Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Interior, has advised doctors to be bold in their profession and acquire additional skills to enhance career growth and attain professional excellence.

Ms Ajani gave the advice on Tuesday in Abuja at a meeting organised by the FCT chapter of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria.

She urged medical practitioners to remain confident, define their career paths clearly, and equip themselves with the relevant skills needed to achieve their goals within and beyond the medical profession through continuous development.

Ms Ajani also encouraged doctors to step out of their comfort zones, collaborate widely, and build networks with individuals who could support their aspirations, stressing that such connections were essential for career advancement.

She further advised young and upcoming doctors to stay focused, hard-working, and intentional about their ambitions, noting that clearly defined goals and persistence were critical to achieving success in the medical field.

The permanent secretary emphasised the importance of mentorship and collaboration, stating that beyond knowledge and technical skills, professional relationships often played a crucial role in attaining desired career positions and opportunities.

Speaking, Funke Lawson, the medical director of Zankli Hospital and the event host, described the meeting as a get-together designed to strengthen unity and foster bonding among association members.

Ms Lawson emphasised that medical professionals often have demanding schedules, making it difficult to connect socially, and added that the gathering provided an opportunity for relaxation, mutual encouragement, and strengthening professional relationships.

She explained that the initiative was aimed at rebuilding the spirit of sisterhood within the association and creating platforms for mentoring younger members while sharing experiences and offering guidance in their careers.

Maureen Umeakuewulu, president of MWAN-FCT, said the gathering fulfilled part of her 2025 promise to introduce innovative programmes that supported members’ wellbeing and professional development within the association.

Ms Umeakuewulu said the initiative aligned with the association’s mission of promoting healthcare with compassion and of addressing the stress faced by women in the medical profession through supportive and engaging activities.

She added that the association remained committed to improving maternal and child health, reducing maternal mortality, and tackling gender-based violence through sustained advocacy, collaboration, and professional contributions across various clinical fields.

(NAN)