Kaohsiung Medical University Holds Inaugural Public Health Robe-Donning Ceremony

Kaohsiung Medical University's (KMU) Department of Public Health marked a significant milestone by holding its first "robe-donning ceremony" to celebrate its 40th anniversary. This inaugural event saw 57 students don short white coats, symbolizing their commitment to the public health profession and their transition from academic learning to practical application.

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Wearing the short white coat is not just a display of professional identity, but also represents the willingness to use public health professional knowledge and public mission to work on safeguarding people's health, preventing diseases, and promoting health equity.

The ceremony was inspired by the Taipei City Public Health Professionals Association's advocacy for short white coats as the professional attire for public health practitioners. KMU's initiative aims to imbue students with a strong sense of professional identity. Wearing the short white coat signifies not only a professional status but also a dedication to utilizing public health expertise to safeguard community health, prevent diseases, and promote health equity.

The event was particularly meaningful for both third-year and fourth-year students. For third-year students, who are preparing for internships, the ceremony marked a crucial step from classroom studies to real-world public health practice. For fourth-year students, nearing graduation, it served as a blessing and encouragement as they face the national public health professional examination and the challenges of professional practice.

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We hope that after donning the robes, students can hold themselves accountable as aspiring public health professionals, bringing the knowledge, abilities, and values accumulated in school to the internship and practical fields.

Sheu Hui-min, Chair of KMU's Department of Public Health, expressed her hopes that students would hold themselves to high standards as aspiring public health professionals, carrying the knowledge, skills, and values acquired at the university into their internships and future careers. Weng Rui-hong, President of the Taipei City Public Health Professionals Association, also encouraged the students, emphasizing that the robe-donning ceremony highlights the professional role and social value of public health professionals. He expressed a shared vision of collectively building a healthier, more equitable, and resilient Taiwan.

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Through the robe-donning ceremony, see the professional role and social value of public health professionals, and jointly build a healthier, more equitable, and more resilient Taiwan in the future.