On September 4, 2025, a solemn ceremony of putting on white coats by first-year students of Medical Faculty took place at Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University. This event is a form of students initiation and a symbolic acceptance of the chosen path of serving medicine and people.
Among those present were Yuriy Legkodukh, Head of Volyn Regional State Administration's Health Department, Medical Director of the Bogoliuby Medical Centre Vadym Petrovskyi, Rector of the University Church of St. Sophia Viktor Pushko, Rector Anatolii Tsos, Vice-Rector Natalia Blahovirna, Rector's Assistant Tetiana Rospopa, Dean of Medical Faculty Yaroslav Stepaniuk, graduates, the representatives of medical community, and lecturers.
The ceremony opened with the performance of the National Anthem of Ukraine, followed by the minute of silence to honour the fallen Ukrainian defenders.
Rector Anatolii Tsos thanked the future doctors for choosing the University, assuring them that it was the right step. “We have wonderful laboratories, wonderful teachers, and modern conditions for you to acquire this responsible and honorable profession. I thank you for this choice, which is extremely necessary for our Ukraine,” said Anatolii Vasylovych.
At the same time, the head of the University wished the first-year students to realise themselves not only in their studies, but also in scientific and social activities, receiving the maximum of bright and unforgettable impressions from student life.
Yuriy Lehkodukh noted that the profession of a doctor is a huge responsibility, but at the same time an incredible experience. “I wish you easy learning, easy assimilation of all the knowledge that will open before you. Your teachers will be practicing doctors who communicate with patients, which means they can pass on invaluable experience. Build yourself as a specialist. In the future, I want to see you as full-fledged members of the medical community,” said Head of Regional Health Department.
Vadym Petrovskyi recited the guiding words of Taras Shevchenko to the newly graduated students and emphasized: the medical degree is a calling of the highest spiritual height.
Father Viktor wished to preserve the sensitivity of the heart and the inquisitive mind, because this is the key to true professionalism.
Associate Professor, Head of Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery Taras Martyniuk noted: helping others means sacrificing: both time and your own resources. “But the higher the demands of yourself, the greater the satisfaction from the success of your achievements,” he said.
A graduate of Medical Faculty, Nataliia Baboval, wished her young colleagues not to stop before challenges and make the most of their studies.
Dean of the Faculty, Yaroslav Stepaniuk, emphasized: it is very important not to forget about your motivation to be the best doctor, intensively acquire knowledge and take the educational process seriously.
After the congratulations, the future doctors made a solemn promise to worthily wear the title of a student of Medical Faculty, study conscientiously, improve their knowledge and always be ready to come to the aid of those in need, and to the applause of those present, white coats were put on.
After the celebrations, the first-year students, taking their first step towards the profession that day, captured the moments in memorable photos.
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