Congratulations, Class of 2019! 

The Class of 2019 has been looking forward to this day ever since they started on their Postgraduate Year 1. Even though they are already shouldering the responsibility of young doctors in Singapore's hospitals, the Convocation Ceremony is an important and meaningful rite of passage. Many arrived early with family and friends, ahead of the 2pm event to commemorate the occasion with photo-taking outside NTU's Nanyang Auditorium.

After the Academic Procession has taken their seats on stage and the notes of the National Anthem has faded away, LKCMedicine Dean and President's Chair in Medicine Professor James Best introduced the guest speaker, Professor Chee Yam Cheng. "Prof Chee has dedicated more than 40 years of his life to public healthcare and has played a vital role in steering NHG through its transition into becoming the Regional Health System for Central Singapore. As NHG CEO from 2011-2015, he gave his unwavering support to LKCMedicine, where more than 100 NHG clinicians form part of the School's faculty."

Professor Chee addressed both the LKCMedicine MBBS and National Institute of Education Masters graduates in the room, saying they must ensure the health of the young in their care remains good. To the School graduates in particular, he said, "A new world of patient care await you but the goal of medicine must shift from cure to care. You must take care of your patients' Mind, Body, Spirit, Soul — MBSS, rather than MBBS."

The conferment of the MBBS degree on the Class of 2019 then proceeded in front of their family and loved ones, as well as many proud faculty and staff from LKCMedicine, NTU and Imperial. The graduates were presented by LKCMedicine Vice-Dean (Education) Professor Naomi Low-Beer and Vice-Dean for Clinical Affairs Professor Pang Weng San, receiving their degrees from the Dean Prof Best. The valedictorian and winner of the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal, Anthony SC Teo-Gordon Johnson Gold Medal and the Low Cheng Hock Gold Medal Dr Wee Lin led her cohort to the stage. She was followed by winner of Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award, Chew Chin Hin Gold Medal and Toh Kian Chui Gold Medal Dr Seow Yi Heng; winner of Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award Brian Ho Han Khai, and winner of the Chee Yam Cheng Gold Medal Dr Nicholas Lee Yew Wen.

Valedictorian Dr Wee Lin at the close of the ceremony congratulated both LKCMedicine and NIE graduates and said in her speech, "To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always. I am confident this is what we will continue to strive ahead." She also requested graduates to rise, turn around and applaud their parents, families and faculty.

Presiding Officer Mr Zainul Abidin bin Mohamed Rasheed from the NTU Board of Trustees wrapped up the Convocation with congratulating and wishing the graduates all the best. The graduates then proceeded for more photo-taking and a reception served for bonding and interaction with their family and faculty. We look forward to hearing more about their good work in Singapore's hospitals. Congratulations to the Class of 2019!