News

« back to home « previous news item | next news item »

Hungarian and international students at the University of Pécs Medical School put on the white coat for the eleventh time in the Dr. György Romhányi Aula on 18 September. The well-known symbol of their future profession marks the end of their preclinical studies and the beginning of clinical training. The white coat symbolizes the knowledge they have gained, the effort and perseverance invested, it also means growing responsibility, and the first major step towards working with patients.

This year’s ceremony was also organized by the English-German Student Committee (EGSC), which not only recognizes the students’ academic achievements, but also represents the moment when they move from theoretical studies towards practical patient care.

„When I was a first-year student and watched senior students receiving their white coat seemed like a distant goal. Today, after overcoming so many challenges, I am proud to feel that our perseverance has paid off as now we are the ones who can put it on” – said Nanda Csigeti, a Hungarian medical student.

„The coat is surprisingly light, but when I put it on, I feel a huge weight on my shoulders, the weight of responsibility” – Nanda Csigeti said.

She believes that the students in her class have not only studied together, but they have also grown closer as a group over the past two years. „We helped each other through the difficult times, got through challenging exam periods together, and made it through the seemingly endless lectures. With my friends and classmates by my side, I never felt alone, so receiving the white coat together makes this celebration truly special” – she mentioned.

The third-year medical student, Hanna Kóczián, was also excited about being able to finally put on the symbol of her future profession in the aula.

„Last year, I watched with admiration as my friends and people I knew reached this milestone, and I was really looking forward to experiencing this moment myself” – she said. For her, the White Coat Ceremony is a recognition that she and her fellow students have successfully overcome the challenges so far, and all the hard work and studying have been worth it. Many long nights of studying led to this moment, with the neuroanatomy final exam proving to be the greatest challenge.

„Sharing this moment with my friends is special, because we have always supported each other. Whether we are going through a good or difficult period, we know we can count on one another. Suddenly, we feel unstoppable. Whatever exam or difficult subject comes our way, we know we can rely on each other, and the white coat will give us strength to face the challenges. It feels as if we are already becoming doctors” – she said. She added that it was especially meaningful to receive the coat from those who had taught and examined them and accompanied them on their journey so far.

The White Coat Ceremony also means the students’ first steps towards becoming part of the professional community as they will meet patients and gain an insight into the everyday work of doctors soon.

Third-year dental student, Olívia Nagy feels the same way. For her, it is exciting that after so many stressful exams, real clinical work is now within reach. The white coat symbolizes perseverance and shows that she has a strong foundation for the next stage. She believes that becoming a healthcare professional is not a sprint, but a marathon, and reaching this point required considerable mental strength.

She emphasized that they work towards the same goal, and she is proud to begin patient care and practical work alongside her classmates as colleagues. Working with those who have taught them until now feels like an entry into real medical practice. „We are leaving our student status behind and learning to keep pace with them. Seeing them in real-life situations educates us not only about diagnosis, but also about the confidence and humility that can only be learned through practice” – she said.

„Real responsibility and real stakes become clear. From now on, we are no longer working only with textbooks or models. We meet patients with real concerns, so communication with them is just as important as precise practical skills” – she added.

„Putting on the white coat means more to me than a simple ceremony. It reminds me how much effort and perseverance it took over the past two years to reach this day. We will not only learn our profession from textbooks and models, but we will also work directly with patients” – highlighted Aviel Simon Hetke, a third-year dental student in the German programme.

„The white coat also represents a change in our mindset. We take on a new kind of responsibility, as it is no longer only about passing exams, but also about caring with attention for those who place their trust in us. This milestone is especially important in dentistry, since professional knowledge must be combined with sensitivity and human empathy” – Aviel Simon Hetke believes.

„My father is my role model, who is also a dentist, especially because of the empathy, care and professionalism he shows towards his patients. Following his example and choosing this profession has been a strong motivation for me from the very beginning. The thought that we might work together one day is very inspiring.”

„If I were able to speak to the person I was when I started university, I would tell myself: believe in yourself, and never let the fear of failure become stronger than your desire to try” – said Fancynatu Isha Kamara, who came from Sierra Leone with a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship and attends the English programme of the University of Pécs Medical School. Fancynatu Isha Kamara knew from childhood that medicine was the path to follow as medicine has never been simply a profession, it has always been connected to the hope of making a positive difference in other people’s lives.

„The journey to wearing the white coat was not without challenges. I had to learn how to study effectively and how to remain persistent even when things became difficult. In the fourth semester, there was a point when I was not even sure whether I would make it to the third year. It was an intense semester with a demanding schedule, and during the challenging exam period, the dream that had brought me this far seemed distant for a moment, but I did not give up. That is why the white coat represents not only the beginning of my clinical studies, but also the fact that I overcame those moments when I was unsure whether I could continue. When I look at it, I remember the doubts, failures and challenges, as well as the courage it took to get back up. It means responsibility, trust and achievement, and the realization of a childhood dream. Above all, it reminds me to remain humble. Behind every diagnosis there is a person who deserves to be heard, understood and cared for” – Fancynatu Isha Kamara continued.

The English-programme student, Leslie Luvonga Wanyama, came to Pécs from Kenya after completing two years of medical studies at Egerton University. As an international student moving to another country meant more than academic challenges: adapting culturally and personally to a new education system, a different way of life and a new language, financial and administrative challenges, as well as being far from home.

„There were moments when simply continuing required a great deal of perseverance. That is why the White Coat Ceremony means so much to me. I know how much I had to overcome to be here today” – said Leslie Luvonga Wanyama.

„The white coat is a symbol of trust. Patients allow us into their lives when they are the most vulnerable. I want to become someone who is worthy of that trust, not only through medical knowledge and practical skills, but also through empathy, patience and respect.”

According to Leslie Luvonga Wanyama, those who have guided them so far have contributed not only to their professional knowledge, but have also shown them, directly and indirectly, what it means to be a doctor. „Knowing that I am getting closer to working with them one day and caring for patients myself makes this milestone both a celebration and a new beginning.”

Leslie also brought music to the ceremony, a company throughout the journey so far. Leslie explained that singing in a choir and working as a choir conductor helped to develop skills that are closely connected to medicine: discipline, active listening, cooperation, responsibility and an understanding of how individual parts contribute to the whole. „I have learned that whether you are leading a choir or caring for a patient, professional knowledge is important, but listening carefully to others and knowing how to work with people is equally important.”

Gallery:

Photos:

Dávid Verébi