On the Oath Taking Ceremony

The Hippocratic Oath (orkos) is an oath historically taken by doctors swearing to practice medicine ethically. It is widely believed to have been written by Hippocrates, often regarded as the father of western medicine. In the past, it requires a new physician to swear upon a number of healing gods that he will uphold a number of professional ethical standards. But of course, over time, the oath had been modified.

So, generally, freshly graduated medical students will go through such ceremony where certification of practice would also be issued. I think. Or at least I thought we had that in our school; where we would be reciting the Declaration of Geneva.

Had ours on a Monday December the 14th. Would've liked it if Dad could be here too; but due to unavoidable event, only Mum and Sis made it to the hall. It was definitely one of Mum's proudest moment. Sis told me later that, Mum was holding her tears back when the new Dean was giving her speech.

Apart from the 3 main things that she asked us to carry back that morning, remember what we've learned, know our limits and humility; the only quote that I remembered was about the parents sending us to the faculty 5 years back as medical student and we're returned now to the parents as doctors. LOL.

All the graduates were then asked to stand on the stage in front of the parents and the few staffs of the faculty to recite the oath. Soon after, we received our temporary certificate of approval for work from the Dean.

Took some photos after that, and headed to the multipurpose hall for some light refreshment. While queuing to get some food, the faculty admission registrar ushered us to go join the Dean. I was like, WHAT? She insisted that we join the Dean and 2 other families. Mum and I was trying so hard to resist; we just felt it was all too awkward. I mean... The Dean is like.. up there... and I'm like... of a different status. There was no way I'd want to sit with her.. But in the end, we went in anyways. We didn't want to create a scene. LOL. But seriously, it was super a.w.k.w.a.r.d. Created some small talks alright, but still, it was pretty uneasy.

Once the Dean stood up to take photo with some other students, we headed out straight away. And if you're wondering where Sis was, she waited far away from the room when she saw us sitting down at the Dean's table. LMAO! There was definitely a line, we were brought up "Asians", we just don't mingle with authorities. LOL!

It was all well, short and simple, and a huge milestone for all of our lives.