GIMSR Welcomes 2025 MBBS Batch at White Coat Ceremony
The field of medicine is evolving rapidly, and doctors must continually update their knowledge and skills to stay relevant, said Dr. Vemireddy Radhika Reddy, Registrar of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences. She was addressing the White Coat Ceremony for the newly admitted 2025 MBBS batch of GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (GIMSR) held in the city on Saturday.
Dr. Radhika Reddy emphasized that medical education should extend beyond textbooks and examinations. She urged students to cultivate empathy, effective communication, and community engagement, calling these the foundations of good medical practice. “Excellence in academics is important, but adaptability and emotional intelligence are what sustain a medical professional throughout life,” she said. She also highlighted the importance of sports, hobbies, and creative pursuits in maintaining mental well-being.
The ceremony marked the formal induction of the new students into the medical profession and symbolized their ethical commitment to society.
Eminent oncologist Dr. D. Raghunadha Rao spoke on the role of compassion in clinical care, observing that technology can never replace the human touch. He advised students to see patients as people with unique stories and emotions rather than cases to be solved. Addressing the growing use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, he reminded the gathering that “AI must assist human judgment, not override it.”
Prof. Y. Gowtham Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor of GITAM, reaffirmed the university’s dedication to developing skilled and compassionate doctors, noting that many students had secured admission through merit-based scholarships. Dr. Gitanjali Batmanabane, Pro Vice-Chancellor of GIMSR, described the white coat as a symbol of responsibility and service, urging students to uphold ethical values in healthcare.
Dean Dr. S.P. Rao highlighted that GITAM Hospital, with 500 doctors and an equal number of nurses and staff, serves over four lakh outpatients and 50,000 inpatients annually. Through outreach programs in five adopted villages, the institute extends care to 15,000 families while maintaining a focus on research and practical learning.
The ceremony concluded with Medical Superintendent Dr. V.V.L. Narasimharao administering the Physician’s Pledge, formally welcoming the new students to the medical profession.