Ocean Echo was alive with emotion and celebration on 19th December 2024, as the Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM) hosted its final White Coat Ceremony on Anguillian soil. This momentous event marked not only the accomplishments of its future healthcare professionals but also the poignant closure of its local campus after 14 years, with operations moving to St. Vincent following the Autumn 2024 semester.
The ceremony, steeped in tradition and symbolism, began with alumna Willandia Landown eloquently explaining the deeper meaning of the white coat. “The White Coat Ceremony is more than an initiation—it’s a call to compassion, integrity, and responsibility,” she shared. “It represents the privilege and equity of patient care, inspiring future professionals to commit to lifelong learning and service.”
Throughout the event, the school’s dedication to Anguilla’s community shone brightly. Certificates were awarded to students involved in organisations such as the Surgery Interest Group, Red Cross, and the American Medical Student Association. These groups have made significant contributions, from hosting health fairs to offering first aid training on the island, underscoring the school’s legacy beyond its classrooms.
Student representatives Cole Gordon and Eva Dolub reflected on their journeys at SJSM, each highlighting the unique challenges of studying medicine in Anguilla.
Gordon shared, “We’ve faced tropical storms, power outages, and internet issues—moments that forced us to study by candlelight or reschedule exams. These experiences have strengthened our resilience, preparing us for the demands of the medical profession.”
Dolub spoke of the bittersweet emotions tied to the occasion: “Anguilla has been more than a campus—it’s been a home. The legacy of our time here is one of growth, passion, and community. Though we move on, this place will forever hold a piece of our journey.”
Dr. Ashraya Jagadeesh, Dean of Student Affairs, delivered a stirring keynote address, urging students to reflect on the profound responsibility symbolised by the white coat. “Medicine is not a technical endeavour but a human one,” she said. “Let this coat remind you of the virtues of accuracy, compassion, and the privilege of serving humanity.”
Dr. Claude-Bernard Iliou, Dean of SJSM, presented the white coats and led the graduates in reciting the Hippocratic Oath – a solemn pledge of ethics, integrity, and patient care. Fittingly, Dr. Iliou also delivered the closing remarks, having presided over SJSM’s very first White Coat Ceremony in Anguilla 14 years ago.
“I am proud of all of you for coming this far. Though this marks the end of an era, it is not an ending but a new beginning,” he said. “As you navigate your respective paths, let this journey not be a race but an opportunity to grow, learn, and make a difference in the lives of others.”
On behalf of the graduates, Hind Abdelrahman-Gurafi expressed heartfelt thanks to the professors and doctors who guided them. “You have been like parents to us—nurturing our intellect and spirit. We will carry your lessons and encouragement as we step into the next chapter.”
As the event drew to a close, the final White Coat Ceremony stood as a powerful testament to SJSM’s enduring legacy in Anguilla. Though the campus doors may close, the impact of the school’s presence on the island and its graduates’ future contributions to medicine will resonate for years to come.
