Students of the School of Medical Sciences and the School of Dentistry at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), have been urged to uphold compassion, integrity, humility and excellence as they begin the clinical phase of their professional training during the third White Coat Ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christian Agyare, described the white coat as a symbol of trust and responsibility, urging the students to place patients’ welfare at the centre of their practice and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
“Every patient you encounter will be entrusting you with something precious, their health, dignity, sometimes their lives,” he said.
He encouraged the students to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital health solutions, while recognising that technology must complement, not replace, sound clinical judgement and compassionate care. He also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting students, including those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, A/Prof. Akwasi Antwi-Kusi, urged the students to approach clinical practice with empathy and curiosity, encouraging them to look beyond presenting symptoms to understand the underlying causes of patients’ conditions. He also highlighted the importance of simulation-based training in preparing students for real-life clinical situations.
The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Fred Stephen Sarfo, emphasised that professional attitudes were as important as clinical knowledge and skills. He urged the students to demonstrate humility, discipline and compassion while observing professional ethics and respecting patient confidentiality.
Drawing on his clinical experience, Professor Sarfo recounted a case in which a patient’s own research helped identify an alternative diagnosis after his initial assessment. He said the experience reinforced the importance of listening to patients and remaining open to learning.
“The patient can teach you all you need to know to succeed as a doctor. So, stay humble,” he advised.
The guest speaker and alumna of the School of Medical Sciences, Dr Sylvia Deganus, encouraged the students to embrace lifelong learning and make the most of their clinical experience.
Reflecting on her professional journey of more than four decades, she stressed that medical knowledge continually evolves and that effective clinical practice requires an understanding of patients’ cultures, experiences and social circumstances. She urged the students to learn through observation, supervised practice and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
“Remain curious, remain humble, and most importantly, be present,” she advised.
Dr Deganus also cautioned against excessive reliance on artificial intelligence and other digital tools, emphasising that they cannot replace sound clinical judgement or direct engagement with patients.
“Professionalism can never be studied. It must be lived,” she said, urging the students to uphold professional values and preserve the dignity of patients entrusted to their care.
The Chief Executive Officer of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, assured the students of the hospital’s support for their clinical education.
He said the hospital’s theatres, wards, clinics and consulting rooms would be available to facilitate their practical training and provide opportunities to apply their knowledge in clinical settings.
Dr Baidoo also reminded the students to recognise the humanity of the people they treat, emphasising that patients must be approached with dignity and respect throughout their care.
Story: Belinda Opoku-Danso Photos:Isaac Kwaku Duah
