The College of Medicine (CMUL), University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Friday, inducted 123 medical and dental doctors.

The provost of the college, David Oke, in his speech at the induction in Lagos, urged the new doctors to uphold excellence and compassion.

He also urged them to maintain high standards of professionalism and empathy instilled in them during their training.

He emphasised the critical roles of the new doctors in combating communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes in society.

He noted that many communities were faced with the challenges of underfunding and inadequate resources, hence the need for professionals with empathy.

He said, “this is compounded by dwindling funding for education and health sectors; you must, therefore, remember that Nigeria will be looking up to you to rise to the challenges.

“Attend to those who need your care. You must make yourselves available to look after the interests of your patients.”

He also encouraged the new doctors to continue building on the solid foundation laid by the college’s founding fathers and to contribute to medical research and expansion of knowledge in their fields.

The guest lecturer, Dr Adefemi Gbadamosi, a medical doctor and visual artist popularly known as FolaDavid, urged the inductees to utilise and harness the power of fear.

Mr Gbadamosi said that fear is not something they should run away from but embrace it.

“You need to move in the direction of your fear to level you up”, he said.

He advised the new inductees to open themselves up to new experiences and make good and informed decisions.

(NAN)