At a white coat award ceremony, attracting much publicity for Anguilla, some 69 students from several parts of the world completed their first sixteen months of study at the Saint James Medical School on the island. They have now gone on to Chicago to complete their studies.
The 9th Annual White Coat Ceremony, for the Class of Fall 2013, was held at Anacaona Boutique Hotel on Saturday, December 14. Among those in attendance were the parents and other relatives of the students who came from various countries for the occasion. They were joined by many residents and friends in Anguilla.
In his welcome remarks Dr Claude-Bernard Iliou, Dean of Basic Sciences, said in part: “Four years ago I, and many of you, have never heard about Anguilla. Four years ago, many of you have never dreamed that you would be sitting here in Anguilla having accomplished a major milestone on the way to becoming physicians. But this class makes it the 9th class to have finished with a total of 270 students passing through this ceremony. These 69 students have added to that total.
“Every year the classes grow, and more students complete their basic sciences, heading to Chicago to complete their education and training. We, at the Saint James School of Medicine, have much to be proud of. We have continued to increase the size of the school and are producing better doctors.” He said that 95 new medical students from throughout the world would be arriving in Anguilla in January.
Dr Alexey Podcheko, Dean of Admissions, and Dr Bruce Davison, Dean of Student Affairs, also delivered addresses during which they spoke about the progress of the medical school – and offered their best wishes to the departing students.
The keynote speaker was Dr A Roger Eugene, a former lecture at the Saint James Medical School, now serving in Chicago. He will be in charge of the medical schools arriving there from Anguilla. He led them in reciting the Hippocratic Oath taken by all doctors, but is also taken by students awarded white coats and continuing their studies.
During the ceremony members of the Saint James Medical School’s Student Government Association spoke highly about the working relationships they shared with a number of groups and individuals in Anguilla, and presented awards to them.
Those recognised included the Anguilla Red Cross; women groups; the Anguilla Animal Rescue Foundation; and the management and staff of Anacaona Boutique Hotel through the General Manager, Mr Delroy Lake.
