White coat and new ideas: celebratory ceremony in Kiel inspires!

White coat and new ideas: celebratory ceremony in Kiel inspires!

On April 11, 2025, a special ceremony took place at the university's Kiel campus: the White Coat Ceremony, which was now celebrated in Kiel for the second time. During the event, Dean Joachim Thiery spoke about the importance of the doctor's coat, which is considered an identifying feature for patients. This tradition, originally introduced at the University of Chicago in 1989, marks the transition from theoretical to practical medical education and is now taking place at many universities around the world, such as Wikipedia determines.

The doctor's coat stands for responsibility and hygiene, two central themes that are particularly emphasized at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH). The event was accompanied by live performances by the medical student choir “Voce medica”, which created a festive atmosphere. UKSH nursing director Sabine Richter emphasized how important teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration are in medical training.

The importance of the white coat

Professor Iris Chaberny explained that doctors in white coats are often perceived as trustworthy and empathetic. This perception is crucial for the relationship between doctors and their patients. The White Coat Ceremony not only provides a formal setting in which future physicians receive their coats, but also the opportunity to reflect on the ethical and professional expectations associated with their chosen career.

Professor Christof Dorf added that prospective dentists can be recognized by their rolled-up sleeves and that this group of students has direct contact with patients at an early stage. Dean of Studies Professor Dirk Schädler encouraged the students to bring in new ideas and constructive criticism in order to actively shape their education.

Tradition and development of the White Coat Ceremony

The White Coat Ceremony has spread internationally in recent decades. In Germany, the University of Cologne was the first German-speaking university to adopt this tradition on October 13, 2010. The influence of these ceremonies is so strong that 97% of AAMC-accredited medical schools in the United States have held some form of the White Coat Ceremony, while other countries such as Brazil and Ireland have also adopted similar celebrations Wikipedia reported.

Newer initiatives such as the Kiel Simulation and Training Unit (KiSTE), which has been promoting practical skills for aspiring doctors since 2023, show that medical training is constantly being developed further. Students like Greta Balow and Hannah-Louisa Helfritz invite you to actively participate in the student council in order to strengthen the student community and promote participation.

In summary, the White Coat Ceremony not only demonstrates the personal and professional entry into a medical career, but also reflects the changing nature of medical education. The event is a powerful symbol of commitment and the beginning of a lifelong learning process in service of the health of society.