Family Health University (FHU), Ghana’s premier private medical school, has welcomed its new Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) class with a combined Matriculation and White Coat Ceremony at its Accra campus.
The ceremony, a solemn but inspiring event, officially kicked off the students’ medical journey as they donned their white coats and pledged their commitment to the profession.
Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, the founder and Vice-Chancellor of FHU, urged the new cohort to embrace a commitment to continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of medicine. He also stressed the importance of integrity, telling students, “Act with integrity so that you will earn the trust of your patients and colleagues.”
Compassion and Excellence
Dr. Sylvester Yaw Oppong, Dean of the Medical School, led the students in reciting the matriculation oath, emphasizing that medicine is both a science and an art. “Patients may forget the treatments you prescribe,” he said, “but they will never forget the compassion, respect, and dignity with which you treat them.” He also reminded the students to wear their white coats with pride and humility.
The keynote speaker, Professor Alfred Edwin Yawson, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, praised FHU for achieving Charter status, which places it among Ghana’s fully recognized higher educational institutions
He challenged the university to raise its standards, expand research, and adopt modern, student-centered teaching methods. To the new students, he offered a charge: “Begin your journey with clarity of purpose not only to succeed academically, but to serve humanity as skilled professionals, ethical leaders, and compassionate healers.”
Speaking on behalf of the new class, Mrs. Rosemary Ewurabena Essien encouraged her colleagues to balance their academic commitments with self-care and build strong support networks.
Brigadier General Daniel Kwadwo Frimpong (Rtd.), the Chairman of the FHU Council, advised the students to be disciplined, punctual, and committed to teamwork throughout their training.
The Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) provides a path for science degree holders to earn their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree. Through this program, FHU continues its mission to train doctors who combine academic excellence with compassion and service.
By Philip Antoh