At the induction and graduating ceremony of the 15th set of Medical Doctors and 5th set of Dental Surgeons of the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) held over the weekend. Prof Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), admonished the new doctors to thirst for knowledge and skills as they begin their journey in the medical profession.
In his words, “do not become overwhelmed as the reality of your calling beckons but conquer your fears and anxiety. I want you to look forward to a bright and fulfilling career and always strive for perfection in all that they do.”
The Acting Provost of LASUCOM, Prof Abiodun Adewuya, in his welcome address, charged the new doctors to note that the utmost in professionalism will always be expected of them and they will not be judged by the number of distinctions and credits they graduated with but by how effective they are able to relieve their patients of their pain and suffering.
He said, “your patients need you to become a healer and to do that, you must take off your white coat, you must recover, embrace and treasure the memory of your shared frail humanity of the dignity in each and every soul; being the only group with the skills to postpone death and prevent the premature loss of life, you must learn to place the needs of your patients ahead of your personal comfort.”
In her motivational speech cum ‘welcome address into the medical profession, the Medical Elder of the day, Prof. Elizabeth Disu, encouraged the inductees of the day to uphold the ethics of the profession as a group and as individuals. She highlighted a few ethical points that should drive their being and these include, taking a stand against covetous practices, having personal accountability, self-integrity, diligence and excellence in all they do.
Prof Disu referred to the medical profession as a ‘calling’ and not just a job. She told them to have a plan in place to excel and fulfil purpose, as they are in a life-long learning profession. She encouraged them to maintain balance between their professional and personal life.
Present at the ceremony were, Honorable Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof Akin Abayomi, represented by Deputy Director Family Health & Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health; the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oyindamola Oke, amongst other dignitaries.
