The Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences at the University of Balamand celebrated 140 students during the “White Coat” ceremony held on May 7, 2026, at the university’s Koura campus. This ceremony marks an important stage in the students’ academic journey, as they transition into the practical phase of medical training and reaffirm their commitment to the medical profession’s mission, humanity, responsibility, and high professional standards
The ceremony began with an address by Dr. Karim Echtay, who noted: “The white coat you are about to receive is not merely a uniform. It is a symbol of trust. A symbol of responsibility. And above all, a symbol of service—service to patients, to science, and to humanity.” He also addressed students, saying: “As you enter your clinical years, stay curious. Stay grounded. Never lose the human side of medicine. A great physician is not only one who knows, but one who listens, understands, and cares.”
Dr. Echtay’s address was followed by a speech delivered by student Bilal Salman, who said: “Each of us here has faced challenges that tested us in different ways. Long nights. Difficult exams. Moments of doubt that we rarely speak about. And yet, here we are. Not because the path was easy, but because we chose to continue. And that is what makes today meaningful.”
Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Sami Azar, delivered a message to the students, stating: “Choose to listen, especially when it takes longer. Choose to care, especially when it is inconvenient. Choose to stay human, especially when the system rewards you for not being. Because in the end, patients will not remember your medical school grades. They will remember how you made them feel when they were at their most vulnerable state.”
The University of Balamand expresses its pride in its graduates and confidence in their ability to uphold the humanitarian mission of medicine, reflecting the values they acquired throughout their years of study and contributing to the advancement of healthcare.