Posted on: Thu 19-09-2013

The College of Medical Science of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has held its 37th Physician Oath-taking ceremony at      the Cultural Centre in Calabar, Cross River State capital.                  

A female inductee, Dr Essiet Inimfon, emerged as the best graduating student. She was presented with the Provost prize, BK Foundation and Dr Isabell Inyang Memorial Prize for Surgery.                       

In his operung remark, Vice Chancellor, Prof James Epoke, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics, Prof Austin Obiekezie, reiterate the varsity's commitment to training excellent medical doctors that would transform the nation's   health sector.                               

He advised the medical doctors to be worthy ambassadors of the university, adding that they should not   toy with their academic achievements.                                          

The Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Prof Saturday Etuk, praised the efforts of parents and lecturers for making the event possible. He congratulated the new medical doctors for overcoming the difficulties that accompanied their training,   urging them to work hard.                               

In a lecture titled: My journey so far and where do I go from here Prof  Etetim  Asuquo described the medical profession as "the most regulated, client-oriented bur\t less rewarding" vocation.

He challenged inductees to embrace self development and strive for excellence, saying they should shun unethical practices such as issuing sick certificate to unknown patients, issuing death certificate to living people, carrying out procedures without examining patients, among others.

The Registrar, Medical Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr AA Ibrahim called on the graduands to abide by ethical standards of the profession, stressing that the hallrriark of a good doctor is professionalism.  He warned them to avoid sharp practices, adding that the council take disciplinary actions on defaulters. 

Chief Medical Director, UCTH, Dr Thomas Agan, advised the new medical doctors to be good ambassadors of the institution.

The Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Cross River chapter, represented by Dr Innocent Abiang, congratulated the graduands for successfully completing their medical studies. He urged  them not to betray the confidence  reposed on them by the institution.   Prof Maurice Asuquo, Dean of Faculty of Clinical Sciences, advised the medical doctors to acquire more training, adding that it will keep them abreast of developments in  the field.

Some of the medical doctors, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, said they were full of appreciation to God for scaling through the hurdles.

---

---