The PA Sangma International Medical College (PIMC) welcomed its inaugural MBBS batch with a grand orientation program at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) Central Auditorium today. The 14-day program marks a significant step in the region’s medical education landscape.
Padma Shri Prof. Dr. Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain, National Science Chair, IIT New Delhi, and former Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard and the University of Hyderabad were among the notable attendees. USTM Chancellor Shri Mahbubul Hoque, USTM Vice Chancellor Prof. GD Sharma, PIMC Principal Dr. BK Das, PIMC Director of Medical Education and Research Dr. Jogesh Sharma, and Health City Hospitals Medical Director Dr. (Prof) Bhabani Prasad Chakravarty also graced the occasion. The Heads of departments, faculty, new MBBS students, and their parents and guardians actively participated in the event.
Prof. Hasnain praised Chancellor Hoque’s vision for educational excellence, stating that PIMC’s potential for growth is immense. He remarked, “The beginning of PIMC is truly inspiring. If it starts this way, imagine where it will be in 5 or 10 years—it will be just amazing.” He emphasized the significance of future advancements in medical science, touching upon areas like predictive knowledge, HIV and cancer care, and the role of beneficial bacteria in human health. He discussed the transformative role of AI in medicine, while emphasizing that computers cannot replicate human compassion and empathy, which healthcare professionals need. He encouraged students to dedicate themselves to hard work, promising, “The hard work will not go unrewarded.”
Chancellor Hoque emphasized his vision for PIMC to be a center of research and innovation, building upon the legacy of USTM. Dr. Das encouraged students to be proactive and approach authorities with any concerns or suggestions, assuring them of the institution’s commitment to their holistic development.
Dr. (Prof) Chakravarty stressed the importance of empathy in patient care, urging future doctors to prioritize thoroughness and sensitivity in their approach. Prof. Sharma encouraged students to embrace challenges and pursue their goals with dedication.
The orientation program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sharma, who advised students to remain dedicated to their chosen path, emphasizing the time and effort required to become specialists in the medical field. He advised, “To become a specialist takes around 10 years, and a super specialist, 15 years. Stay dedicated to your path.” Dr. Das led a ceremony where the new batch took an oath to instill a sense of responsibility and commitment.
The day commenced with an academic procession from the PIMC Academic Block to the Central Auditorium, marking the students’ formal induction into the medical profession. Faculty, doctors, parents, and guardians proudly led students in white coats on their journey to becoming healthcare professionals. The Orientation and White Coat Ceremony began at 10:30 AM in the Central Auditorium, marking the students’ official entry into the medical profession.