The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), Osun State, Prof. Akeem Olawale Lasisi, and senior academics have charged medical students to uphold compassion, professionalism and ethical conduct as they begin their clinical training.
The advice was given during the White Coat Ceremony organised for Part IV medical students of the College of Medicine following a week-long preceptorship programme designed to prepare them for the transition from pre-clinical to clinical studies.
Speaking at the event, Lasisi described the ceremony as a significant milestone in the academic journey of the students, noting that it marks their progression from classroom-based learning to direct interaction with patients in clinical settings.
According to him, 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 organised to sensitise 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 the various career pathways available 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.
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 emphasised that successful doctors are distinguished not only by their knowledge and technical competence but also by their compassion and commitment to the welfare of patients.
“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,” he 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.
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.
More than 80 students participated in the preceptorship programme, which culminated in the symbolic presentation of white coats, signifying their formal entry into clinical medicine and their commitment to the principles of professionalism, compassion and ethical medical practice.
