The Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), Osun State, has conducted a white coat ceremony for its Part IV medical students. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Akeem Olawale Lasisi, along with senior academics, urged the students to embrace ethics, compassion, dedication, and professionalism as they begin the clinical phase of their medical training.
Significance of the White Coat Ceremony
The ceremony marked the conclusion of a one-week preceptorship programme and formally introduced the students to clinical medicine after they successfully completed the pre-clinical stage and passed the First Professional Examination. The Vice-Chancellor described the white coat ceremony as a crucial milestone in the students' academic journey. He noted that the first three years of medical education focus on basic medical sciences such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, while the clinical years emphasize direct patient care and practical hospital-based learning.
“The white coat ceremony is an occasion to celebrate the success of students who have completed their pre-clinical training and are now crossing into the clinical phase of medicine. For the next three years, they will be exposed to ward rounds, clinics, theatres, and bedside teaching,” Lasisi said. He explained that the one-week preceptorship programme was designed to introduce students to the ethics of clinical medicine, patient care, medical hierarchy, and various career opportunities within the profession.
Lasisi urged the students to remain conscientious, disciplined, and committed to the values of the profession. “They must understand the differences between the pre-clinical and clinical years and demonstrate evidence of imbibing the lessons and values they have been taught during the programme,” he added.
Keynote Lecture on Surviving Clinical School
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “The Requirements for Surviving Clinical School,” Prof. Augustine Adeolu, a Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Ibadan and Director of the College of Medicine Education Unit, emphasized the importance of ethics, dedication, and compassion in medical practice. Adeolu urged the students to understand and comply with the ethics and traditions of medicine, remain hardworking and studious, engage in sincere self-evaluation, and maintain a healthy balance between academic, social, and religious activities.
“Medicine is not just about treating patients; it is about compassion. Students must see medicine as a vocation. That is the only way they can become impactful and successful doctors,” he said. The neurosurgeon noted that the students were being introduced to the realities of clinical medicine, where they would interact directly with patients and work alongside senior colleagues and other healthcare professionals. He urged them to cultivate good relationships with patients, teachers, seniors, and members of the healthcare team while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Adeolu also highlighted the various career pathways available in medicine and encouraged the students to begin early preparations for residency training through self-assessment, goal-setting, and continuous acquisition of knowledge and skills. “A successful career in medicine requires clear goals, self-understanding, and passion. A successful doctor is a passionate doctor,” he stated.
Provost's Remarks
The Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Oyelami Oyeku, described the students as the institution’s pioneer set entering the clinical phase of their training. According to him, the ceremony was organized not only to celebrate their academic achievement but also to strengthen their character and prepare them for the responsibilities ahead. “These are our first set of students. Having passed their first professional examination, it is important to formally recognize them as members of the medical community and expose them to the values and expectations of the profession,” he said.
Oyeku added that accomplished medical professionals were invited to mentor the students and provide practical guidance that would help shape their careers and professional outlook. More than 80 students participated in the preceptorship programme and the white coat ceremony, which attracted members of the university community, medical practitioners, parents, and other stakeholders.
