The dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr Esther Calbo, welcomed attendees before handing the floor over to Dr Esteve Llargués, who introduced the class patron, Dr Miquel Vilardell, president of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Catalonia.

In his address, Dr Llargués highlighted Dr Vilardell’s career as a leading figure in the development of Catalonia’s healthcare system and praised his commitment to teaching and his advocacy of a profoundly humanistic approach to medicine. He also recalled one of the ideas that best summarises his view of the profession: “To be a good doctor, you must first be a good person.”

Vocation and values, the cornerstones of the medical profession

In his keynote lecture, Dr Miquel Vilardell urged the new graduates to reflect on what it means to be an excellent healthcare professional. According to him, the first requirement is vocation, as practising medicine is much more than simply performing a profession: it is a way of understanding life and a lifelong commitment to people.

The patron of the graduating class also stressed the importance of continuous education throughout one’s professional career, encouraging the graduates to preserve their intellectual curiosity and never stop learning. He also noted that medical excellence is grounded in values such as patience, perseverance, prudence, teamwork and humility. As a final piece of advice, he urged his new colleagues to learn from both their achievements and mistakes, to move forward with hard work and determination and to develop a career based on merit, without losing sight of the human side of medicine.

The keynote lecture was followed by the presentation of the graduation diplomas and sashes, as well as recognition of the graduating class’s highest academic achievers: Mikhail Grigoryev, Judith Llobet, Natàlia Castellà and Ricard Pedreny.

Afterwards, Teresa Alberca and Vicente Manuel addressed those present on behalf of the graduating class. In their moving speech, they thanked their families for their support and dedication and stressed the importance of “taking off the white coat rather than putting it on, to listen to patients and look them in the eye”. They also reminded their classmates that to care for others, it is important that they first care for themselves.

For his part, Dr Emili Genè, the patron chosen by the students, shared a few words with the newly graduated doctors before reading the Hippocratic Oath, in which he highlighted the talent, hard work and perseverance “you have shown to reach your goals”. He also pointed out that “the knowledge you have acquired may open doors for you, but it will be your humanity that will open your patients’ hearts.” 

“Medicine loses its soul when it forgets the person”

The ceremony was brought to a close by Dr Esther Calbo, who conveyed the teaching staff’s congratulations to the new graduates and expressed gratitude to their families for the support they provided throughout the students’ time at the University.

The Dean noted that UIC Barcelona aspires not only to educate doctors and transmit knowledge, but also to guide individuals and help them discover their vocation. She also explained that the greatness of medicine lies not only in curing, but also in providing support, and noted that behind every clinical decision and every outcome there is always a person. “If you forget this, medicine loses its soul,” she warned. 

Finally, she reminded the new doctors that, although their time as students is behind them, they are now part of the UIC Barcelona Alumni community, a network which will continue to support them throughout their careers and personal journeys.