A new academic year begins with values carried forward

On the afternoon of August 10, 2026, the Opening Ceremony for the 2026–2027 academic year of Phan Chau Trinh University was held in a formal and emotional atmosphere, with the participation of lecturers and doctors from The Phan Chau Trinh Medical University – Hospital system, representatives of students from different cohorts, and especially nearly 400 Vietnamese and international freshmen of the K.26 cohort.

One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony was the White Coat Ceremony. The freshmen were invited forward one by one to receive their white coats from members of the University Council, the Board of Management, leaders of faculties and departments, and lecturers. From that moment on, the white coat was no longer simply a uniform worn by students in the health sciences; it also came to represent responsibility in learning, attitudes toward patients, and the professional standards they will gradually develop in the years ahead.
 

White Coat Ceremony

Representing the international medical students, freshman Vivin Mahesh proudly shared:

For us, this white coat is not just a uniform, but a symbol of trust, empathy, and service to humanity with dedication (For us, the white coat is not merely a uniform, but a symbol of trust, empathy, and the dedication to serving humanity.

In addition, the spirit of connection between generations at PCTU was clearly reflected through the "Big Brother’s Day" ceremony – a meaningful tradition that has been maintained over the years. It provides an opportunity for senior students to share their experiences, encourage, and support younger students as they enter a new learning environment.

Continuing this spirit, Nguyễn Phước Phương Anh, a K25 medical student, shared an inspiring message:

Medicine is not only the knowledge we acquire, but also a flame to be kept alive and values to be passed on from one generation to the next (Medicine is not only a science we learn, but a flame we carry and a legacy we pass on).

As part of the program, the University also officially announced the list of students admitted to the 2026 Medical Residency Student Program. At the same time, the organizers recognized and awarded scholarships to freshmen who achieved outstanding admission results in the recent enrollment period, encouraging them to continue striving for academic excellence.
 

Students receiving residency scholarships
 

Some of the scholarships awarded at the Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony came to a close, while at the same time marking the beginning of a new chapter. For the freshmen, this event was more than the start of a new academic year; it marked the beginning of a period of developing professional competence and personal growth as they work toward becoming healthcare professionals with both compassion and intellect.

There are still many stories, memorable moments, and special highlights from this Opening Ceremony that PCTU will share in upcoming articles. Stay tuned and join the PCTU community in celebrating these moments, and watch for the next post to download the event photos!