The School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has inducted 69 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students into their clinical training phase during its 10th White Coat Ceremony, held at the university’s Great Hall.

Professor Benjamin Emikpe, Dean of the School, presented the students for the symbolic gowning, officially ushering them into the next stage of their professional training.

He highlighted the school’s academic growth, announcing the successful rollout of six postgraduate programmes in veterinary medicine, the first of their kind in Ghana, aimed at developing faculty for veterinary institutions nationwide.

Addressing the audience, Emikpe voiced concern about the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases, referencing the recent spread of monkeypox in Ghana. He praised efforts to strengthen public health preparedness, including awareness campaigns, early detection systems, public education, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in vaccine distribution and misinformation management.

“For us in Ghana to contain future pandemics, the need for One Health professionals is urgent,” he said. “Attention must be paid to the KNUST School of Veterinary Medicine, which has adopted the One Health approach and is now ranked among the top five veterinary schools in West Africa.”

He also thanked sponsors for supporting the ceremony and appealed for assistance in completing the KNUST Veterinary Hospital.

Professor David Asamoah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, lauded the School’s milestones and called on stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture and development partners to help complete ongoing infrastructure projects.

“We must recommit to building a robust veterinary school that doesn’t just diagnose animal diseases but shapes the health of nations,” Asamoah said. He urged the students to enter the clinical phase with integrity, compassion, and purpose.

Dr. Andy Quarcoopome, Chief Executive Officer of Tema Animal Hospital Ltd., delivered the keynote address, encouraging students to adopt a resilient mindset as they face the challenges of clinical training.

“You will encounter giants in the two years ahead that will shape your life,” he said. “But be determined., ‘I can because I am.’ This school has prepared you to become fully-fledged professionals. When you go out there, carry the torch of KNUST-SVM with pride.”

Dr. Quarcoopome also pledged a long-term commitment to support the School over the next ten years.

Guest speaker Dr. Patrick Amponsah urged students to embrace the clinical phase as a critical period of growth. “The white coat is just the beginning,” he said. “Your DVM alone is not enough. The coat may open doors, but it’s your skills, humility, and attitude that will keep those doors open.”

He added: “You need to learn constantly to maintain your place. Be curious. If you want to survive out there, read like your future depends on it.”

Professor Christian Agyare, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, advised students to pursue a balanced approach in their clinical years, combining technical competence with strong ethical standards to deliver quality veterinary care.