Yesterday, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) inducted 74 doctors from Babcock University’s Ben Carson College of Health and Medical Sciences in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
Out of the new recruits, 16 had distinctions, and two were granted certificates of excellence for having seven distinctions in courses such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Internal Medicine and Surgery, Physiology.
They are Dr. Victoria Ishola and Christiana Maconi. They each earned a cash prize of N200,000.
Speaking at the 8th induction ceremony for newly qualified medical doctors, held at the College of Health and Medical Sciences Auditorium, the university’s President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, reminded the doctors that they are entering a challenging, delicate, but rewarding profession.
He went on to say that they should approach their future undertakings with the hope that they will be held accountable to God for their humanitarian efforts.
He said that if they can complete their tasks carefully and with the fear of God, lives will be touched and healing will occur as a miracle.
“All your patients must develop a high level of confidence in you as you as you bring to bear your professional expertise and judgement,” he went on to say.
The VC also admonished them to put the interest of Nigeria in high priority and contribute their quota to the development of the nation as it is witnessing mass exodus of medical practitioners at an alarming rate.
“While I may not preach to you that you don’t go for greener pastures, I want to remind you that the nationals of those developed countries, went through huge challenges to get their health and other related services into an enviable standard,” he said.
In his remarks, the Provost of the college, Prof. John Sotunsa advised the graduates to break new grounds and pay the price rather than being contented with what others have done, adding that they should live a life of purposeful blessing.
He also admonished them to learn to receive from their team members others by associating with people of vision.
“Life is not only about giving. No one has anything that has not been given to him. No man is an island, the greatest you can be is a peninsula. If you continue to give without receiving, you will become dry, and may burn out. Develop a good social network and your network will sky-rocket. Dwell with diligence and accountability will be your pre-fix and integrity will be your post-fix,” Sotunsa stressed.
Sotunsa who is also the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, MDCN, advised the doctors to abide by the rules and ethics of the medical profession saying that by so doing, despite any challenges, they will be vindicated.
“If you stand by the rules you will succeed, but if anyone feels aggrieved and you are brought before the council for any negative issues, you may lose your license to practice,” he stated.
A medical Missionary, Dr. Akintomiwa Obisanya stated that the new doctors should see their calling as a ministry to save lives, adding that no school can prepare them better than Babcock University.