AE-FUNAI COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES HOLDS ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR PIONEER CLINICAL STUDENTS
The Faculty of Basic Clinical Science, College of Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, yesterday held an orientation programme to mark the beginning of clinical studies for the 48 pioneer students of the College of Medical Sciences.

The event which was meant to equip the clinical students with a sense of personal and social responsibility as well as commitment to ethical and moral standard in the medical profession was held at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA).

While declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Elom, charged the clinical students to be utterly committed in the pursuit of their career, advising them to take their studies seriously in order to be part of those to be graduated at the end of their training.

The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof, Dennis Akoh, urged the students to maintain a good moral standard, adducing that in dealing with the human life, character is key.


Rep. of VC, Prof. Dennis Akoh in a group photograph with some dignitaries and the clinical students after the orientation programme
The Vice-Chancellor further appealed to the trainers and clinical teachers to make sure the students were given the best form of training as people’s lives will depend on them in future. He however assured the students that the necessary things will be put in place to ensure they succeed in their academic pursuit.



In his welcome address, the Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Paul Ezeonu, urged the students to always be available for lectures and clinical postings, adding that as clinical students, 75% attendance to classes and postings is mandatory.


Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Paul Ezeonu speaking at the event
He reiterated that the success guideline to becoming a good medical doctor is humility, while also advising the students to always make themselves available for corrections.



“Clinical medicine is all about dedication, perseverance and ability to interact with your patients”, he added, noting that character is also very important in medical practice.


A cross section of the clinical students
Presenting his address, the Chief Medical Direction of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), Dr. Emeka Onwe Ogah, noted that as medical students, one must have the focus, passion and commitment to excel in their chosen field, and urged them to shun the social media frenzy.



‘’Do not waste your time in things that are not important to your education especially social media activities as they are sometimes deceptive’’ he said.

He advised the students to see their lecturers as their parents-in-loco, also urging them to be loyal and obedient so as to get the full support of their lecturers.


CMB, AE-FUTHA, Dr. Emeka Onwe Ogah addressing the Clinical Students
In the same vein, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) AE-FUTHA, Dr. Richard Ewah, who spoke on the Code of Conduct/Behaviour while in the Teaching Hospital, pointed out good attitude and humility as the two important things that can make the students have a smooth run in the teaching hospital. He further urged them to dress properly as medical students, adding that their appearance alone can make their patients feel comfortable.



The Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Austin Ibegbu, while addressing the students on Transiting from Preclinical to Clinical Studies, advised them to build on the good foundation that has been laid for them at the Basic Medical Sciences. He also enjoined them to respect everyone including the patients, because, according to him, “nobody knows where his salvation will come from”. He then charged them to be good ambassadors of the University.

The Acting Dean, Faculty of Basic Clinical Science, Dr. Michael Efunshile, who addressed the students on “The Overview of the Structure and Postings of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Medicine” emphasized the importance of seriousness in clinical studies.

He said: “Success is not acquired overnight; it evolves with time. You have paid a lot of sacrifices to get to where you are today; the time to consolidate on those sacrifices is within the next one year. Do not waste it.’’

He assured the students of the faculty’s commitment to teaching and mentorship, noting that as their junior colleagues and professional children, they will do their best in imbuing them with the requisite knowledge and skills even as he prayed that God who has brought them this far will also see them through in their clinical studies.

While also contributing, the Dean Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Prof. O.U.J. Umeora, stated that being pioneers comes with its merits and challenges. However, “it is an accolade you will forever wear and be proud of in future”, he stated. He enjoined the students to maintain the right attitude that is embedded with ‘’YES WE CAN’’ mentality as they move into the clinics and clinical training.

The Dean, Students’ Affairs, Dr. Collins Irem, on his part urged the students to abide by the rules and regulations governing the school hostel, advising them to always be of good behaviour in and out of the hostel to avoid falling foul of the School rules and regulations.


Miss Nneli Marydoris speaking on behalf of the students at the programme
While speaking on behalf of the students, Miss Marydoris Nneli, thanked the University Management for its efforts towards bringing them to clinical training, and assured of their commitment to hard work, seriousness and good behaviour in order to uphold the reputation of the University, vowing also to ensure they graduate in flying colours.

She further appealed to their lecturers and the hospital management not to relent in mentoring them as this will help bring out the best in them.

Other lecturers who made contributions at the event include; Dr. Eze Chukwuemeka, HOD Internal Medicine, Dr. Nnadozie Ugochukwu, HOD Surgery, Dr Obum Ezeanosike, HOD Pharmacology and Dr. Kingsley Ojide, HOD Microbiology.