Eighty-one (81) students of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Programme (DVM) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi have been ushered into their clinical years of study at the 9th White Coat Ceremony.
The ceremony, held under the theme: ‘‘Veterinary Medicine; Breaking New Boundaries through One Health’’, marks the rite of passage into the last 2 years of the DVM Programme, referred to as the Clinical Years after an initial 4 years of world class academic and professional training.
In his welcome remarks, the Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), Professor Benjamin Emikpe emphasised the symbolism of the white coat ceremony, which represents professionalism and transformation. “The white coat ceremony signifies a shift from acquiring pre-clinical knowledge to engaging in clinical practices,” he stated.
Professor Emikpe urged the students to embrace self-reliance and strive for excellence during this critical phase of their education.
He also expressed gratitude to the sponsors who supported the ceremony.
The Chairperson for the occasion, Professor Samuel Asare-Nkansah representing the Vice-Chancellor, delivered an inspiring message to the students, encouraging them to cultivate their skills and knowledge.
He highlighted the importance of an interconnected and multidisciplinary approach to achieving Universal Health Care and enhancing the One Health initiative. “Broaden your knowledge and skills during this phase and maintain an ethical attitude towards the profession,” he advised.
In his keynote address, Dr. Andy Quarcoopome, Owner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tema Animal Hospital Ltd., indicated that the veterinary medicine profession is the fulcrum of the One Health concept and students must first change their mindset to achieve this.
“Unless you begin to change your mindset and views, you would not be able to understand what goes in the field of veterinary medicine and One Health,” he stated.
Dr. Benjamin Kissi Sasu, the Risk Communications Officer of the Ghana Veterinary Services Directorate and alumnus of KNUST was the guest speaker for the ceremony.
He reiterated the importance of One Health and the critical role veterinarians play in its implementation. He emphasised the need for robust One Health strategies in Ghana, particularly considering biodiversity loss and the rise of zoonotic diseases. “In our fast-changing world, effective implementation of One Health is crucial,” he noted.
Other Faculty members conveyed their goodwill messages and words of inspiration students. The 9th White Coat Ceremony was sponsored by MultiVet Ghana Ltd, EMKHAT Veterinary, and Barbecue City Restaurant, among others.
