Yeah it was a starr studded gala, from the 2 deans, VP, minister of health, some of our favirite profs and of course our friends. I thought they were close to 400 people in attendance.

I thought the reading of the hippocratic oath touched a few strings inside many. It truly was a celebration of the SMU's students accomplishments and a time to reflect on the tremendous amount of hard work getting there.

Congratulations graduating class of 2008 !


Ps. Can anyone share what Dr. thorton spoke about, those of us sitting away from him had a hard time making out what was being said.

[tamstu66]

Basically the VP of SMU spoke about the unprecedented progress SMU has made in the past 3 years. He mentioned something about 400% growth and GPA class average as the highest it has ever been for incomming and current students.

In addition:

- Harvard and SMU have formally signed a contract to begin research starting this Sept.

- 160-200 incomming students with applications reaching its highest since SMU's inception

- Proposal to begin sending SMU students to US for 5th semester beginning next year

- Total number of students: About 1000 between basic science and clinicals

- Many more profs hired and have been wanting to teach for the school, making the selection better due to the ability to compare prospective teacher to one another.

- More room for students...

- School beginning construction of new campus and should be complete in I believe 06'

- USMLE pass rate of 86% for the past year, with the goal is 90% by the end of next year

And finally he thanked the faculty and students for their hard work, dedication and trust in the SMU institution. He admired the courage seen after Ivan and the perseverance the SMU students showed and continue to show....overall a very informative and sincere speech

[bchamp1281]

I too thought the event was well run. Give the white coat committee credit for their hard work in putting it all together.

The hippocratic oath recited by Dr. N was the high point of the evening in my view. You read about the oath but until you say it yourself you dont really appreciate its significance and meaning.

Last night felt like we were graduating.... with all those speeches

I personally liked the speech of the minister of health: I thought he said it best when he said all our trials and obstacles in the past 3 semesters will serve us well in our feature medical careers b/c it will be something we can draw from in the obstacles of life.

"whatever doesnt kill you makes you stronger"


Back to reality now: 3 years to go !

[Knight007]

Nice to hear what goes on at the white coat ceremony...
...anyone take pics...if you can please post them? thanks :)

[charger5001]

The cameras didnt stop flashing...Im sure someone could upload some pics.

I agree with you Bchamp - The minister of health spoke really well he was very sincere in his demeanor and admiration for our perseverance despite the unclear road that came about after Ivan.

He also looked forward to seeing us at the Georgetown hospital, which I should add is nicer than many hospitals in the U.S.

With him being an outsider of the school his wwarm wishes were well taken and appreciated.

Congrats class of 08' !!

[skidoc42]

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to send out my warmest congrats to all that participated in the white coat festivities yesterday. It sounds like a complete success! Not only the ceramony, but your careers as medical students thus far. So again, congrats!!

Also congrats to St. Matt's as a university for all that it has accomplished in the past few years. And good luck with all that is to come!

skidoc42 ;)

[funnymedgirl]

Hello all,

I got my White Coat last night. Congratulations to everyone!!!!

I thought that it was great to see everyone there with their friends and family. :) No one from my family came though.

I would also have to agree that the most touching part of the evening was when the girl who recieved the Brenden Roddy award spoke. It just was so heartfelt. And she got standing ovation that was well-deserved when her speech was over. :)

[rapunzel]

Hi,

When is the white coat ceremony done usually? During your 1st semester or after your first year??

thanks so much.

PS. can't wait to start school in Aug! Looking forward to seeing everyone and meeting my fellow classmates!

[funnymedgirl]

3rd semester

[fh71182]

white coat ceremony was awesome. i think we all had a good time. only downside (if there was one) was the weather, i lost about 3 pounds of sweat but gained 5 pounds of food, lol. highlight of white coat: IgEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. inside joke for 3rd semesters.

[Bedazzled]

What is the the Brenden Roddy award given for?

Just wondering....

Christen

[ES21]

Given to the person who exemplifies character, respect, tolerance and assistance of other people.

It is an award given each semester to an individual who has given of their time in order to better assist their fellow classmates and the community as a whole. This semester's recipient was certainly deserving of the award.


The award is in memory of an SMU student who passed away...