Texila American University Zambia (TAUZ) held a successful White Coat Ceremony for its March 2025 Batch of medical students on Thursday, 4th July 2025, at Cheryl Gardens in Lusaka. The event marked a significant milestone in the journey of aspiring doctors as they donned their white coats for the very first time—a symbolic rite of passage into the world of medicine.
The ceremony was graced by notable figures from Zambia’s medical and regulatory community, including Dr. Mweushi Mphande, Former President of the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ); Mr. Jon Kasalika, Manager of Training and Examinations at the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ); Dr. Paul K. Chibwe, current President of RDAZ; and Dr. Charles Mutemba, Senior Medical Superintendent at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital.
In his welcome remarks, TAUZ Vice Chancellor Prof. Ajay Poddar congratulated the students for reaching this pivotal moment and reminded them of the responsibilities that come with wearing the white coat. He urged the future doctors to serve with compassion, uphold professional ethics, and contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s healthcare system.
“This ceremony is not just a tradition—it is a solemn promise you make to the profession, to your future patients, and to yourselves,” Prof. Poddar stated.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Paul K. Chibwe emphasized the importance of humility, lifelong learning, and patient-centered care in medical practice. He encouraged the students to remain focused and resilient, even in the face of challenges.
The invited guests also took turns to inspire and counsel the students. Mr. Kasalika from HPCZ stressed the importance of regulatory compliance and continuous professional development, while Dr. Mutemba spoke about the value of teamwork and professionalism in clinical environments.
The ceremony concluded with the official robing of students in their white coats, followed by the recitation of the Hippocratic Oath—symbolizing their commitment to ethical and compassionate medical practice.
