Patients will remember how you made them feel - Prof Kwawukume to trainee nurses

Vice-Chancellor of Family Health University, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 Source: Kwesi Boham, Contributor

The Vice-Chancellor of Family Health University, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, has urged newly admitted nursing and midwifery students to uphold professionalism, compassion, and ethical standards as they begin their academic journey.

Delivering his welcome address at the matriculation ceremony held on April 30, 2026, Professor Kwawukume congratulated the students on gaining admission into the institution, describing their entry as a significant milestone.

“Today is not merely a ceremonial gathering; it is a rite of passage. By taking your matriculation oath, you are transitioning from aspirants to trainees and making a solemn commitment to uphold the ethical standards of the nursing and midwifery profession,” he stated.

He emphasised that the profession requires more than academic excellence, noting that compassion, dedication, and a strong commitment to humanity are essential qualities for success in the field.

According to him, students are expected to embody the university’s core values, including integrity, professionalism, teamwork, collaboration, lifelong learning, inclusiveness, diversity, and care, both within and outside the institution.

Touching on the theme for the ceremony, “Nurturing Excellence and Professionalism in Nursing and Midwifery Practice: Called to Care, Trained to Serve,” Professor Kwawukume described nursing and midwifery as highly respected professions that rely on emotional intelligence and ethical strength.

He assured students of the university’s commitment to providing quality education and training, noting that the institution has put in place the necessary facilities to support their academic and personal development.

Professor Kwawukukume further encouraged the students to take advantage of these resources, plan their activities effectively, and actively participate in university life to build meaningful relationships and professional networks.

While urging them to pursue excellence, he reminded them that empathy and human connection remain central to their future roles.

“Patients may not remember the technical details of their care, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Therefore, develop empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to serve humanity,” he advised.

Also speaking at the Keynote speaker, Dr Abigail Kyei urged newly admitted students to embrace compassion, professionalism, and excellence as they begin their academic journey.

According to her, nursing and midwifery are a calling rather than just a career, adding that the profession requires sacrifice, empathy, and dedication to humanity.

“Not everyone is called to sit by a patient at 2 a.m., or hold a mother’s hand during labour. But you are here, which means you have been called to care and will be trained to serve,” she stated.

She also encouraged the matriculating students to reflect deeply on their purpose for choosing the profession, noting that beyond personal ambitions or external influence, the field demands a genuine commitment to improving lives.

“Excellence is not just about passing exams or wearing a neat uniform. It is about showing up prepared, double-checking your work, and caring enough to do things right,” she said.