QU College of Pharmacy celebrates 10th annual White Coat Ceremony

Qatar University College of Pharmacy (QU-CPH) held on September 26 its 10^th annual White Coat Ceremony in which twenty-six (26) new pharmacy students took the Oath of a Pharmacist, signed the pledge of professionalism and received the pharmacist’s White Coat in front of an audience of more 180 invited guests and well-wishers.

The event was attended by QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham, Canadian Ambassador to Qatar H.E. Mr Adrian Norfolk, QU VP for Medical Education and CMED dean Dr Egon Toft, CPH dean Dr Mohammad Diab, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) executive director of Pharmacy Prof Moza Al Hail, and pharmacy representatives from HMC, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Ebn Sina Medical, Well Care Group, and International Medical Company, as well as CPH students and their families, faculty, alumni and staff.

The ceremony saw Prof Moza Al Hail honored in recognition of her significant contribution to the pharmacy education in Qatar. Guest speaker director of Pharmacy Department at HMC National Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) Dr Anas Hamad addressed the development of the pharmacy profession over the past few years. The event also featured the distribution of Ebn Sina Medical Scholarship Awards to the students who achieved a high GPA. This year’s winners were 2^nd-year student Ayah Hamdy Maklad (GPA 3.85), 3^rd-year student Dima Kawas (GPA 3.76), 4^th-year student Nawal BenSmail (GPA 3.92), Masters student Myriam Jihad Jaam (GPA 3.66), and PharmD student Alya Salah Babiker (GPA 3.45).

Dr Hassan Al Derham welcomed the new comers and congratulated the scholarship awardees, saying: “You are the 10^th incoming class to enter the College of Pharmacy since it was established in 2007. The College has been an active and productive member of QU over the past 10 years, which I am sure is a tradition of excellence that you will continue. In the next four years and beyond, here at the College, you will make incredible connections and build lasting friendships. QU has established strong partnerships with key institutions in the community, many of whom are here with us tonight. As students, you will have a chance to benefit from these partnerships and take part in service and outreach programs, building bridges to your future careers.”  

Dr Egon Toft said: “The White Coat Ceremony is an important tradition. First year pharmacy students take and symbolize their formal entrance into the pharmacy program. Receiving their white coats and taking their Oath of a Pharmacist represent the students’ commitment to integrity, honesty and service to others, as it is for all healthcare students. QU Health continues its progressive plans to meet the healthcare needs of Qatar by exposing our students to a wide range of learning opportunities, interprofessional development and onsite training in community pharmacy, primary health care clinics, hospitals, and research. Our partners in these professions participate with us tonight to celebrate the future leaders of Qatar as they embark on their educational and clinical training.”

Dr Mohammad Diab said: “Today marks an important transition for you into the profession of pharmacy. In front of your families, peers, pharmacy role models and distinguished guests, you have accepted an incredible responsibility as you take your oath and celebrate your first step into the world of patient care. Remember that you have the chance to learn from and participate with world-class researchers on projects that have real significance for the health and prosperity of our nation. Working together with students from all over Qatar, you and your classmates will contribute to Qatar National Vision 2030, helping to build a modern and innovative healthcare system.”

CPH assistant dean for Students Affairs Mrs Alla El-Awaisi said: “Our students at the College of Pharmacy go through rigorous theoretical and practical study in preparation for a professional life in the pharmacy. Students are exposed to interprofessional learning and outreach activities throughout their studies which help prepare them to provide the Qatari society with optimal healthcare in line with the values expressed in the national health strategy and development goals.” Prof Moza Al Hail said: “Maintaining strong relationships with QU College of Pharmacy and collaborating to provide Qatari students with high educational programs is just part of HMC’s commitment to raise the level of pharmacy practice in Qatar. Being a pharmacist is a noble profession, and it is such an honor to be recognized here tonight. I hope to see more Qatari students making the choice to follow the pharmacy career paths like these young white coat recipients.”

1^st-year pharmacy student Ms Dhabya M Al-Khater said: “By receiving our white coats and reciting the oath of a pharmacist, we are now true members of the pharmacy and healthcare community. Having my family here today on this momentous occasion and receiving their continuous support and encouragement remind me why I chose this career path and will inspire me to always provide optimal care and make a difference in lives of patients.”