MDCN swears in 81 doctors in A’Ibom

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Fatima Kyari has sworn in 81 new doctors at the University of Uyo.

Speaking on Tuesday in Uyo during the 22nd Physicians’ Oath-Taking Ceremony, Dr Kyari, the 10th and first female Registrar in 61 years of MDCN’s existence, said Nigerian doctors are sorted out worldwide.

Kyari, who stated that Nigerian-trained doctors are the highest second expatriate doctors practising in the United Kingdom, said she regularly signs off international verification for Nigerian doctors who want to practice outside the country.

While calling on Nigerian doctors to look inward to resolve the issues that are making them leave the country, she urged the new doctors to take their oath seriously and work hard, as they have a lot to contribute to the development of Nigeria.

“It is the firm validation of our medical training, that our training is excellent, that our doctors are sort out all over the world.

“In the UK, Nigerian doctors, trained in Nigeria are currently the highest second expatriate doctors practising. It is not a thing of a job; our doctors are leaving.

“Apart from saying the condition is this and that, can we look inwards, can we look at how we can make ourselves stay, appreciate what we have and also scale up our training and numbers,” she stated.

In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, urged the graduands to commit to continuous research and practice to stay relevant in the field due to the constant evolution and advances in medical science.

“Medical education in the University of Uyo is very comprehensive. We strive always to provide and produce highly skilled, compassionate and innovative healthcare professionals who are well-equipped to meet the evolving challenges in the medical field.

“The theme of today’s ceremony is “The Significance of Lifelong Learning in the Medical Profession” and this underscores the importance of continuous learning in the medical field, which is particularly relevant as medicine, more than any other field, is in a state of constant evolution. Advances in medical science, emerging diseases, new technologies and shifting healthcare paradigms demand that you, as upcoming physicians, commit yourself to continuous research and practice that will enable you to be relevant in the field.

“In embracing lifelong learning, it is incumbent upon you to be curious and relentlessly pursue additional knowledge, technique and professional expertise daily to discover more modern and simplified methods of handling cases and placing value on humanity.

“We encourage you to embrace every opportunity to learn, continually develop yourself, and to keep abreast with modern medical practices. Let me quickly add here that this is one profession that requires you to work In partnership with God Almighty who is the owner and provider of wisdom,” he stated.

While speaking, Provost, College of Health Sciences, Uniuyo, Prof Enobong Ikpeme said the new doctors were the highest graduands the institution has ever had.

Ikpeme urged the doctors to take the Hippocratic Oath seriously and make it the guiding principle in their medical practice.

“I deeply congratulate these bright and beautiful conquerors for going through this arduous journey and today is full of joy, excitement and fulfilment. For the first time also, we have the highest number of graduands – (Eighty-One) we are growing.

“The Hippocratic Oath” dates back to the third and fourth centuries, but it has gone through revisions over decades. It is an oath of ethical obligations and professional behaviour of a Medical Doctor to their patients and the wider society. This, therefore, must be taken very seriously by you and from now henceforth you must keep the oath close to your heart as a guiding principle in your medical practice,” she stated.

While welcoming the Registrar, Prof Ikpeme requested an advisory visit and accreditation of its new programme in dentistry.

She commended the Vice Chancellor and management team for supporting the medical school, especially in granting its requests with passion and precision.