Father Muller Medical College Welcomes 28th MBBS Batch with White Coat Ceremony
Mangaluru: A new chapter began for 150 aspiring doctors as Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), a unit of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), formally welcomed its 28th MBBS batch at a White Coat Ceremony held at the Father Muller Convention Centre on October 10. The ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of FMCI, with Dr Rashmi D’Souza Rasquinha, an alumna of the MBBS batch of 2000, as the chief guest.
With smiles on their faces, hearts filled with anticipation and white coats in hand, the freshers walked down the aisle of the Convention Centre for the first time, accompanied by the pride and affection of their loved ones. The occasion marked the beginning of an enriching journey of learning, service and professional development.
Dr. Venkatesha B. M., Vice Dean of FMMC, Professor and Unit Head of General Medicine, welcomed the parents and students. Introducing the chief guest, he highlighted her academic journey at Father Muller, where she completed her undergraduate medical education and postgraduate studies in ENT. He also spoke about her subsequent professional journey as a nutritional therapist, guide, and promoter, and her qualification in nutrition from Stanford Medical College.
The highlight of the ceremony was the White Coat Ceremony and administration of the oath, conducted by Dr. Nagesh K. R., Convener of the Medical Education Unit (MEU) at FMMC and Professor of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. The ceremony symbolised the students’ entry into a noble profession that demands dignity, humility, integrity and an unwavering commitment to placing patients’ needs above personal interests. It also underscored their enduring responsibility to respect their mentors, uphold the values of their institution and remain committed to lifelong learning.
Addressing the budding medical professionals, chief guest Dr Rashmi D’Souza Rasquinha expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension at returning to her alma mater after nearly 25 years. She observed that such mixed emotions often serve as catalysts for personal and professional growth. Emphasising the importance of lifelong learning, she reminded the students that true learners recognise the limits of their knowledge and remain curious in their pursuit of better patient care.
She credited Father Muller Medical College with instilling in her the tenacity to remain strong, self-motivated and adaptable. Reflecting on the institution’s motto, “Heal & Comfort,” she said the words held profound meaning for her and would continue to resonate throughout the students’ years at Father Muller and beyond.
Extending her wishes to the parents, she acknowledged their role in supporting their children’s achievements. She also reminded the students that their chosen profession would demand sacrifices, including time otherwise devoted to sleep, family and social life. Encouraging them to face these challenges with courage and dedication, she urged them to embrace their responsibilities as future healers.
In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo congratulated the students on securing admission to the prestigious institution and commended their efforts in reaching this important milestone. He described the Father Muller name as a globally recognised symbol of healthcare committed to serving the poor and upholding the dignity of every individual.
Admiring the students in their white coats, he described them as a sight of promise, marking the beginning of a journey in which their dreams would be tested by challenges and shaped by determination, clarity and professional formation. He encouraged them to make the most of the opportunities offered by the institution’s 146-year legacy, its three hospitals, satellite centres, skills-training facilities and research centres.
He urged the students to regard every patient they encountered as an opportunity to learn and to carry forward the institution’s enduring spirit of compassion in their future practice.
The ceremony was attended by Rev. Dr. Michael Santhumayor, Administrator of FMMC; Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator of Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH); Dr. Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean of FMMC; members of the Management and Advisory Committees; heads of departments; and faculty members from various departments.
Dr. Varsha Shenoy, Head of the Department of Anatomy and Coordinator of the Undergraduate Foundation Course, proposed the vote of thanks. The ceremony was organised through the dedicated efforts of the Foundation Course Committee, led by Dr. Pallavi, and student volunteers.
Mr. Arjun Bipadithaya, President of the Student Council from the MBBS batch of 2023, led the opening procession, while volunteers from the MBBS batch of 2025 ensured the smooth conduct of the programme. Ms. Kiara Mascarenhas and Mr. Leavitt, both from the MBBS batch of 2025, compered the event.
The ceremonial entry of the freshers was accompanied by the Father Muller College of Nursing Band, whose joyful tunes added to the celebratory atmosphere. Students from the MBBS batch of 2023 led the gathering in prayer, invoking God’s blessings upon the new entrants as they embarked on their medical journey.
Following the White Coat Ceremony, the Father Muller Institutional Anthem resonated through the hall, reaffirming the shared values and legacy of the institution. The programme concluded with the rendition of the Indian National Anthem.
As the 150 students begin their medical education at Father Muller, the White Coat Ceremony serves as a reminder that becoming a doctor involves far more than mastering textbooks and clinical skills. It represents a lifelong commitment to learning, service, and compassion, guided by the institution’s enduring mission to “Heal & Comfort.”