The School of Medicine (SoM), University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho (UHAS) held its 3rd White Coat ceremony for 73 fourth year Medical Students. The ceremony is a rite of passage organized for medical students which ushers them from the pre-clinical phase of their training to the clinical phase.
In his introductory remarks, Professor John Owusu Gyapong, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS, stated that, the students have successfully completed their pre-clinical training, which is done mainly in the lecture halls and laboratories. Hence, they are now ready academically and psychologically to begin the next phase where they will be required to apply their knowledge in the basic sciences when they come into contact with patients on the wards and in the operating theatres.
Professor Kwabena Antwi Danso, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), who was the Guest Speaker said, his first visit to UHAS was in July, 2019 where he led a team of external examiners for the final examination of students in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the School of Medicine. He said, the team of examiners was unanimously and pleasantly impressed with the performance of the students they examined and all the 41 students passed with very good marks.
Professor Kwabena Antwi Danso said, the white coat is a symbol of commitment to compassionate care, scientific rigor and the identification with health care activities. He stated that, the white coat as worn by physicians or medical doctors in particular is also a reminder of their professional duties as prescribed in the Hippocratic Oath which is sworn and also enjoins them to human practice, professional uprightness and honor.
He admonished the class of 2022 of the School of Medicine that, they should view the ceremony as a solemn occasion and a time for deep reflection introspection and commitment to patient care and service to humanity.
The Deputy Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council, Dr. Divine Banyubala who administered the UHAS School of Medicine Oath to the 73 fourth year medical students, also admonished them to inculcate the culture of learning and practice.
Professor Harry Tagbor, Dean of UHAS School of Medicine (SoM) stated that, the White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of the clinical training of Medical Students. However, it does not symbolize an induction into a class of elite academics rather; it is a great privilege which comes with serious responsibilities. He advised the students to always remember that, the beauty and essence of medicine lies in the personal and precious interactions between the physician and the patients they serve.
Mr. Agyenkwah Mintah Amoah, the class representative expressed the gratitude of the students to Management, Faculty and Administrators. He also congratulated his fellow students for enduring till this point in their academic life and wished them all the best in the remaining years ahead of them to finish their studies.
In attendance were Parents of the students, Deans, Directors, Senior Members, Staff, and Students of UHAS.