Tears, Prayers, and Perseverance Behind 49 New Doctors' White Coats
Prof. M.K. Tadjudin Auditorium, FK UIN Online News – The 58th Doctor's Oath-Taking Ceremony was filled with emotion as dr. Hanifah Shafa Nugrahtuti, representing 49 newly graduated doctors, shared the challenges and experiences they had faced throughout their medical education at the Faculty of Medicine (FK), UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. The ceremony took place at the Prof. M.K. Tadjudin Auditorium on Wednesday (October 28, 2026). The event also featured a heartfelt message from dr. Dyah Agustina Waluyo, MKM., the parent of dr. Zaafira Khalida Khairunnisa Irwan, who emphasized the importance of lifelong learning in the medical profession.
Reflecting on the long and challenging journey filled with various adjustments and obstacles, dr. Hanifah highlighted the unique difficulties of beginning university during the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking back on the early stages of her undergraduate medical education, she realized that transitioning from high school to university during the pandemic was far more challenging than she had initially imagined.
Furthermore, the Doctor's Oath-Taking Ceremony reminded the graduates that their educational journey had been marked by significant achievements and challenges, from the early stages of medical school to earning their Bachelor of Medicine degrees and progressing through subsequent phases of training.
"We realized that we had successfully completed one chapter of our journey, but another chapter was waiting ahead. It was a phase we had known from the beginning would not be easy: clinical education, or what we commonly refer to as clinical rotations," she stated.
Hanifah explained that the knowledge they had gained throughout their medical education would not end with the oath-taking ceremony. Instead, continuous learning and professional development would remain essential goals throughout their careers. Integrating Islamic values into her message, Hanifah referred to several verses from the Holy Qur'an.
"'Innallaha ma'ana' (Indeed, Allah is with us); Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, 'Innallaha ma'as sabirin' (Indeed, Allah is with the patient); and Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, 'Laa yukallifullahu nafsan illa wus'aha' (Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity). We believe that through our families' prayers and Allah's promises, He will always provide ease in our journey," she explained.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the graduates of the 58th Doctor's Oath-Taking Ceremony, Hanifah conveyed her appreciation and emotions as they finally reached this meaningful milestone.
"And today, we are wearing the white coats we have long dreamed of, now accompanied by the two letters 'dr.' before our names. My friends, let us carry out this responsibility to the best of our abilities and dedicate our intentions solely to seeking Allah's pleasure," she said.
Continuing the ceremony, dr. Dyah Agustina Waluyo, MKM., representing the parents of the graduates, shared her reflections on the demanding journey of medical education. Drawing from her own experiences, she acknowledged the tremendous challenges faced by today's medical students.
"As mentioned earlier, their days have been filled with studying, struggles, and countless assignments. Especially during clinical rotations, I once told dr. Vika that it seemed medical students today faced even greater challenges than we did during our time in medical school. Their workload seemed incredibly heavy. We witnessed how these young doctors struggled not only physically but also emotionally, facing tremendous pressure. It was not uncommon for them to come home, lock themselves in their rooms, and cry. When we asked, 'What's wrong?' they would answer, 'I have an exam tomorrow.' Even until the final moments before the UKMPPD results were announced, many of them were still crying. When I asked why, it was because they were worried," she explained.
Having experienced a similar educational journey, dr. Dyah emphasized that lifelong learning is an essential principle that reflects the continuous responsibility of doctors to expand their knowledge and develop their professional competencies.
"Keep learning because there are still so many fields you need to explore and understand. As the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) would certainly remind you, being a doctor means being a lifelong learner. Your learning journey must not end here. So, my dear children, we hope you will become well-rounded doctors who are compassionate, professional, and competent," she stated.
She also encouraged the graduates to maintain their faith, continue praying, and seek guidance from Allah SWT as medical professionals who integrate Islamic values into their daily practice.
"Never forget to begin your day with a prayer, asking Allah to enlighten your mind, ease your responsibilities, and guide you through your duties. And remember to pray for your patients' recovery. One of my teachers once reminded me when I first began my clinical rotations, 'Never forget to pray for your patients, because it is a sincere prayer that, God willing, will be answered by Allah,'" she concluded.
(MA/NIS)
