FOUNDER and chair of the Heart Institute of the Caribbean Professor Ernest Madu has urged members of the 2024 graduating class of the University of Colorado School of Medicine to make a difference as they step into the working world.

Madu, who was the keynote speaker at the recent School of Medicine’s Hooding and Oath Ceremony encouraged the graduates to face the challenges of the world and strive to make a difference as, “you have emerged victorious, and we celebrate you today”.

He pointed out that the differences among members of the graduating class can become strengths.

“Look around the room and see the beauty in diversity. Your class represents various genders, races, ethnicities, and nationalities. Remember, as you embark on your career, you will encounter and treat patients from all walks of life. We are united by our shared humanity [in] the root of our pursuit of medicine,” said Madu.

“I was born in Nigeria and graduated from the University of Nigeria College of Medicine. My journey included working as an attendant in a podiatry office in Brooklyn and facing prejudice as a foreign medical graduate. These experiences fuelled my commitment to health equity and inclusion.

“Founding the Heart Institute of the Caribbean was met with scepticism, but belief in myself and community support led to its success. Let your ‘otherness’ be the fuel to your engine,” added Madu.

Summing up the takeaways from his journey Dr Madu urged the graduates to “imagine, dream, give”.

Madu told the graduating class that imagination is more important than knowledge as it is this that led to the discovery of insulin and the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines.

He further implored the graduates to never abandon their dreams as these will drive them forward.

“The dream that led me from Nigeria to becoming a global health leader can inspire you to achieve great things,” said Madu.

The graduates were also encouraged to use their knowledge to give back to the world.

“Address the disparities in health-care access and work to make a difference with your talent,” said Madu as he challenged the graduates to open their eyes to life’s disparities.

“You are entering a privileged class, but the world still faces great disparities. Nearly half of the world’s children live in poverty, and millions lack access to health care. Margaret Mead said, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world.’

“Stay committed to health equity, devoted to serving those in need, and open to listening to your patients. Remember Martin Luther King Jr’s words, ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.’ Speak with your actions and make a difference,” urged Madu.