The School of Medicine (SoM), University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho (UHAS) held its Second White Coat ceremony for 55 fourth year Medical Students. The ceremony marks the transition of the medical students from the pre-clinical phase of their training to the clinical phase.
Dr. Ama Edwin, a senior lecturer of UHAS School of Medicine, who gave the purpose for the ceremony said among other things that the donning of the white coat symbolizes professionalism and dedication to duty.
Dr. Timothy Letsa, the Volta Regional Director of Health Services, who was the Guest Speaker, said the presence of the medical students in the health facilities presents them with varied real life situations of lessons taught in the class room.
He schooled the celebrants on some values of the medical profession, as he counseled them to be loyal and care for the well-being of humanity. He said they should be guided by the values of Cooperation, Empathy, Integrity, Confidentiality and Self Sacrifice. He further admonished the students to abide by the rules, regulations and protocols of the various health care institutions that they will be accessing for the rest of their training.
Professor Harry Tagbor, Dean of UHAS School of Medicine (SoM), stated that the students are the second badge of the medical programme in UHAS, who have successfully completed their pre-clinical training in basic sciences and ready for their clinical training. He said, “The White Coat Ceremony is the First Step in a Journey of Professional Development” and assured the students that, the curriculum of UHAS School of Medicine is very comprehensive and there is no doubt that each of the students will thrive.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor John Owusu Gyapong called on Government to expedite action on the constitution of the Ho Teaching Hospital Board in order to enable the Hospital and the University attract much needed consultants and other specialists for the training of UHAS students.
He beseeched parents to invest in their wards and also support them emotionally and financially. He further advised the students to be humble enough to learn from other health practitioners irrespective of their rank.
Mr. Abubakar Saliu, the class representative, expressed the gratitude of the students to Management, Faculty and Administrators.
The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council, Dr. E. K. Atikpui who administered the UHAS School of Medicine Oath to the 55 fourth year medical students, also admonished them to ensure that they maintain the highest standards in all their endeavours.
The ceremony’s highlights were when mentors assist students to wear their white coats, which symbolises compassion for patients and professionalism; and the students’ swearing of the UHAS School of Medicine Oath.
The ceremony was chaired by Dr. John Tampouri, Medical Director, Volta Regional Hospital. He also urged the students to respect the oath they have sworn. Dr. Tampouri added that the oath will guide them throughout their professional life.
In attendance were Deans, Directors, Senior Members, Staff, Parents and Students.