By: KALD|Voltaonlinegh.com|
Some 55 medical students of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), School of Medicine have formally begun their clinical training as part of their 6-years journey to becoming medical doctors.
The students, who have completed their three years of pre-clinical studies in basic medical sciences, were ushered into the practical stage of their training at a White Coat ceremony held at the UHAS main campus at Sokode-Lokoe near Ho in the Volta region.
The ceremony which signified the transition of students from the theoretical classroom studies to a practical training in health facilities saw key faculty members dressed up the medical students in white coats with stethoscopes around their necks in readiness for their new task.
Professor Henry Tagbor, Dean of UHAS School of Medicine, said the white coat ceremony, which is the second in the history of the school, was a crucial step in the professional development of medical students.
“You are the our second batch of students to successfully complete your pre-clinical training in the basic sciences and the second to start your clinical training,” he stated and added that, “most of your training will now be conducted on the wards of the hospital. This is you will learn and practice for the rest of your careers.”
Prof. Tagbor hence advised the students to make the best of the practical training and put the knowledge acquired during the pre-clinical training at the service of patients.
The Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Timothy Letsa who was the guest speaker, urged the medical students to uphold professionalism and cooperation in the service of the humanity.
He cautioned them against medical negligence and be guided by the professional code of ethics and operate within the regulatory and policy frameworks of the facilities in which they will be training.
“Quality of care is critical in service delivery and must be held in high esteem. In your practice you must aim at improving health outcomes, minimizing complications and disabilities and above all saving lives,” Dr. Letsa added.
The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council, Dr. Eli Atikpui administered the professional oath to the students and urged them to abide by the tenets of the medical profession and be at the service of patients regardless of their social standings.
He urged parents to continuously support their wards as they enter a challenging phase of their training.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor John Gyapong on his part reiterated the commitment of UHAS management to provide the conducive environment for the training of the medical professional in spite of challenges.
He use the opportunity to remind government to give effect to the conversion of the Volta Regional hospital into a Teaching hospital , by constituting its governing board as soon as possible to facilitate the clinical training of the medical students.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
