Government House in Nassau was the perfect backdrop for 35 students of the University the West Indies’ (UWI) School of Clinical Medicine and Research, who were sworn-in as the newest batch of practicing Bahamian doctors on Sunday (July 5).

The in-person ceremony, overseen by the Ministry of Health

in the Bahamas, saw the 2020 graduates, 80 per cent of which were women,

following the age-old tradition of taking the Hippocratic Oath.

Offering his congratulations to the graduates, Prime

Minister Hubert Minnis, whose son was in the batch of new doctors, called the

achievement a great moment for the Bahamian Commonwealth.

“[In] taking this oath, you have agreed to demonstrate

complete honesty and discipline throughout your entire career. It is your job

to tell [your patients] the truth, it is also your job to give them hope.

Throughout our careers you must remain humble and demonstrate humility,” Dr

Minnis remarked.

Having aced his final Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of

Surgery (MBBS) exam, Dr Rico Hart was recognised as this year’s Most

Outstanding Student.

Dr Hart also walked away with the highest grade-point

average (GPA), 3.88 throughout the entire medical course, and received the

Cecil Bethel Award.

In his keynote address, Governor-General Cornelius Smith

praised the newest cohort for being a beacon of hope and pride in The Bahamas.

“Before me this afternoon, there is a cohort of 35 young

Bahamian medical graduates that include representation from many of our family

islands. Even more astonishing is the fact that some 80 per cent of these

graduates are female,” Governor-General Smith said.

“Graduates, we’ve come a long way in The Bahamas, and we’ve

done it in a very short time. You have the same opportunity and the abilities

to become whatever you can aspire. Your progress parallels the advancement of

our educational system,” he added.

Governor-General Smith further reminded the graduates that

while the come highly qualified, their achievements did not come without a

cost.

“Let me remind you that your success is a result of our

commitment and sacrifice of the Bahamian people. To who much is given, much is

required. You are our offsprings in who we have great hope to provide

healthcare,” Smith noted.