UNICAL VC charges new doctors, dentists on compassionate healthcare delivery

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Professor Offiong E. Offiong, has charged newly inducted medical and dental graduates of the institution to make empathy and compassion the foundation of their professional practice as they begin their careers in healthcare.

Prof Offiong gave the charge during the 56th Physicians’ Oath-Taking Ceremony (Sponsio Academica) for medical and dental graduates held at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre in Calabar.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Ekaette Enang, the vice-chancellor congratulated the 92 medical graduates and 18 dental graduates on the successful completion of their studies and induction into the medical profession.

He noted that the University of Calabar has earned a reputation for producing highly skilled and competent medical practitioners who have continued to distinguish themselves globally, expressing confidence that the new graduates would sustain the institution’s tradition of excellence.

The vice-chancellor urged the inductees to allow empathy and compassion to define their service by listening attentively to patients, demonstrating kindness, and maintaining a genuine commitment to helping those in need.

“Be great ambassadors of this institution. Emulate those who have gone before you and the worthy character of your lecturers who have laboured to produce you. I pray that God gives you the mind to serve and work according to the ethics and oath you are taking today,” he said.

In his remarks, the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Professor Ngim E. Ngim, commended the graduates for their dedication, perseverance and commitment throughout their academic journey despite numerous challenges.

He urged them to remain loyal to their alma mater, uphold the ethical standards of the medical profession, and place patients at the centre of their practice.

Professor Ngim also lauded parents and guardians for their sacrifices and appreciated the university management for creating an enabling environment that enhanced the quality of training received by the graduates.

The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Fatima Kyari, represented by Enejo Abdul, charged the newly inducted doctors to shun all forms of unethical conduct and discharge their duties with discipline, integrity and professionalism.

Delivering the 56th Sponsio Academica Lecture titled, “The Noble Calling of Medicine: Maintaining Excellence, Ethics and Empathy,” Professor Maxwell U. Anah described medicine as a noble profession devoted to preserving life, alleviating suffering and serving humanity with compassion and integrity.

He stressed that excellence in medicine requires lifelong learning, professionalism, teamwork and resilience, adding that doctors who uphold these values would be better positioned to provide quality healthcare and make meaningful contributions to society.

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Professor Anah further urged the new physicians to uphold the nobility of the profession through excellence, ethics, empathy, humility and integrity, while continually seeking knowledge and mentorship opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, the valedictorian, Dr Ziregbe Eshemitan, expressed appreciation to the university management, the College of Medical Sciences, lecturers and mentors for the quality education and training they received.

She pledged that the graduates would remain committed to the ideals of the medical profession and dedicate themselves to the service of humanity.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Professor Ikpeme A. Ikpeme; Acting Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, Dr Emmanuel Aniekan Essien; Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Cross River State Branch, Dr Ezoke Epoke; and the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk.