The College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, on Wednesday, inducted 38 fresh medical doctors during its 16th Batch B induction ceremony.
The new doctors were administered the Hippocratic Oath by the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Prof. Fatima Kyari, represented by the Assistant Registrar of the council, Mr Tijani Mandaka.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kyari urged the newly inducted doctors to maintain cordial relationships with other healthcare professionals, particularly 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,” he advised.
She encouraged the inductees to begin their mandatory one-year housemanship programme immediately after obtaining their provisional licences from the MDCN.
According to her, provisional registration certificates are valid for only two years, warning that any doctor who fails to complete the housemanship within the stipulated period, may be required to sit for an assessment examination by the council.
She also reminded the new doctors of the need to renew their practising licences annually and adhere strictly to professional ethics.
Also speaking, Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Uchenna Ekwochi, described the institution as “the best college of medicine in Nigeria,” stressing that the quality of training and facilities distinguished the institution.
“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 college remained unique because its classrooms, hostels and teaching hospital were located within the same environment, enabling students to have 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 a core value of the institution.
“If you mess up, we will show you the way out,” he warned.
He disclosed that 14 students had previously been dismissed for poor performance and indiscipline.
The provost encouraged the newly inducted doctors to embrace humility, diligence and specialisation in their chosen medical fields.
Ekwochi also advised them to take care of their health and appreciate the sacrifices made by their parents and guardians throughout their medical education.
According to him, the college required more support from individuals, organisations and corporate bodies to improve infrastructure, lecture theatres, simulation laboratories and alternative energy supply.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloysius Okolie, charged the graduands and lecturers to maintain discipline and uphold the reputation of the university.
Okolie warned that any misconduct by graduates or lecturers could lead to withdrawal of certificates or dismissal from service.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Okechukwu Oji, congratulated the inductees for their resilience and determination in completing the rigorous medical training.
He described the medical profession as an elite and demanding profession that required 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 in their professional conduct and become worthy ambassadors of the institution and the country wherever they found themselves.
In his induction lecture, Prof. Anthony Okonkwo, the Director, Centre for Applied Psychology and Public Health Research in Africa, advised the newly inducted doctors to imbibe responsibility, humility, empathy and ethical conduct in handling patients.
