The Founder and Vice-Chancellor of the Family Health University (FAUNIA), Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, has challenged newly admitted medical students to cultivate intellectual curiosity, diligence, perseverance and clinical excellence as they begin their journey towards becoming professional doctors.
He said the medical profession demanded more than academic brilliance, stressing that students must develop the discipline, integrity, resilience and compassion required to deliver quality healthcare and safeguard human lives.
Addressing students at the matriculation and White Coat Ceremony in Accra, Professor Kwawukume reminded the matriculants that their admission marked the beginning of a demanding intellectual and professional journey.
The ceremony was held on the theme: "The Making of Tomorrow's Doctor: Intellectual Curiosity, Diligence, Bulldog Tenacity of Purpose and Clinical Excellence."
Students
A total of 85 students from the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) and the regular six-year medical programme, were formally matriculated and received their white coats at the ceremony.
Professor Kwawukume urged the students not to approach medical education merely as an exercise in memorising facts to pass examinations but to develop enquiring minds, ask questions, challenge assumptions respectfully, read widely and engage actively with lecturers and colleagues.
He emphasised the importance of understanding the principles behind what they learn, noting that medical education must connect teaching, research and clinical practice.
He further encouraged the students to manage their time effectively, participate actively in academic activities, seek assistance when confronted with difficulties and uphold the highest standards of academic honesty.
Commitment
According to him, the Family Health University was committed to providing an academic environment that promotes lifelong learning, teamwork, integrity, compassion, innovation, leadership, professionalism and inclusiveness.
On the significance of the white coat, Professor Kwawukume explained that it represented more than professional identity or status, describing it as a reminder of the obligations and responsibilities that came with the privilege of studying medicine.
He urged the students to wear their white coats with pride and humility, while demonstrating discipline and an unwavering commitment to serving humanity.
Embrace
The Dean of the University of Ghana Medical School, Professor Yvonne Dei-Adomakoh, who was the guest speaker, challenged the students to embrace continuous learning, discipline and compassion as essential ingredients for becoming competent medical professionals.
She observed that medicine was constantly evolving, with new diseases emerging, treatments developing and scientific understanding of the human body expanding.
She, therefore, cautioned the students against limiting their studies to lecture notes and examination requirements, urging them to read extensively, participate in research and take advantage of mentorship opportunities.
Diligence
On diligence, Professor Dei-Adomakoh said medical training required commitment, discipline, hard work and effective time management, warning that carelessness and inadequate preparation could have serious consequences for patient safety.
The Council Chairman of Family Health University, Brigadier General Daniel K. Frimpong (Rtd), congratulated the newly admitted students and urged them to allow the values of the institution to shape their character and professional conduct.
