The Baptist Institute of Health Sciences (BIHS), Mbingo, held a solemn White Coat Ceremony on January 8, 2026, at the Mbingo Baptist Hospital (MBH) Multipurpose Hall, marking an important milestone in the training of new medical residents. The ceremony was chaired by the Dean of BIHS, Professor Keith Streatfeild, and brought together faculty members, hospital administrators, chaplaincy staff, and trainees.
The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage for medical personnel, symbolizing the formal entry of trainees into the medical profession. Traditionally, the white coat represents purity, professionalism, responsibility, compassion, and ethical medical practice. It signifies a public commitment to patient-centred care, professional integrity, and lifelong service. In faith-based institutions such as BIHS, the ceremony also carries a spiritual dimension, representing a covenant to serve God and humanity through medicine.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Streatfeild warmly welcomed the new residents and emphasized that BIHS trains doctors “with eternity in mind,” intentionally linking training with practice from the very first day. He reminded the freshmen that medical education at BIHS is not only about acquiring clinical competence but also about cultivating Christian character, compassion, and service.
The PAACS Director, Dr. Chukwuemeka Gerald, introduced the two new PAACS residents, Dr. Mbibe and Dr. Achale. Before the symbolic robing, he traced the history and significance of the White Coat Ceremony and highlighted the mission and growth of the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS). Drawing a biblical parallel, he likened the ceremony to the Jewish circumcision as a sign of identity and commitment, noting that residents in the PAACS program are expected to have had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. His address was crowned by the symbolic placing of white coats on the two residents by faculty members.
The CIMS Director, Dr. Sunday David, introduced the five new Internal Medicine residents, describing the ceremony as a commissioning event in which trainees commit themselves to the mission and vision of the training program. The residents – four Cameroonians and foreigner, one female and four males (Drs. Ghangha, Ndjock, Cheng, Nana, and Yonatan) were each symbolically clothed with white coats by faculty members amid applauses.
Before leading the residents in the Christian Medical Oath, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tchinda Gerald, reminded them that the White Coat Ceremony represents a covenant with God. He exhorted the new residents to remain faithful to their calling and committed to keeping their part of the covenant through integrity, humility, and compassionate service.
The ceremony was crowned with prayer, laying on of hands, and dedication, led by Rev. Sacki Rolland, Head Chaplain of MBH. The moment marked a spiritual commissioning, entrusting the residents to God’s guidance as they begin their journey of service and training. The White Coat Ceremony at BIHS–Mbingo reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing clinically competent, ethically grounded, and spiritually devoted medical professionals who will serve both God and humanity with excellence.
