31 Views 2 Populality February 2025

31 Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda Receive their white Coats.

Thirty-one Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda pursuing General Medicine and Surgery, Clinical Psychology, and Pharmacy under the College of Medicine and Health Sciences officially received their white coats on Friday, 7th February 2025, marking their transition from pre-clinical studies to clinical practice.
The White Coat Ceremony is symbolic and transformative moment in the journey of medical and health sciences students, signifying their commitment to professionalism, ethical practice, and compassionate care as they step into the next phase of their education, working directly with patients and gaining hands-on clinical experience.
While joining the scholars at the ceremony, the Program Director of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda Associate Professor Anne Marie Kagwesage said that receiving white coats is not just a ceremony. “It is a symbol of responsibility, dedication, and the trust that patients will place in you. As you step into clinical practice, remember that excellence, integrity, and compassion should guide every decision you make”.
"We are incredibly proud of your achievements and have no doubt that you will contribute meaningfully to strengthening healthcare in Rwanda and beyond," she added.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda highlighted the significance of the white coat as a symbol of responsibility and reaffirmed their commitment to excellence and making a positive impact in the healthcare sector.
"Receiving our white coats is a reminder of the great responsibility we carry as future healthcare professionals. This signifies our commitment to serving with compassion, integrity, and excellence. We are deeply grateful to the University of Rwanda and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for equipping us with the knowledge and opportunities to make a difference. As we step into clinical practice, we pledge to uphold the highest standards of patient care and to contribute meaningfully to our communities," said Collette Ganza Utetanase, a representative of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Rwanda, pursuing Clinical Psychology.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda is dedicated to empowering young African leaders by providing access to quality education and cultivate their leadership potential.
Currently, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda has 461 scholars, including 89 in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences under the programs of General Medicine and Surgery, Clinical Psychology, and Pharmacy.

Assoc. Prof. Anne Marie Kagwesage emphasized that receiving white coats symbolizes
responsibility and patient trust

In total, over 300 students at UR, College of Medicine and Health Sciences received their white
coats, including 31 Mastercard Foundation Scholars.