Medical Students at Accra College of Medicine Urged to Uphold High Principles

Accra: Professor Aaron Lawson, a Retired Professor of Anatomy at the University of Ghana, has emphasized the importance of upholding high principles for medical students, particularly in caring for patients in their vulnerable moments. His advice was given during the seventh White Coat ceremony at the Accra College of Medicine (ACM) in Accra.

According to Ghana News Agency, medical students should be guided by values such as empathy, lifelong learning, teamwork, resilience, integrity, and self-care. “These are essential guidelines that would guide you throughout your journey as physicians,” he stated. The White Coat ceremony is a significant event that marks the transition of students into the clinical phase of their medical studies. During the ceremony, students received not only their white coats but also stethoscopes and clinical scrubs to enable them to provide quality care to patients.

Professor Lawson explained that the white coat symbolizes responsibility, empathy, and a commitment to the highest standards of medical care. He commended the students for embarking on the remarkable journey into the field of medicine. “As you adorn this white coat, remember that it represents not only the knowledge you have acquired but also the dedication, integrity, and unwavering compassion you bring to the medical profession,” he added. He highlighted that becoming a physician is a long and challenging path, encouraging the students to be strong and resilient in the face of challenges.

Prof Afua Hesse, the President of ACM, praised the students and encouraged them to maintain their power of observation and seize every opportunity to become excellent clinicians. She reminded them that their learning during the clinical period is largely self-driven.

Prof Reverend Adukwei Hesse, the Vice President of ACM, administered the oath to the students, emphasizing that the coat symbolizes not just disease transmission and prevention but also authority in the medical field. He advised the students to remain humble in all their endeavors and uphold the reputation of ACM.

The event was attended by other dignitaries, including Professor Stephen Adai, the ACM Council Chairperson, and Mr. Hanis Hafar, an educationist, along with faculty members and other guests.