Shun professional misconduct, MDCN tells new doctors

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

UMUAHIA — The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has warned newly inducted medical doctors against professional misconduct in the discharge of their duties.

The Registrar of the council, Prof. Fatima Kyari, gave the warning in Aba while inducting 16 medical doctors who graduated from Rhema University.

Kyari, who was represented by Tijani Ali Mandaka, said medicine was one of the most regulated professions and that practitioners were subject to oversight by the council, the public and relevant government agencies.

She said allegations of professional misconduct against doctors were subject to investigation in accordance with the council’s procedures.

“Medicine and Surgery is one of the most regulated professions. The profession is under close watch by council and the public in the area of education, registration and practice. So, any allegation of misconduct against a doctor will be thoroughly investigated,” she said.

Kyari explained that the council had two disciplinary organs — the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel and the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

She said the Investigation Panel was responsible for preliminary investigations into allegations of professional misconduct, while cases established against practitioners could be referred to the Disciplinary Tribunal for further action in accordance with the law.

She added that sanctions available under the council’s disciplinary process could include admonition, suspension and removal from the council’s register, depending on the circumstances of each case and the applicable regulations.

The registrar urged the newly inducted doctors to take their housemanship programmes seriously as part of the requirements for registration and certification by the council.

She also advised them to uphold professional standards throughout their careers.

Describing the induction as a historic milestone, the Vice-Chancellor of Rhema University, Prof. Ogbonnaya Onwudike, reminded the new doctors that their medical degrees represented a responsibility to serve humanity.

Onwudike urged them to maintain good character, which he described as an important professional asset.

“As you take the physician’s oath, remember that a medical degree is not merely a certificate; it is a call to serve humanity. You are called to a life of great responsibility as human beings will trust their lives to your knowledge, judgment and compassion,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the MDCN for its role in maintaining standards in medical education and expressed appreciation for its support during the training and induction process.

He said the university remained committed to providing medical education in line with applicable national and international standards.

The Provost of the university’s College of Medicine, Prof. Maduka James Awa, urged the new doctors to be worthy ambassadors of the institution and apply their knowledge responsibly in their professional careers.

He also commended the Chancellor and Founder of the university, Bro Emma Okorie, for his vision for the institution.

Okorie, in his remarks, said the 16 newly inducted doctors had undergone the required training and urged them to contribute positively to the medical profession.

The event featured the presentation of awards to outstanding graduates, including the best graduating student, Dr Ugwokaegbe Anointing.

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