Be doctors that patients can trust, UI Vice Chancellor tells new doctors

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, has told the 32 new doctors and dental surgeons the university added to Nigeria’s health workforce to be doctors that patients can trust and the innovators that the medical profession needs.

Professor Adebowale gave the charge at the induction ceremony into the medical and dental professions for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Batch B graduating class of 2024, and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Batch B graduating class of 2024.

Adebowale, who was represented by the provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, said that they were stepping into a world that needs their skills, compassion, and innovation and therefore should make the university proud of them.

He said that the newly inducted doctors into the medical profession must go beyond being great doctors but also strive to also be innovators.

“The world of medicine is evolving rapidly, and we face health challenges today that require new ideas, new technologies, and new solutions.

“I challenge you to think beyond the status quo, to go beyond what is known, and to strive to be the innovators of the next generation of medical technologies, procedures, and breakthroughs. The future of medicine is in your hands, and we are confident that you will rise to the challenge.”

The Vice Chancellor, however, declared that the university needs assistance for it to continue to be the topmost college of medicine in the country, saying the college’s academic ranking is being threatened by dwindling resources and dilapidating and old structures.

“In these challenging times, particularly in our nation, relying solely on the government to meet all educational needs is unrealistic. We seek the financial support of all present for our projects, which will be complimentary to the great efforts of our alumni and the university despite dwindling resources.”

President of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) Worldwide, Professor Emmanuel Otolorin, told the new doctors to set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound for their life early in their career.

He urged them to cultivate resilience through self-care, peer support, continuous learning, as well as serve with empathy and listen attentively to patients’ concerns, acknowledge their fears and hopes, and treat each person with kindness and respect.

Professor Otolorin, however, asked that they be passionate alumni with a responsibility to nurture the next generation of healthcare leaders.

“Your contributions will enrich the medical school community. The connection to this institution doesn’t end with graduation. Stay engaged and offer guidance,” he said.

Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, speaking through Professor AbiodunAdeoye, urged the new doctors not to attend to the medical/health concerns of patients but also see to their total wellbeing by providing all-round care required to make a wholesome and fulfilled personality.

He said they should be prepared to be accountable for everything they do, be prepared to welcome their patients’ participation in decisions about their care, and be prepared to devote your professional energies not only to your patients’ needs but also to the unmet health needs of society as a whole.

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