Qatar University (QU) College of Pharmacy (CPH) students marked a milestone in their education and training through the 13th annual White Coat Ceremony, where 33 first-year students recited the ‘Oath of a Pharmacist,’ signed a pledge of professionalism and received their white coats.

The students promised to uphold the values of integrity, ethical behaviour and practice of the pharmacy profession.

More than 200 people attended the ceremony, including Al Faisal Holding chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, QU president Dr Hassan Rashid al-Derham, Canadian ambassador Stefanie McCollum, QLife Pharma CEO Dr Ahmed Hamad al-Mohannadi, who delivered a keynote speech, and QU vice-president for Medical and Health Sciences Dr Egon Toft.

In addition, representatives from Hamad Medical Corp, Sidra Medicine, Primary Health Care Corp, Ebn Sina Medical, CPH alumni and CPH faculty also attended and helped in cloaking the students during the ceremony.

Sheikh Faisal spoke at the event and reflected on how Qatar was able to combat the blockade to become self-sufficient.

He also stressed the importance of the pharmacist’s role, emphasising its significance in the development of Qatar’s society.

He wished CPH students the best.

Dr al-Derham honoured Sheikh Faisal in recognition of his continuous support for CPH since 2011.

Sheikh Faisal later presented the annual Ebn Sina Awards to the highest achieving students for each professional year: Samaher Alshaibi, Sara Hussein, Somaya Koraysh, Menatallah Rayan and Ruba Sulaiman.


Dignitaries attending the ceremony.

In addition, Al Wakra Hospital pharmacy director Dr Rasha al-Anany was honoured at the event and she won the Special CPH Recognition Award for her significant contributions to the pharmacy profession in Qatar.

The college also recognised five CPH students who recently scooped nine awards at the 65th International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation World Congress, which took place recently in Kigali, Rwanda.

Dr al-Derham told the students: “We have great faith in the quality of education provided to our students and the college’s ability to graduate competent pharmacists, in alignment with Qatar University’s strategy. Congratulations to the Class of 2023 on this step and I wish you the best in your career path.”

Ambassador McCollum said: “I wish the graduates of 2023 the best of luck on their journey in this quality programme, which is accredited by the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programmes.”

Dr Toft said: “This is just the beginning of a lifelong clinical learning experience that will guide them (the new students) to endless opportunities, preparing them to contribute and develop the welfare of Qatari society.”

College of Pharmacy dean Mohamed Diab earlier highlighted the college’s achievements from the previous academic year and addressed the incoming students: “Being the only College of Pharmacy in Qatar, we are committed to feeding the market with qualified pharmacists to provide optimal pharmaceutical care and advance healthcare outcomes.”

First-year pharmacy student Rahma Hetail said: “It is our responsibility as members of this great institution to provide the best medical and healthcare services for all citizens and residents of our beloved Qatar.”



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