White Coat ceremony for 65 medical students at UMD campus

The White Coat ceremony at the University of Minnesota Duluth campus welcomed the 2027 class of students in. Local physicians say its inspiring to see a generation of medical students from rural communities, but also plan on practicing medicine there too.

The White Coat ceremony is a right of passage to help welcome a new generation of medical professionals. 88% of the incoming 2027 class are Minnesota residents, and the local physicians in attendance also stressed the importance of rural medical care.

Dr. Ryan Hardin, an assistant professor at UMD and a Family Medical Doctor at Moose lake said rural community physicians play a key role with inspiring students to consider practicing medicine in communities that need it.

“Part of the mission statement of the medical school in Duluth is to train and produce physicians who are going to practice in a rural environment,” Dr. Hardin said. “As you probably are aware, there’s a significant need for physicians and medical care in rural environments.”

Medical students not just from Minnesota attended the UMD White Coat ceremony, but students also from Wisconsin and Canada. After medical school, students will apply to residency and go throughout the entire country to do different specialties in their training. Where they will finally become medical professionals and provide medical care to people in need.

For more information about the White Coat ceremony for medical students you can read more here. For other stories at UMD you can read more here.

Health minister himself insults the white coat!

KATHMANDU, Aug 17: The esteemed 'white coat' holds a distinct reverence, expressing both its significance and limitations. Traditionally reserved for patient care and medical duties, the white coat has symbolized professionalism and responsibility. However, a latest episode has stirred discussion, challenging the sanctity of this iconic attire.

In a unique gesture, Health and Population Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet marked his 100th day in office by extending invitations to health workers in government hospitals across the valley, urging them to don the white coats as a celebration of the 'White Coat Day'. The minister’s intention generated debate around the sanctity of the white coat.

The reactions revealed a divergence of opinions within the medical community. While many doctors expressed reservations regarding the proposal, they found themselves navigating a challenging situation where direct protest was not a viable option. Critiques circulated among peers, signaling the depth of concern.

Sources suggest that following these reactions, ministry officials initiated dialogue with the director of Bir Hospital to address the matter. A doctor from Bir Hospital emphasized that the sanctity of the white coat mandates its usage solely within the confines of the workplace. Originating in Britain, the white coat has become a universal symbol of medical professionalism, meticulously adhering to a code of ethics to prevent its misuse.

A senior doctor from Bir Hospital likened the invitation to a minister's event while wearing the white coat to a Panchayat period practice, alluding to a more political tone rather than a demonstration of professional integrity.

While the initiative may resonate with health workers aligned with political affiliations, it raises concerns over the violation of professional decorum by inviting doctors to a political gathering while adorned in white coats. A doctor opined that such practices were unprecedented, and wearing a white coat beyond the workplace was unheard of, even during the Panchayat era.

Another medical practitioner from Bir Hospital highlighted the conflicting nature of the invitation, a mandatory attendance request coupled with an assertion that work would remain unaffected. The nuanced communication left health workers feeling obliged, often navigating this complex decision under the departmental minister's call.

Doctors also drew attention to the practical aspect of maintaining the integrity of the white coat. Its susceptibility to stains and potential contamination after patient interactions renders it suitable for indoor hospital use only. Wearing it outside the hospital environment could compromise hygiene standards. The doctor said that white coats are not allowed to be worn even in the library and canteen of the hospital.

Dr Kiran Shrestha, a seasoned surgeon at Bir Hospital, shared his perspective on attending a latest program initiated by the minister. He revealed that he temporarily stepped away from his OPD duties to participate in the event, having been personally summoned by the minister. While initially dubbed "White Coat Day," the program underwent refinements. Dr Shrestha's involvement was attributed to his role within the VVIP treatment committee. Notably, the minister's invitation yielded mixed responses among medical professionals. While some doctors took part in the program, others opted out, offering a range of reasons for their decision.

Following the news of the minister's call for health workers to attend the event in white coats, former head of the vaccination branch at the Ministry of Health and Population, Jhalak Gautam, voiced his concerns on social media. Gautam articulated, "The white coat, emblematic of trust and professionalism, should not be trivialized through unnecessary displays. Such an exhibition of clothing is a misuse."

Gautam further expressed his disappointment in the lack of response from regulatory bodies like the Nepal Medical Council, asserting that the Ministry should play a role in preventing any inappropriate utilization of the white coat.

Dr Baburam Marasini, a respected figure in the realm of public health, echoed these sentiments. He denounced the unconventional practice of celebrating White Coat Day, stating that such a concept is absent in any other nation and is, therefore, misguided. Dr Marasini emphasized that summoning health workers from their designated areas of service for meetings and conferences can impede healthcare delivery.

Regarding the white coat itself, Dr Marasini underscored its purpose, asserting that it should remain within the confines of hospitals and laboratories. He recommended a strict protocol wherein doctors don the white coat upon entering the hospital premises and leave it behind when returning home. Dr Marasini noted a concerning trend where health workers unknowingly carry infections from their workplace to their households, potentially endangering their families.

Queen Camilla’s bold blue dress and chic trench coat is the ultimate rainy day combo as she emulates Queen Elizabeth’s wet weather style

Queen Camilla’s bold blue dress and chic trench coat was the ultimate rainy day combo as she emulated the late Queen Elizabeth’s wet weather style in Great Yarmouth.

In latest weeks it’s been suggested that King Charles and Queen Camilla could continue the late Queen Elizabeth’s summer tradition and head to Balmoral Castle to enjoy a private summer break this year. However, not only has their holiday yet to begin, but the sunshine is unpredictable at best as Queen Camilla stepped out in rainy conditions in Norfolk on 24th July. Never one to be bothered by the damp British weather, Her Majesty looked in good spirits as she visited Redwings Horse Sanctuary at Anna Sewell House and greeted members of the public.

Queen Camilla’s bold blue dress and chic trench coat was her combination of choice for this special outing as she switched up her style effortlessly for the unsettled weather. And her outfit emulated Queen Elizabeth’s rainy day fashion choices too!

Queen Camilla looks out of a doorway at the rain during a visit to Redwings Horse Sanctuary at Anna Sewell

The Fiona Clare dress features Her Majesty’s signature tunic-style neckline with a structured collar and three-quarter length sleeves. The Royal Family wears blue often and Queen Camilla’s dress was a stunning royal blue shade with an eye-catching pattern of white petal-shaped motifs and distinctive white piping detail down the front of the bodice

She paired the dress with classic beige court shoes which perfectly complemented the neutral tone of her trench coat from Camilla and Marc. This all-important addition to Queen Camilla’s bold blue dress look not only provided an extra layer in the rainy conditions but another dimension to her overall outfit.

Queen Camilla helps present two Shetland ponies with an edible cake during a visit to Redwings Horse Sanctuary at Anna Sewell House

Worn open in a relaxed way, the trench coat fell to just above the hem of her mid-length dress and featured a formal collar and cuff details. The Queen Consort’s wet weather outfit combination oozes elegance and the formality of the dress is off-set slightly by the casual way she styled the coat during her time outside in Norfolk.

Queen Camilla finished off her look with one of her ultimate go-tos for rainy weather - a Fulton umbrella with a silver trim that tied in with the cool tones of her blue dress. This particular brand of umbrella was a popular choice for the late Queen Elizabeth too and she was also known to throw on a trench coat over her occasion wear looks if the weather called for it.

Back in 2007, Queen Elizabeth arrived in her carriage at Royal Ascot wearing a neutral trench over her chosen outfit alongside one of her iconic adorned hats.

Queen Elizabeth wearing a trench coat on two different occasions

Whilst in 2010 she disembarked the plane in Halifax, Canada wearing a cape-style trench over a primrose yellow outfit with a hat and Fulton umbrella to match, showing her flair for practical dressing.

With Queen Camilla’s bold blue dress and trench coat combination and her own umbrella, she’s showcased that she’s every bit as fond of bringing out these wardrobe staples on wet days as her late mother-in-law was.

Queen Camilla’s trench coat from Camilla and Marc is a neutral tone and a timeless design, though there are plenty of other similar options on the market to choose from to suit different styles and preferences. You can recreate her Norfolk look with a beige trench paired with a bold patterned dress or switch things up and make things more low-key with jeans and a t-shirt. And when the winter rolls around, a trench is also gorgeous over an oversized knitted jumper.

Double Breasted Trench Coat with Recycled Polyester

RRP: £69 ($88.60) | Recreate Queen Camilla's bold blue dress and trench coat look with this classic double breasted trench in a soft sand shade. The shoulder epaulettes and belted waist ooze sophistication and this can soon become a wardrobe staple paired with so many different looks.

Hobbs Lisa Double Breasted Trench Coat

RRP: £149 ($191) | This beautiful beige trench coat has a versatile knee-length design with a belted waist and collar. Made from a cotton-blend material, this option is the perfect chic layer to add to any outfit on cooler days this summer and as fall approaches.

Over-sized Trench Coat

RRP: £99.99 ($128) | With a tie waist belt, this over-sized trench coat is made from a Tencel-blend fabric. It features a button closure at the front, shorter collar and smart cuffs, and can be easily dressed up with a dress and heels or down with jeans and trainers.