The 12th graduating class of students from the Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine at UIC Barcelona graduated on 14 June in a moving ceremony that marked the beginning of their professional careers after six years of academic and practical training. Presided over by the dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr Esther Calbo, the event was attended by family members, lecturers, and representatives of the various university hospitals that partner with UIC Barcelona: Hospital Universitari General de Catalunya, Hospital Universitari General de Granollers, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa and EAP Sardenya, along with other affiliated centres whose role is vital to the clinical training of medical students.
Excellent doctors, excellent people – a holistic vision of medicine
The patron of the cohort, Dr Boi Ruiz, director of the University Institute for Patient Care and of the Healthcare Management and Health Policy Chair at the University, gave the keynote address. He encouraged the new doctors to pursue their professional careers with scientific rigour and human sensitivity. “Being a doctor is far more than a job, it is a permanent commitment to people’s wellbeing, a social contract based on trust, knowledge and empathy,” he stressed. Dr Ruiz reminded the graduates that medicine, beyond knowledge, is rooted in human interaction. “Our society needs doctors who are technically excellent, but above all, it needs doctors who are good people. The effectiveness of your work will come from your knowledge; the affectivity, from your values. That combination is the essence of true medical professionalism.”
This was followed by the awarding of diplomas and recognition of the cohort’s top-performing students: Héctor Ruiz, Joaquim Sanahuja and Joan Bañuelos. Next, the chosen sponsor of the graduating class, Dr Lola Cocho – a lecturer in the department of Medicine and a doctor at Hospital Universitari General de Granollers – gave a heartfelt address to her new colleagues before the Hippocratic Oath was read aloud. “Today is one of those days that will stay with you forever,” she said. “The white coat is no longer just a uniform, it becomes a commitment. The Hippocratic Oath you are about to take is a promise to your patients, to science and to yourselves.”
The ceremony continued with a speech by student representative Joaquim Sanahuja, followed by Dr Esther Calbo, dean of the Faculty. In her closing remarks, Dr Calbo welcomed the new members of the medical profession and encouraged the graduates to keep their vocation for service alive – a hallmark of the profession. As she highlighted, “Today we celebrate the end of your academic journey and the beginning of your professional lives. From now on, you will be the guardians of your patients’ pain, fear and hope. I urge you to train your eyes to always see an equal in the person before you; to embrace teamwork; to be generous and share your knowledge; to keep striving for excellence; and to be brave. And never forget that the Faculty and UIC Barcelona will always be here for you, to support you through both the good times and the difficult times.”
The Dean also offered warm words of thanks to the families, lecturers, tutors and healthcare professionals from the placement centres who have guided and supported the students throughout their six years of training.
