Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has inducted 38 new medical doctors, with officials urging them to uphold professionalism, humility and ethical medical practice.
The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) College of Medicine on Wednesday inducted 38 fresh medical doctors during its 16th Batch B induction ceremony held in Enugu.
The newly inducted doctors were administered the Hippocratic Oath by the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Professor Fatima Kyari, represented by the council’s Assistant Registrar, Tijani Mandaka.
Speaking during the ceremony, Kyari advised the new doctors to maintain cordial relationships with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and physiotherapists.
“Do not be arrogant. Respect everybody in the hospital, especially nurses. If you are humble, you will learn a lot from other professionals in the healthcare system,” she advised.
She urged the inductees to commence their mandatory one-year housemanship programme immediately after obtaining their provisional licences from the MDCN.
According to her, provisional registration certificates remain valid for only two years, warning that any doctor who fails to complete the programme within the stipulated period could be required to sit for an assessment examination by the council.
Kyari also reminded the new doctors of the need to renew their practising licences annually and strictly observe professional ethics.
In his remarks, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Uchenna Ekwochi, described the institution as “the best college of medicine in Nigeria,” stressing that the quality of training and facilities set it apart.
“We are training properly and our products are showing it everywhere in the world. Wherever they are, they are representing us very well,” he said.
Ekwochi noted that the institution remained unique because its classrooms, hostels and teaching hospital were all situated within the same environment, allowing students uninterrupted access to academic and clinical training.
He disclosed that the college recorded eight distinctions in Medical Biochemistry during the last Second MBBS examination, adding that discipline remained one of the institution’s core values.
“If you mess up, we will show you the way out,” he warned.
The provost revealed that 14 students had previously been dismissed over poor academic performance and indiscipline.
He encouraged the newly inducted doctors to embrace humility, hard work and specialisation in their chosen medical fields.
Ekwochi also advised them to prioritise their health and appreciate the sacrifices made by their parents and guardians throughout their medical education.
According to him, the college still requires more support from individuals, organisations and corporate bodies to improve infrastructure, lecture theatres, simulation laboratories and alternative energy supply.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Professor Aloysius Okolie, charged both the graduands and lecturers to maintain discipline and protect the institution’s reputation.
Okolie warned that misconduct by graduates or lecturers could result in withdrawal of certificates or dismissal from service.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Professor Okechukwu Oji, congratulated the inductees for successfully completing the rigorous medical training programme.
He described medicine as an elite and demanding profession that requires sacrifice, continuous learning and commitment to humanity.
“You have a duty of care. At all times, you must do your utmost to serve humanity and make your nation proud,” he said.
Oji urged the graduands to remain ethical and become worthy ambassadors of the institution and Nigeria wherever they find themselves.
Delivering the induction lecture, Professor Anthony Okonkwo, Director of the Centre for Applied Psychology and Public Health Research in Africa, advised the new doctors to imbibe responsibility, humility, empathy and ethical conduct in handling patients.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.