Some days leave behind not just memories, but a lasting sense of meaning. Our oath ceremony was one of those days —a day filled with inspiration, gratitude, and the quiet weight of responsibility that comes with the path we have chosen. There are certain milestones in life that mark not just the passing of time, but the beginning of a new chapter. For batch 2024, the Oath Ceremony was one such milestone. It was not simply an event—it was a celebration of responsibility, a moment of reflection, and a reminder of the journey we have chosen.

Our dean Professor Wu Jiahong addressed us with kindness and grace. She spoke about the white coat —not as a garment, but as a symbol of service, humility, and lifelong commitment. With her calm presence, she explained how wearing it represents the trust patients place in us, and how the oath we were about to take would bind us to values greater than ourselves. Her words, simple yet profound, reminded us that medicine is as much about compassion as it is about knowledge.

Then came a speech from one of our beloved teachers Tracy, which touched our hearts deeply. She spoke of study, resilience, and the courage to learn from mistakes without fear. She reminded us of the very questions she once asked us in our interviews —Why did you choose medicine? What qualities must a doctor have? —and asked us to carry those answers within us as guiding lights. Her words encouraged us to stay focused, to persevere through challenges, and to never forget the humanity behind the science.

Afterward, the moment came to receive our HSK4 prize certificates. They were presented by the teachers Dai Fangfang and Geng Yan, who had guided us most in our journey. It was an emotional moment —not just because of the certificates themselves, but because it reflected the dedication and care of the teachers who stood by us during our struggles over the past nine months.

Then came the highlight —the White Coat Ceremony. The dean herself helped each student put on the coat, adjusting it gently and explaining its meaning. It was a simple act, but profoundly moving, as if she was placing on our shoulders both responsibility and trust.

Immediately after we took our Oath, repeating line by line after her, the room grew quiet as every voice blended into one, promising to serve with integrity, compassion, and dedication. It was a solemn, unforgettable moment —the kind that binds hearts together in a shared purpose.

One of our classmates Khan Maryam Shakeel gave a speech that was both motivational and heartfelt. She spoke about the journey ahead —the long nights, the obstacles, and the sacrifices —but also about the strength we would gain, the lives we would touch, and the pride of walking this road together. Her words resonated deeply, reminding us that medicine is not a solitary path but a shared one.

The ceremony ended with the creation of a thumbprint tree. The dean began, followed by our teachers, each leaving their mark with words of encouragement and promises of support. Many were visibly emotional as they assured us that their guidance would always remain with us. When it was our turn, each student placed a fingerprint and signature, adding to the tree that symbolized our unity and collective promise.

Finally, we gathered for a group photograph —a lighter, joyful ending to a deeply emotional day. It captured not just our faces but the spirit of the ceremony: motivated, united, and ready to take the next steps on the journey of becoming doctors.

The Oath Ceremony was not only about coats, certificates, and rituals. It was about stepping into a new identity, about realizing that medicine is more than a career —it is a calling. We walked away that day with hearts full of gratitude, shoulders carrying responsibility, and spirits ready for the road ahead. Together, we promised not just to heal, but to serve —and in that promise lies the true meaning of becoming a doctor.