Posted on: Tue 02-03-2021

The Managing Director, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Dr Olufemi Omololu, has said that there is a lot to learn in medicine.

Omololu, who spoke on the sub-topic, ‘Specialisation and Sub-Specialisation,’ at the 2021 young doctor’s mentorship conference organised by the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association said there were lots of opportunities for doctors who specialised.

Omololu advised young doctors to have mentors that would guide them, be diligent and open to learning. He said, “Young doctors should broaden their horizons beyond specialisation; there are lots of medical specialities. For instance, there are over 40 specialities in Canada, over 100 in the United States of America and over 300 in the United Kingdom.”

The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, said post-qualification career options for young doctors was a major issue.

He said many had been disillusioned by their environment and opinions of older doctors, adding that many young doctors shunned some specialities due to lack of mentorship and exposure to the specialty.

He urged the NMA to do more in terms of mentoring and create opportunities that would discourage brain drain.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Zenith Hospitals, Lagos, Dr Olalekan Olatise, said Nigeria’s health sector presents lucrative opportunities to doctors in the business of private medical practice.

“We have a large population, a growing middle class that can pay for services, even if out-of-pocket, and increasing partnership opportunities. “Doctors interested in medical business must position themselves to acquire relevant skills and network,” Olatise said.

The Chairman, Lagos NMA, Dr Adetunji Adenekan, said the growth of young doctors was important to the association.

Adenekan said the conference was held to let young doctors know that there was hope in the horizon for them.

Source: Punch

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