New medical doctors graduated by the University of Ilorin and inducted last week have been told to shun the get-rich-quick syndrome by working for their patients and not their pocket.

 

The solemn occasion was a sort of homily for the 103 new doctors who took their Hippocratic oath administered on them by the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council.

 

Dr. Wale Okediran who delivered the guest lecture noted that some of the doctors would be aspiring to acquire wealth as soon as they are inducted into the profession but urged them not to be distracted by the get-rich-quick syndrome.

 

"Give the patient (and yourself) time; time to ask questions, time to reflect, time to allow healing to take place and time to gain autonomy. Give the patient the benefit of doubt. If you can, be optimistic; optimistic patients who feel in charge live longer and feel better", Okediran said.

 

He added, "Work for your patients, not your pocket. Use ward rounds to boost the patients morale, not your own, treat the whole patient, not the disease; question your conscience however strongly it tells you to act; be kind to yourself, you are not an inexhaustible resource."

 

On his part, Provost, College of Health Sciences of the university, Professor Ayodele Omotosho said, "The twenty-first century doctor has to tackle health problems that are both individual and universal. A quick glance at the Nigerian healthcare system immediately reveals some of its strengths and weaknesses.

 

"Social factors may directly or indirectly impact negatively on the health of individuals and the populace. For example, poverty and ignorance affect access to and maximization of available healthcare services. Also bad roads prevent quick access to the hospital and lack of power may cause otherwise avoidable delays with surgical procedures. The recent security challenges, namely kidnapping and terrorism, discourage doctors in the Diaspora from contributing their quota to national development".