The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) initiated 41 students in clinical medicine education during a White Coat Ceremony, on February 21.

The third cohort transitioning from preclinical to clinical medicine is pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS/MGHD) at the university based in Butaro, Burera District.

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UGHE is a Partners In Health initiative based in Rwanda that seeks to change the way healthcare is delivered across the globe by training the next generation of healthcare workers to deliver equitable, quality care for all, with a focus on the most vulnerable.

Jim Yong Kim, UGHE Chancellor, welcomed the students to "the wonderful family of clinicians –a tiny number of humans on this planet who have the great privilege of caring for patients.”

"I guarantee that you will all be better clinicians because you understand that we have to treat the whole patient, including the poverty and exclusion, that is often at the core of their illness experience.”

In her keynote address, Prof Elizabeth Bradley, President of Vassar College, said the UGHE model is unique in the world, designed to meet the needs in Rwanda and Africa but can also be replicated worldwide.

"Medicine and public health is such a profound calling, it brings us face to face with life and death but also human suffering and joy of all kinds. It’s more than a job but a way of life,” she told the students.

Prof Abebe Bekele, Dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, noted that the white coat signifies not just a coming of age, but a profound embrace of the responsibilities and ethical obligations inherent in the practice of medicine, representing a vow to uphold the highest standards of patient care and medical integrity.

He initiated the students into taking an oath to uphold ethical values and responsibilities as they embark on clinical education, practicing in different districts and university teaching hospitals across the country.

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With the estimated six million healthcare workers needed in Africa by 2030, according to World Health Organization, Dr Joel Mubiligi, Acting Vice Chancellor, said the students in the class of 2028 are not just statistics, but the answer to this call.

"You are becoming part of a legacy that spans generations and values, not just the science of healing, but also the art of caring...your patients will not just remember your diagnosis or prescriptions, they will remember the warmth in your voice, the comfort in your presence, and the genuine concern you express.”

He encouraged them to be the bridge between communities and quality healthcare as they embark on the journey of clinical practicing education while remaining steadfast to lifelong learning, and approaching each patient with an open heart and mind.

Dr Robert Ojiambo, Chair, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, reiterated foundational principles guiding students' education, such as equity and inclusion, social justice, humility, and empathy.

He charged them to ensure that these lofty ideals make sense in their personal and professional life as they strive to be change-makers in communities, noting that they should remember they have great support from their families and instructors.

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On the other hand, Dr Nathalie McCall, Chair, Division of Clinical Medicine, told the students that they will witness first-hand the complexities of healthcare access and the impact of socioeconomic factors on patient outcomes as they embark on clinical rotations.

"I urge you to commit to taking on these serious responsibilities in the clinical years ahead, you will have a rich variety of medical experiences in our different district hospitals, and these experiences will shape your expertise and they will forge your professional identity."

The UGHE team charged the students to carry forward the torch of the late Dr Paul Farmer’s vision, who was the founder and chancellor of the school, noting that through their work, his legacy lives on.

Students’ reactions

Ada Mola, Student Representative, extended her appreciation to the different lecturers they encountered over the past two years who have instilled in them knowledge, skills, and passion to stay the course.

"We are not here today because we are the smartest, but because we share a common goal with our late Chancellor Dr Paul Farmer, of fighting healthcare inequities within our respective countries.”

"Today truly marks the day when our dreams start becoming a reality," Mola added, "when we will be learning and practicing the art of medicine alongside meeting and taking care of patients in the hospital."

Jennifer Dickson, MBBS/MGHD student at UGHE, said that despite knowing the challenges that await them in clinical medicine, she is excited about applying the knowledge she gained while interacting with patients in real-life courses and contributing to delivering equitable health.