JKUAT School of Medicine held its second annual white coat ceremony for 140 Bachelor of Medicine students, Friday, September 16, 2022. The event is a rite of passage for new medical students to induct them into the medical field.
The event, organized by Jomo Kenyatta University Students Medical Association (JKUSMA) in collaboration with Kenya Medical Association (KMA), ensures smooth orientation of newly admitted students in the medical fraternity through effective mentorship from senior students, lecturers, consultants, medical officers, associations and sponsors.
It is also a symbol of professionalism, caring and trust which students must earn from their peers as a reminder of their new purpose to serve humanity through excellence and diligence.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief Guest, Founder and Chief oncologist, Texas Cancer Center, Dr. Catherine Nyongesa, encouraged the students to always be cognizant of the fact that the medical profession is all about taking care of humanity.
“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there’s also a love for humanity. Have empathy and be willing to serve humanity. You are not only trained to treat a disease but also offer solutions to the society at large,” Dr. Nyongesa advised.
While welcoming the students to JKUAT on behalf of JKUAT Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Dean of students, Prof. John Githiri noted such events provides a platform for mentoring relationship between students and the industry players.
He further said that the event also offers the new medical students a viable platform where they interact with their established colleagues and get a feel of the demands of the dynamic medical field.
On his part, Mr. Okoth Onyango of the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) encouraged the students to ensure they become members of professional bodies such as KMA to assist them in creating meaningful networks.
Additionally, he advised the students to occasionally update their research, knowledge and skills in the medical field as it is ever evolving.
“Develop skills in research early enough to give you an upper hand in your medical career. This is because the world is moving towards evidence-based medicine which requires a lot of research,” Mr. Onyango observed.
Also, in attendance were Mr. Innocent Oluki head of JKUSMA, Mr. Benjamin Nyariki a 6th Year medical student and a pioneer of this ceremony in all medical schools in Kenya, founders of JKUSMA Dr. Stephen Oduor, Dr. Mercy Okova and Dr. Ida Moturi, Assistant Professor at Agha Khan University Hospital, Dr. Beverly Cheserem, National and Social Responsibility Welfare Committee Convener at KMA, Dr. Ida Wanjiku, Ms. Agnes Kumbu from Radiant Group of Hospitals and Director KMA SACCO Board, Dr. Mercy Korir.
Source: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology