CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – HONESTY, integrity and dedication to service are the core values in the medical profession. These were the words of Dr. Shahid Akbar, the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony of the Medical University of the Americas (MUA) on Tuesday, August 11.
According to Dr. Akbar, a Pharmacology Professor, these traits cannot be bought in a department store or online.
“They are shaped and nurtured by a number of people in our lives, such as parents, teachers, our colleagues and even our children,” he said.
Dr. Akbar said the role of a teacher in a student’s life has changed.
“Teachers used to play a significant role in shaping a student’s personality, character and future. The student would develop a life-long bond with the teacher who was most influential in their lives. However, in the commercialised world we live in, a teacher is now simply a person whose services are bought for a price, like any other commodity. Similarly, the medical profession, in a broader context, has become a business to mint money and command respect in society.”
Dr. Akbar told the graduands that they must bear in mind that patients trust medics with their most intimate details, their hopes and fears, and they would be the keeper and protector of that trust.
“In a perfect world, only the honest, hard-working and competent people should be sitting at the top of every institution of our life. Well, if that is the case, first we would not have a single politician in this world. Second, we will not have any conflicts.”
He told the graduands to be careful during their practice: “In your practical life, you will have to deal with all kinds of people around you…honest, dishonest, crooks, unethical, hypocrites, as they are found in all walks of our life.
“It is only your conscience that is the most powerful deterrent to illegal, unethical and immoral behaviour. Therefore, always keep your conscience alive and strong and do not fall victim to the desire for instant success and gratification. You should be disciplined and dignified in your dealings with your patients, be polite and considerate to their needs and always remember their hopes and trust in you,” Dr. Akbar said.
Forty eight students graduated from the University after completing a Basic Sciences course. Three graduated with a Bachelor of Health degree.
The Premier of Nevis Award went to Joyce Johnson for her community service. The award was presented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Joseph Wiltshire, who, along with Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Joslyn Liburd, represented the Nevis Island Administration at the ceremony.
