College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology organized White Coat Ceremony on 27th June 2024 under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, Undersecretary of Ministry of Health for Planning and Health Organization.
College of Pharmacy was established as Oman Medical College in 2003 in academic partnership with West Virginia University, USA. It is the first private Pharmacy College licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and the Ministry of Health in the Sultanate of Oman currently offering Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) and MSc. in Clinical Pharmacy programs. More than 800 pharmacists have graduated from College of Pharmacy till date.
The Ceremony began with the National Anthem followed by recitation of Holy Quran. The “White Coat” emphasizes professionalism and integrity among pharmacists and physicians as these students begin their clinical rotations. It carries the symbolism of past accomplishments and entry into the professional program.
Prof. Khalid Al Balushi, Dean College of Pharmacy, in his speech, sent a message to the students that wearing the white coat and undertaking the pharmacy oath is the start of their professional career that should be bound with the ethical and professional practice. He congratulated the students and spoke about the importance of training and its salient points.
Prof. Khalid mentioned that College of Pharmacy has expanded its list of training sites both inside and outside Oman. He thanked all stakeholders and sponsors from the government and private sector for the continuous support of the Pharmacy program.
The Pharmacist’s Oath of integrity was administered by the Dean to 42 students including national and international students. The students on the Dean’s list were honored for their academic excellence. Ph. Fahad Othmani, a College Alumni currently working in Abbott, addressed the students with a motivational speech. A talk by Ms. Rahma Al-Riyami was presented on behalf of all the final year students. She expressed her gratitude to the parents and teachers. She recalled the journey that had brought them this far in their academic life and vowed to strive to do the country and families proud in the future. Ph. Halima Al-Zadjali, Dr. Nida Wadi and Dr. Abdulsalam Nazmi robed the students with the white coats.
Mementos were presented to the preceptors from training sites and to the sponsors by the chief guest.
The program ended with a vote of thanks by Prof. Alka Ahuja, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. She thanked the members of Board of directors and Board of trustees, University executives, Faculty and staff, the academic and training partners, and all stakeholders for their continuous support. She highlighted the importance of continuous learning in the lives of students thus bringing the solemn function to its completion.