Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 10: A new chapter in the journey of 150 aspiring doctors began at Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), a unit of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), as the 28th MBBS batch was formally welcomed into the medical profession on October 9. The inauguration ceremony, held at the Father Muller Convention Centre, was presided over by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI, with Dr Rashmi D’Souza Rasquinha, an alumna of the MBBS Batch of 2000, as the chief guest.
With bright smiles, hearts filled with anticipation and their white aprons in hand, the freshers walked down the aisle of the Convention Centre for the first time, accompanied by the pride and affection of their loved ones. The occasion marked the beginning of an enriching journey of learning, service and professional formation.
Dr Venkatesha B M, vice dean, FMMC, professor and unit head of general medicine, extended a cordial welcome to the parents and the new entrants. Introducing the chief guest, he highlighted her academic journey at Father Muller, where she pursued her undergraduate medical education and postgraduate studies in ENT. He also spoke of her subsequent professional evolution as a nutritional therapist, guide and promoter, with a degree in nutrition from Stanford Medical College.
The highlight of the ceremony was the white coat ceremony and administration of the oath, conducted by Dr Nagesh K R, convener of the Medical Education Unit (MEU), FMMC, and professor of forensic medicine and toxicology. The ceremony symbolised the students’ entry into a noble profession that demands dignity, humility, integrity and an unwavering commitment to placing patients’ needs before personal interests. It also reminded them of their enduring responsibility to respect their mentors, uphold the values of their institution and remain committed to lifelong learning.
Addressing the budding medical professionals, chief guest Dr Rashmi D’Souza Rasquinha expressed a blend of elation and apprehension at returning to her alma mater after nearly a quarter of a century. She observed that such mixed emotions often become catalysts for personal and professional growth. Emphasising the importance of lifelong learning, she reminded the students that a true learner recognises the limits of their knowledge and remains continually curious in the pursuit of better patient care.
She credited Father Muller Medical College with instilling in her the tenacity to remain strong, self-driven and adaptable. Reflecting on the institution’s motto, “Heal & Comfort,” she said these words held a profound meaning for her and would continue to resonate throughout the students’ years at Father Muller and beyond. Extending her wishes to the parents, she acknowledged their role in supporting their children’s achievements and gently reminded the students that their chosen profession would demand sacrifices, including time otherwise devoted to sleep, family and social life. She encouraged them to embrace these challenges with courage and dedication as they embarked on their journey as future healers.
In his presidential address, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo congratulated the students on securing admission to the prestigious institution and commended their efforts in reaching this important milestone. He described the Father Muller name as a globally recognised beacon of healthcare, committed to serving the poor and upholding the dignity of every individual.
Admiring the students in their white coats, he described them as a sight of promise and beauty, marking the beginning of their pursuit of a dream that would be tested through challenges and shaped by determination, clarity and formation. He encouraged them to make the most of the opportunities offered by the institution’s 146-year legacy, its three hospitals, satellite centres, skills training facilities and research centres. He urged the students to view every patient they encountered as a lesson for life and to carry forward the institution’s enduring spirit of compassion through their future practice.
The ceremony was attended by Dr Michael Santhumayor, administrator, FMMC; Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator, FMMCH; Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, dean, FMMC; members of the Management and Advisory Committees; heads of departments; and teaching faculty from various departments.
Dr Varsha Shenoy, head of the department of anatomy and Undergraduate Foundation Course coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks. The successful conduct of the ceremony was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Foundation Course Committee, led by Dr Pallavi, and the student volunteers. Arjun Bipadithaya, president of the Student Council from the MBBS Batch of 2023, led the opening procession, while volunteers from the MBBS Batch of 2025 ensured the smooth proceedings of the event. The programme was gracefully compered by Kiara Mascarenhas and Leavitt of the MBBS batch of 2025.
The ceremonial entry of the freshers was ushered in by the Father Muller College of Nursing Band, whose joyful tunes accompanied the students as they made their way into the Convention Centre, adding a celebratory note to the occasion. The gathering was led into prayer by students of the MBBS batch of 2023, invoking God’s blessings upon the new entrants as they embarked on their medical journey. Following the white coat ceremony, the Father Muller Institutional anthem resonated through the hall, reaffirming the shared values and legacy of the institution. The proceedings concluded on a patriotic note with the rendition of the Indian national anthem.
As the 150 students begin their medical education at Father Muller, the white coat ceremony serves as a reminder that the journey to becoming a doctor extends far beyond textbooks and clinical skills. It is a lifelong commitment to learning, service and compassion, guided by the institution’s enduring mission to heal & comfort.