Fulfilment in medicine goes beyond money, NMA chair tells new doctors at IUO induction

Dr Eustace Oseghale, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Edo, has cautioned newly inducted doctors at Igbinedion University, Okada, that financial success alone does not guarantee fulfilment in medical practice.
Oseghale stated this on Monday while delivering a lecture at the 20th oath-taking/induction ceremony for 29 newly qualified medical doctors of the institution.
The guest lecturer urged the young doctors to prioritise professionalism, empathy and ethical conduct as foundations for a rewarding career.
Speaking on the theme, “A Doctor and a Fulfilling Life,” the NMA chairman said a doctor who lacked competence, communication skills and compassion would struggle to find satisfaction in the profession, regardless of income.
“A bad doctor cannot be fulfilled, even if he has money.
“You must be able to communicate, be organised, show empathy and work well with others.
“Patients must trust you, and trust is earned through conduct and competence,” he said.
He described doctors as natural leaders within the healthcare system.
He, however, stressed the need for collaboration with nurses, laboratory scientists and other professionals, while taking responsibility for patient outcomes and advocating for adequate resources to deliver care.
Oseghale further urged the new doctors to make deliberate early-career decisions, including whether to practise in Nigeria or abroad, warning that delaying such choices could create instability later in life as personal and professional responsibilities increase.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, described the induction as a landmark moment for the institution, noting that the medical programme, established in 1999, remained one of the university’s flagship offerings.
“Today, we welcome a new generation of well-trained physicians and nation-builders into the medical profession,” Ezemonye said.
The vice-chancellor represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raphael Adeghe, attributed the programme’s sustainability to the commitment of the university’s Proprietor and Chancellor, Sir Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, and other stakeholders.
The vice-chancellor reminded the inductees that doctors occupied a strategic position in national development, noting that a healthy population was critical to national productivity and economic growth.
Ezemonye cautioned that while medicine offered purpose and privilege, its demanding nature required conscious effort to maintain work-life balance to avoid burnout.
Administering The oath, Prof. Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, reaffirmed the council’s role in regulating medical education and practice in Nigeria.
Kiyari, who was represented by Prof. John Ohaju-Obodo stressed that the oath taken by the inductees was binding and lifelong.
“The integrity of the qualification you receive today is protected by strict regulation and oversight,” Kyari said, commending Igbinedion University for sustaining accreditation of its medical programme over the years.