The 10^th White Coat ceremony of the School of Medical Sciences of the University of Cape Coast has been held at the university.

The White Coat Ceremony symbolises the medical profession and forms an integral part of the Medical School’s calendar.

The ceremony is reserved for students who have done the recognised number of years in pre-clinical training but are at the threshold of full clinical training in the medical school.

Addressing the students, Dean of the UCC Medical School, Prof. Ivy Ekem asked the students to be guided by the tenets of the medical profession by reflecting on the core values of the profession. She beseeched them to respect the sanctity of human lives; be committed to competence; respect the dignity of patients; be aware of the profession’s inherent limitations and above all, strive to balance personal and professional behaviours.

“Refer to these on a daily basis because they will make you stand out in the medical profession. With the right attitudes, you can be knowledgeable and approachable,” she advised.

Acting CEO of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Dr Eric Ngyedu explained to the soon-to-be medical doctors, their profession is no different from the ministry of Jesus Christ in the bible.

“Teaching, preaching and healing should be your lot,” he counselled.

He further admonished them to show respect for time; both clinical experiences and learning opportunities and also dress professionally.

Chairman of the Ghana Medical and Dental Council, Prof. Kwame Nyame also advised the students to let their character be as pure as the white coat they are wearing. He urged them to respect the privacy of patients they attend to.

“Do not misuse WhatsApp applications on your phone by taking pictures which are clinically exciting and spread them on social media. Respect the independence of your patients,” he stressed.

 Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh praised Gustav Anokye Yeboah, a philanthropist who built a mothers’ hostel for the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. She called on others to emulate the gesture of Mr Yeboah.