Qatar University (QU)'s College of Pharmacy proudly marked a significant moment in the journey of its Professional Year 1 students with the 17th White Coat Ceremony held on 3 October, 2023. Esteemed guests graced this cherished tradition; including students, faculty, and VIP figures, creating a memorable event that emphasized the commitment to excellence and compassion in the field of pharmacy.

The event kicked off with a heartwarming opening speech by Ms. Esraa Afifi, a Professional Year 1 student. Her words resonated with her fellow students as she shared her aspirations and the significance of the White Coat Ceremony in their journey towards becoming healthcare professionals. Following this, Mr. Abdulla Khalifa, another Professional Year 1 student, delivered a recital from the Holy Quran, a touching and spiritually uplifting moment that set the tone for the event. Adding a touch of student perspective, Ms. Shahd Eid, First Year Students Representative, expressed her appreciation and gratitude on behalf of the incoming students. She shared their excitement about joining the pharmacy profession and the College of Pharmacy at QU.

In a special video message, H.H. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani, Chairman of Aamal Company, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the students and his appreciation for the college's efforts in nurturing high-quality professional pharmacists. He highlighted the invaluable contribution of these future pharmacists to the bright future of Qatar and affirmed his group's commitment to supporting this crucial asset. Dr. Medhat Askar, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs and Vice President of Medical and Health Science, warmly welcomed the students to the healthcare profession and delivered a thought-provoking keynote address, underscoring the vital role pharmacists play in the healthcare system and the trust placed in them by patients and healthcare providers. Dr. Mohammed Izham, Dean of the College of Pharmacy, QU, greeted the students and congratulated them on joining the prestigious field of pharmacy. In his message to the students, he emphasized the importance of empathy, ethics, professionalism, and excellence in patient care, all of which are core values for professional pharmacists. He also briefly highlighted the college's recent national and international achievements, highlighting its commitment to excellence in pharmacy education.

The ceremony also included a celebration of the Ebn Sina Scholarship Award recipients from different batches, honoring their academic achievements. Mr. Rashid Al-Mansoori and the professors, Dr. Askar and Dr. Izham presented these scholarships. The culmination of the event showed each Professional Year 1 student individually cloaked in his or her white coat by a faculty member, followed by signing the pledge of professionalism. These symbolic gestures signified their entry into the world of clinical practice and patient care and reinforced the students' dedication to their chosen path and the values they will uphold throughout their careers.

The College of Pharmacy's White Coat Ceremony is a testament to its commitment to producing pharmacy professionals who are not only well-educated but also deeply compassionate and dedicated to improving patient health outcomes. It is a day of pride and celebration for the entire college community, and this year's event was no exception.