Renowned plastic surgeon and Emeritus Professor, Dr. Frank Akpuaka, has commended Nigeria-trained medical doctors for their exceptional performance globally. He made this statement during the maiden induction and oath-taking ceremony for 16 pioneer medical doctors trained by Rhema University Aba (RUA), Abia State. Akpuaka noted that Nigerian-trained doctors have continued to distinguish themselves internationally through their contributions to the medical profession.
The ceremony, which was attended by various stakeholders, marked a significant milestone for RUA as it inducted its pioneer batch of medical doctors. Akpuaka, who served as the Guest Lecturer, presented a paper titled "The Sublime Traditions of the Medical Profession." He congratulated the university on successfully producing its pioneer batch of medical doctors and charged them to uphold the highest ethical standards in their practice.
Akpuaka warned that careless handling of sexual and financial matters remained among the major sources of moral turpitude in the medical profession. He urged the doctors to maintain integrity and discipline, stressing that medicine should not be regarded merely as a money-making profession. According to him, a good doctor must be humane, highly disciplined, and polished, while pursuing wealth transparently and ethically.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), represented by Dr. Mandaka Tijjani, inducted the 16 pioneer medical doctors and administered the medical practice oath. Tijjani noted that the inductees had been granted provisional registration as medical doctors, pending the successful completion of the mandatory one-year uninterrupted housemanship programme. This programme is a requirement for their full registration and certification as members of the medical profession.
Tijjani reminded the doctors that their right to practise medicine came with responsibilities, including compliance with MDCN rules and regulations, payment of annual practising dues, respect for senior colleagues, and continuous professional education. He also advised graduates planning to relocate abroad to seek appropriate professional guidance and obtain the necessary clearances before leaving the country.
The 16 inductees, comprising 11 females and five males, were trained by RUA's College of Medicine and Health Sciences. The Founder and Chancellor of RUA, Bro Emma Okorie, expressed confidence that the graduating doctors would represent the institution positively in their professional careers. The Provost of the RUA College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor Madu Awa, commended Okorie for providing the leadership and resources required to bring the medical school to fruition.
The overall best graduating medical doctor, Dr. Ugwokaegbe Anointing Chidubem, expressed appreciation to the university's founder, management, lecturers, and other workers for their contributions to the successful training of the pioneer class. She pledged that the graduates would approach the next stage of their careers with dedication and a commitment to serving humanity with empathy, excellence, and high professional standards.
Key points
- Nigerian-trained doctors have earned a strong international reputation and are highly sought after globally.
- Dr. Frank Akpuaka charges new doctors to uphold the highest ethical standards and maintain integrity and discipline in their practice.
- The 16 pioneer medical doctors from RUA have been granted provisional registration and must complete a one-year housemanship programme for full registration.
