The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), Osun State, Prof. Akeem Olawale Lasisi, alongside senior academics, has urged medical students to embrace compassion, professionalism, and ethical conduct as they embark on their clinical training. This call was made during the White Coat Ceremony organized for Part IV medical students of the College of Medicine, following a week-long preceptorship programme aimed at preparing them for the transition from pre-clinical to clinical studies.
Significance of the White Coat Ceremony
Speaking at the event, Prof. Lasisi described the ceremony as a pivotal milestone in the students' academic journey, marking their shift from classroom-based learning to direct patient interaction in clinical settings. He noted that the students had successfully completed their pre-clinical training and passed the first professional examination, qualifying them to commence clinical studies. "The white coat ceremony is organized to sensitize students to the responsibilities that come with clinical training. From this stage, they will be seeing patients in wards, clinics, and operating theatres. They must therefore demonstrate professionalism, discipline, and empathy in their interactions with patients and colleagues," he said.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the one-week preceptorship programme exposed the students to the ethics of clinical medicine, patient care, professional hierarchy, and various career pathways within the medical profession. He urged the students to remain dedicated, conscientious, and committed to the values of medicine throughout their training and future careers.
Keynote Lecture on Medicine as a Vocation
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Ibadan and Director of the College of Medicine Education Unit, Prof. Augustine Adeolu, challenged the students to view medicine as a vocation rather than merely a profession. Adeolu emphasized that successful doctors are distinguished not only by their knowledge and technical competence but also by their compassion and commitment to patient welfare. "Medicine is about human beings. It is about compassion, empathy, and service. A successful doctor is a passionate doctor. To excel in clinical training, students must understand and uphold the ethics and traditions of medicine, remain hardworking, dedicated, and committed to continuous self-improvement," the professor said.
Adeolu urged the students to cultivate discipline, plan their careers early, embrace lifelong learning, and maintain healthy relationships with patients, teachers, and other healthcare professionals. He also highlighted the importance of self-evaluation, adequate rest, and balanced social activities, noting that medical training demands both intellectual and emotional resilience.
Historic Event for Pioneer Clinical Students
The Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Oyelami Oyeku, described the event as historic, noting that the students constitute the institution's pioneer set of clinical medical students. The provost said the ceremony was designed not only to celebrate their academic achievement but also to reinforce the values and character required of future medical practitioners. "These students have passed their first professional examination and are now being formally welcomed into the clinical phase of medicine. Beyond academic excellence, we want them to develop the right attitude, ethics, and professional conduct that will guide them throughout their careers," Oyeku said.
He added that the university invited an accomplished medical professional to mentor the students and provide guidance on career development, leadership, and professional excellence.
