34 students presented White Coat and administered the Medical Student Pledge of Professional Conduct

ARUBA (TIP): Xavier University School of Medicine held its 42^nd White Coat Ceremony on Friday, January 19th, 2018.   34 students were presented with their White Coats and they took the Medical Student Pledge of Professional Conduct.

President Ravishankar Bhooplapur addressed the audience of students, their family members, faculty, and staff at this momentous occasion. He welcomed the first lady Prime Minister of Aruba, Honorable Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes, and congratulated her on her election and in taking over the beautiful, happy island.

In his address, President Ravishankar Bhooplapur commended the students on choosing the right medical school and for entering this most noble profession. He emphasized the importance of their studies, and assured commitment from the most qualified faculty to provide them with a superb education. He also brought to everyone’s attention Xavier’s success of a 90% first time USMLE passing rate, and a 70% residency rate. President Bhooplapur thanked Xavier’s faculty and staff, as well as the government of Aruba, for welcoming them with open hearts. He believes Aruba is the best island in the Caribbean, and a wonderful tourist destination. President Bhooplapur stated that Xavier is a “feather in the cap” of Aruba, in that is has a special place on the island. Finally, he thanked the Chair, Board of Trustees, and trustee Mr. Frank Croes for his continued guidance in Aruba.

Following the President’s address, Prime Minister, Honorable Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes, spoke. She explained how she wanted to attend medical school after high school, but her only option at the time was to go to Costa Rica to study. While she said the country was beautiful and her studies went well, she missed home. Ultimately, she came back to Aruba, where her father decided she would study law. Mrs. Wever-Croes was excited when Xavier first came to the happy island of Aruba, as her dreams of a medical school on the island had come true. She assured continued support for Xavier, and appreciated that the school awarded an Aruban student a scholarship. She concluded by congratulating the students on receiving their White Coats.

Xavier is fortunate and thankful that the Honorable Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes was in attendance at such a special event.

Xavier University School of Medicine has received accreditation from two accrediting bodies: CAAM-HP (Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions), and ACCM (Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine). We offer special scholarships for Aruban students. We have provincial loans for Canadian students, as well as loan programs for U.S. citizens and green card holders.

(Press Release)