By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu/Bolu Akindoyin
Prof. Maria Ebesunun, Lecturer, Department of Clinical Pathology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, on Friday tasked inducted medical laboratory graduands of Trinity University (TU) on accurate diagnosis.
Ebesunun gave the charge while delivering a lecture at the maiden induction of the graduating class of 2024 into the Medical Laboratory Science Profession at Yaba, Lagos.
She said that accurate diagnosis and treatment plans depended on laboratory tests.
The event had the theme: “Medical Laboratory Science, The Nexus of Modern Healthcare Delivery: The Expectations from The Modern Medical Laboratory Scientist.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 13 students graduated in the class of 2024 while Mrs. Dorcas Dosumu bagged first class honour with 4.78 CGPA points to clinch four different awards including the Mrs Itua Faith’s Award as best graduating student.
Similarly, Mrs Daramola Folake, also a first class product with 4 .67 CGPA, smiled home with three different awards including the Agape Laboratories Award of Excellence to graduates with First Class honour.
“As you embark on your professional journey, it is essential you bring to the fore that medical laboratories are indeed the connecting point of modern healthcare, playing a vital role in diagnosis process.
“Note that over 80 per cent of medical decisions rely on laboratory results; accurate diagnosis and treatment plans depend on laboratory results.
“Collaborate with other health professionals and researchers, also participate in clinical trials,” Ebesunun said.
Earlier, Prof. Clement Kolawole, Vice-Chancellor of TU, congratulated the inductees, and declared that the future of medical laboratory was bright.
He advised them to be innovative and committed to excellence.
Kolawole said, “You have a critical role to play in shaping the future of healthcare, strive to make a positive impact in your communities and always remember that your work has the power to transform lives.
“This induction ceremony symbolises your commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and excellence in your field, for which you have been adequately prepared by the university.
“As medical laboratory scientists, you will play a critical role in diagnosing diseases, developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes, I have no doubt that you will discharge yourselves creditably well.
Also, Mrs Obiageri Okeoma, Coordinator of Medical Laboratory Science Department of TU, described the inductees as Beautiful, Intelligent and Amazing, (BIA).
She said that was the slogan in the female association of the department.
In her remark, Mrs Yomi Newton, National President, Association of Female Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, applauded the institution’s management for equipping the inductees with required academic and practical knowledge to excel.
Also speaking, Mrs Mark Doris, the Vice Chairman, Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors, Lagos State Branch, and owner of Agape Laboratory Services, said she was impressed by Dosumu’s outstanding performance,
Doris advised the inductees to be professional in the discharge of their duties.
She said that her award was to recognise outstanding performances as it was not easy and to motivate more females in the profession.
Dosumu, in her valedictory speech, thanked the institution’s management, and pledged to uphold the highest standard of professionalism, adapt to advancements in technology and continuously seek knowledge.
“We are not just part of healthcare team, we are its fulcrum and backbone providing accurate diagnostic results that guides prescription, therapy and patient management
She added that she had always had a passion for medical laboratory science and also wanted to be relevant in the profession.
“It was quite tasking but I’m glad it not just ended in success, but with credible performance.
Also, Folake, the Agapa awardee for 2024, said it was not an easy journey to attain the feat.
“I was determined, followed it up with hard work, studying and God crowned my efforts with merit,” she said.