Media Release
Ajman, Sept 22: Gulf Medical University ceremoniously conducted the white coat ceremony at the University Campus on Sunday September 21.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of the chief guest His Highness Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman along with guest of honour H E Sheikh Dr Majid Bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, chairman, Ruler’s Court, Ajman. Thumbay Moideen, founder president Board of Governors GMU presided over the function.
Professor Gita Ashok Raj, Provost of the GMU delivered the welcome address to the visiting dignitaries, parents, medical students, faculty and staff of the University. She emphasized on the importance of the White Coat Ceremony and congratulated the new batch of students for celebrating the important event in a solemn manner. Besides highlighting about the portals of collegiality she also recommended the students to follow diversity of thoughts, value and communication skills.
The founder president of GMU, Thumbay Moideen, Provost and the faculty members of the University welcomed a total of 245 newly admitted students to the MBBS, BPT, DMD, PHARM D, BBMS and BHS programmes and conferred the 'White Coats' as a symbol of their entry into their chosen professions.
Professor Gita Ashok Raj administered GMU Honour Code followed by the White Coat Conferral to the students.
The White Coat Ceremony, a highlight of the orientation process, signifies the student’s commitment to the healthcare profession and its responsibilities and obligations. New students cloaked in their first white coats, collectively recited the GMU Honour Code. They assumed the mantle of their profession in a meaningful ritual before an audience of mentors, family and friends. The ceremony is designed to impress upon the first-year students, the significance and symbolism of the white coat.
His Highness Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi was honoured by Thumbay Moideen on the occasion. His Highness interacted with national students and congratulated them for pursuing higher education in prestigious institutions. His Highness encouraged them to bring honors and laurels to the country. He extended his support to the students and said that the country is proud to see their progress.
The new programmes introduced in 2014 at GMU are:
BBMS – Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
BHS – Bachelor of Health Sciences – 4 specialties
The new programmes are Bachelor of Health Sciences - Medical Laboratory Sciences (10 seats per year), Bachelor of Health Sciences - Medical Imaging Sciences (10 seats per year), Bachelor of Health Sciences - Anesthesia and Surgical Technology (10 seats per year) and Bachelor of Health Sciences - Nursing Sciences (10 seats per year). BHS in Anesthesia and Surgical Technology is introduced for the first time in the country.
Complete Automation Project at CABRI inaugurated
Later, His Highness Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi visited the Center for Advanced Biomedical Research and Innovation (CABRI) and inaugurated the Complete Automation Project. CABRI is one of the most advanced laboratories in the region.
“The Center for Advanced Biomedical Research and Innovation will focus on research studies and advanced diagnostics in nationally important health areas like Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, Genetic Disorders, Allergies and Thalassemia,” said Dr P K Menon, MD PhD who heads the Center as its Director.
“We are keen to work with the industry and carry out industry sponsored research and generate Intellectual property rights. We are already working with some of the multinational companies on various research projects. We want to focus on diagnostic testing. The center has, in addition, the ability to do bioanalytical testing, toxicology testing and rare metal analysis,” explained Dr Menon.
“The Center aims to be a leading service provider for High Complexity Testing in the next 3-5 years. We want to replace dependency of UAE on foreign labs. We wish to develop critical manpower within the country, so that UAE becomes a leader of medical research and diagnostics in the region,” said Dr Menon.
“The Center for Advanced Biomedical Research and Innovation will raise the current undergraduate facility to a higher pedestal as a postgraduate facility, predominantly focusing on graduate studies and medical research. The Center will encourage and nurture our students and faculty members to be active in research. The Center plans to launch inter-institutional collaboration within UAE and abroad. We will also launch a Graduate Lecture Series program. We are also seeking accreditation from the College of American Pathologists,” concluded Dr Menon.