COOU urges 81 newly inducted doctors to uphold professional ethics

By Tobias Ekirika

A total of 81 newly graduated medical doctors from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University College of Medicine (COOUCOM) were formally inducted into the medical profession, with a strong call to uphold professionalism, empathy, and integrity in their practice.

The 12th induction ceremony, held at the Pathology Auditorium, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka, marked a significant milestone as the graduates transitioned from students to practicing healthcare professionals. 

Dr. Chioma Karen Njelita emerged as the overall best-graduating student, earning 7 distinctions across key medical disciplines, and receiving several awards for her academic excellence.

The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha, congratulated the inductees; saying that it is not easy to pass through the College of Medicine of the university.

She urged them to represent their alma mater very well by practicing what they were taught with dilligence. 

In his address during the  ceremony, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Lawrence Ikeako, congratulated the graduands on their exceptional achievement after 6 years of rigorous study and perseverance. 

He emphasized that the essence of their induction and upcoming housemanship (internship) is to prepare them for independent practice and stressed the importance of upholding patient confidentiality and the code of ethics throughout their careers.

The keynote speaker, Prof. J.I Adimma, urged the new doctors to embrace compassionate care, integrity, and professionalism. 

He acknowledged the challenges within the health sector, but implored the inductees to remain resilient and contribute their skills to improving healthcare in Nigeria.

The event's highlight was the administration of the Hippocratic Oath to the inductees. The oath signifies a lifelong commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards of medical practice and service to humanity.

The ceremony concluded with a sense of accomplishment and a commitment to upholding the values of the profession, as the new doctors prepared to embark on their professional journeys in healthcare.