The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has inducted 48 first set of trained medical doctors from the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.

The 48 doctors had graduated from the university’s College of Medical Sciences, according to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule.

Speaking at the maiden induction ceremony in Port Harcourt, the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara urged the doctors to be guided by the ethics of their profession and ensure that they give back to society.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy Chukwuma, the governor promised to revive all abandoned health projects across the state to meet the needs of the people.

He stated, “Be innovators, problem solvers and leaders. Give back to your community, address unique healthcare challenges and contribute to developing our healthcare infrastructure.

“Use your knowledge and skill to uplift others, promote health equity and make our world a better place. Congratulations as you make us proud.”

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the MDCN, Dr Fatima Kyari told the doctors that their induction marks the beginning of their journey as medical doctors.

Dr Kyari reminded them that the medical profession is a calling, not a business, describing the first set of doctors produced by the RSU as pacesetters.

She stated, “The Rivers State University College of Medical Sciences has grown remarkably in leaps and bounds in the past few years. So has the respect of its faculty. This comes with several privileges because your faculty and your council are respected all over the world.

“What your group (the 48 doctors) symbolizes is individuals who have led the way, serving as examples for others to follow. I want you to remember that the world of healthcare is ever-evolving, not only in Nigeria, and that you will face challenges that will test your resolve and ingenuity.

“It is a challenge all over the world. Rise and face those challenges. We must have the mindset to adapt and to turn those challenges into opportunities, to transform, to grow, to innovate, and to advocate for our patients.

“The council will register you immediately after this induction once we receive your signed oath forms and you will use that registration to also register on the housemanship portal.”

Noting that housemanship is the most important period of their practice as doctors, she urged them to put in their best, saying, “I welcome you all as we induct the newest

and the first set of medical graduates of Rivers State University into our noble profession of medicine.”

The MDCN Registrar thereafter administered the medical oath and the pledge to the doctors, after which she said, “My dear colleagues, you are welcome,” pointing out that the code of conduct of medical doctors would be handed over to them.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of RSU, Prof. Okogbule described the induction of the 48 medical doctors as historic and re echoed the MDCN boss’ appellation of them as ‘pace setters.’

To the doctors, the VC said, “They have demonstrated commitment, focus and resilience by having successfully gone through the rigorous medical training at the university.”

Congratulating them, he said, “It must be placed on record that the commencement of the medical programme and conclusion of the same was done within the prescribed period of six years. No year was lost in the course of their training. And the university kept faith with all the timelines and deadlines given by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.”

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the best graduates in each of the disciplines, including the overall best graduating medical student.