By Usman Aliyu
The Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, has urged 400-Level medical students of the institution to uphold humility, discipline and compassion as they begin the clinical phase of their training.
Ezemonye made the call on Wednesday in Okada, Edo, at the institution’s 8th White Coat Ceremony for the students, transitioning from pre-clinical to clinical training.
The vice-chancellor warned the students that the prestige of medicine came with a weighty moral burden.
“In medicine, pride is a poor prognosis for success,” Ezemonye said, as the students donned their white coats.
He described the symbol as “a badge of competence and a cloak of compassion.”
He reminded them that stepping into the wards as senior medical students meant becoming custodians of trust at a time when patients were most vulnerable.
“You will meet patients who are scared, in pain and vulnerable. Approach every case with diligence. Do not be in a hurry to graduate without learning.
“In the rush of modern medicine, the art of listening is dying, but it is often the best diagnostic tool,” he said.
The vice-chancellor stressed that the ceremony was not a mere academic ritual but a public declaration of ethical commitment.
“You are not merely changing your mode of dress; you are declaring your commitment to the art and science of medicine,” he stated.
Ezemonye called for a strict adherence to integrity, punctuality and professional appearance in the wards.
In his address, Prof. Dominic Osaghae, Provost, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II College of Health Sciences, reinforced the message of discipline, describing the medical profession as solemn and demanding.
“You are entering a profession that demands time consciousness and proper conduct,” he said.
He added that the university had remained consistent in sustaining the White Coat tradition to impress on students the seriousness of their calling.
Dean of the School of Basic Clinical Sciences, Prof. Taiwo Balogun, revealed that the university has produced over 3,000 medical doctors practising globally, and charged the students to justify that legacy.
“The medical profession is noble. You must be excellent in science, but you must also live a life of uprightness, honour and humility. Your patients are your priority,” she said.
Guest lecturer, Prof. Gerald Eze, took the advisory tone further, cautioning the students that clinical medicine would test their endurance and character.
“You are going to be handling the most precious thing God created, the human being.
“The engineer handles machines, but you will handle the engineer,” he said.
Drawing from personal experience, Eze emphasised that professionalism and compassion must define their conduct.
“You must force yourself to be kind. You must force yourself to listen.
“Patients want to know what is happening to them. Respect them. Keep their information confidential,” he advised.
The guest lecturer warned that delays, indiscipline or lack of empathy could have fatal consequences.
“One minute late can mean losing a patient,” he said, urging them to take punctuality seriously.
Eze also prepared the students for the emotional realities of clinical practice.
“You will see suffering. You will see death. Some patients will recover; some will die under your watch.
“You must find the strength to continue caring for those who are alive,” he said, describing medicine as not just a profession but a vocation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni
