KNUST Medical and Dentistry students urged to put compassion at the heart of patient care

Medical and dental students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have been urged to uphold compassion, integrity and professionalism as they prepare to enter the healthcare sector.

The call was made at the third White Coat Ceremony for the School of Medical Sciences and the School of Dentistry, held at the university’s Great Hall under the theme, “Embracing the White Coat: A Commitment to Compassion, Integrity and Excellence in Patient Care.”

Addressing the students, Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, Professor Antwi Kusi, urged them to treat every patient with the same care and consideration they would give their own parents.

He stressed that empathy should be regarded as an essential part of medical professionalism, rather than a sign of weakness.

“Empathy is not weakness; it is professionalism,” he told the students, encouraging them to remain committed to their patients even when they encounter challenges within the healthcare system.

Professor Kusi also challenged the students to remain curious, continually seek knowledge and develop the habit of asking questions throughout their professional careers.

He cautioned them against allowing difficulties within the healthcare system to diminish their commitment to patient welfare, urging them not to abandon patients when institutional challenges arise.

Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Stephen Fred Sarfo, also shared professional guidance with the students, reinforcing the responsibilities that come with a career in healthcare.

Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Christian Agyare, was present at the ceremony. He cautioned the students against allowing artificial intelligence to replace the human connection that remains central to patient care.

The ceremony also recognised students who had demonstrated outstanding academic performance, while healthcare professionals shared practical insights and experiences to prepare the students for the realities of their chosen professions.

Beyond the symbolic presentation of the white coat, the ceremony served as a reminder that medical and dental practice demands more than academic excellence. It requires sound judgment, integrity, empathy and a commitment to putting patients first.

As the students advance in their professional journeys, the message from university leadership remains clear: clinical knowledge and technological advancement must go hand in hand with compassion and respect for every patient.