By Prince Acquah
Cape Coast, Nov. 22, GNA – The School of Medical Sciences of the University of Cape Coast (UCCSMS) has officially ushered 169 medical students into clinical training at the school’s 15th White Coat ceremony.
The ceremony symbolises the start of the student’s journey into practical medicine and at this stage, they are entrusted with real patients rather than mannequins.
The students, now in level 400, were formally robed in the traditional doctor’s white coat before they were led by Prof Ivy K. Ekem, a former Dean of UCCSMS, to take the UCCSMS oath.
Prof Sebastian Eliason, the Dean of UCCSMS, noted that the ceremony symbolised the commitment of the students to professionalism, ethical practice, and the compassionate care for patients.
He emphasised that UCCSMS produced doctors who were adequately equipped with all the 21st century skills and competencies using comprehensive curricula which taught them creativity, critical thinking, technology, and leadership, among others.
“UCCSMS provides the enabling environment that nurtures students to make a difference and be the best among their peers wherever they may find themselves in the world,” he said.
He entreated the students to commit to lifelong learning and participate in community service to enhance their understanding of the impact of health care on the society.
“With our community-based experience and service and our problem-based learning, together with our ICT and simulation, I believe that you will emerge as the best and among the best globally,” he said.
Prof Martins Ekor, Provost of the College of Health and Allied Sciences (CoHAS), noted that the college was expanding the frontiers of health care through the training of competent health care professionals and scientists in diverse disciplines.
“We are committed to equipping students with the knowledge and skills in a rapidly changing environment.
We have innovative curricula designed to prepare our students for the future of the health care profession.
He said the students of the college were being trained to become the next generation of thinkers and health care practitioners capable of innovating in the face of new challenges, like post-COVID.
Prof Ekor noted the CoHAS had experienced significant progress under the leadership of Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong, the Vice Chancellor, citing massive improvement in facility and infrastructure across the university.
He announced, among other developments, that the college introduced its School of Public Health this year and upgraded the Department of Optometry and Vision Science to the status of a school.
“Efforts are underway to roll out more demand-driven professional and academic programmes,” he added.
He eulogised the Vice Chancellor for the many successes the College had recorded under his leadership.
Dr Joseph Kojo Tambil, the Medical Director of Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the Western Region, offered a word of advice to the students and entreated them to humble themselves and learn from the professionals on the field.
He urged them to always be punctual and carry a decent appearance to attract the needed deference.
He also emphasised patients’ right to privacy and urged the trainee doctors to always respect it.
To be a successful doctor, he advised them to manage themselves properly and identify and work on their weaknesses as everybody was fallible.
“As a good doctor, you must be a good and active team member who seeks help from others and help others,” he said.
“Again, remember that whatever you do must be hinged on justice; don’t ever discriminate against any patient because of their appearance or background,” he advised.
“Have a mentor who will guide your path through your journey,” he added.
The inductees made presentations to the various departments of the school in appreciation of their impact on them.
GNA