Family Health University (FHU), Ghana’s Premier Private Medical School, has officially welcomed its 2025/26 Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) class with a joint matriculation and white coat ceremony, held at the University’s premises in Accra.

The solemn yet inspiring event marked the beginning of the medical journey for the new cohort, as they donned their white coats and pledged their commitment to the ideals of the medical profession.

In his address, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, the Founder and Vice-Chancellor of FHU, urged the students to adopt a lifelong commitment to continuous learning, reminding them that medicine is an ever-evolving field.

“Medicine is a discipline where curiosity and knowledge fuel excellence,” he said. “Act with integrity so that you will earn the trust of your patients and colleagues, while supporting one another in discovery, in service, and in compassion.”

The Dean of the Medical School, Dr. Sylvester Yaw Oppong, led the new students in reciting the matriculation oath. He emphasised that Family Health University believes medicine is both a science and an art. “Patients may forget the treatments you prescribe,” he noted, “but they will never forget the compassion, respect, and dignity with which you treat them.” At the White Coat Ceremony, he further reminded students to wear the coat with pride and humility, mindful of the weight of responsibility and the joy of faithful service to humanity.

Delivering the keynote address on the theme “A Charter to Chart New Frontiers in Medicine: A Journey of Purpose and Excellence”, Professor Alfred Edwin Yawson, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, commended FHU’s leadership for achieving Charter status, placing it among Ghana’s fully recognised higher educational institutions.

He stressed that the milestone comes with greater responsibility to raise standards in medical education, expand research capacity, and strengthen partnerships locally and internationally.

Prof. Yawson also challenged FHU to embrace modern, student-centred teaching methods and harness science, technology, and innovation to address pressing health needs. To the new students, he offered a charge: “Begin your journey with clarity of purpose not only to succeed academically, but to serve humanity as skilled professionals, ethical leaders, and compassionate healers. Embrace excellence in study, in character, and in-patient care.”

Representing the student body, Mrs. Rosemary Ewurabena Essien, a member of the new GEMP class, encouraged her colleagues to balance their academic commitments with self-care, set clear boundaries to protect their study time, and build strong support networks.

The Chairman of the FHU Council, Brigadier General Daniel Kwadwo Frimpong (Rtd.), advised the students to be disciplined, punctual, and committed to teamwork throughout their training.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Dr. Susu Bridget Kwawukume, Founder of FHU and Chief Medical Director of Family Health Hospital; Dr. Patience Aniteye, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery; Dr. Rebecca Acaquaah-Arhin, Medical Coordinator at Family Health Hospital, Heads of Departments, faculty members, administrative staff, as well as parents and guardians.

The Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) at Family Health University provides a pathway for degree holders in science-related fields to pursue the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree.

 Through this programme, FHU continues its mission of training doctors to combine academic excellence with compassion, service, and leadership in the health sector.