Arba Minch University’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences rolled out its 6th batch of 140 Doctors of Medicine in a graduation ceremony held at New Auditorium, Main Campus, on 21st December, 2019. The hall reverberating with ethnic numbers was pulsating with cherished dreams of outgoing graduates who will be bearing the torch of AMU in different parts of the country strengthening healthcare sector. Click here to see the pictures

This 6th batch has 140 doctors of which 37 are females and 103 males of which Dr Fikru Demeke bagged first place by bagging 3.78 CGPA; he was awarded gold medal for his outstanding achievement. Dr Ikram Musa, 3.72, for being overall second and first among females was also honored; Dr Zerihun Shube with 3.70 CGPA was adjudged third.

Last year’s statistics has it that 5th batch had 76 graduates where 19 were females (25%) and 57 (75%) males. While 6th batch has 84.21% more graduates where 37 are females (26.42%) and 103 (73.57%) males. Comparatively the current batch has 1.42% more females while males’ number seems to have marginally dipped by 1.43%.

The analysis of outgoing 140 doctors shows of 103 males only 5 tried to touch the total mark of 4 CGPA, where Fikru Demeke topped the table with 3.78 and remaining four clocked 3.70, 3.63, 3.59 and 3.56; 60 boys successfully crossed the hurdle of 3 and 39 fared well by crossing over 2.

Similarly, of 37 females, only three could pull out all the stops to barely inch closer to 4; it was Ikarm Musa Jemal who bagged 3.72 thus outwitting all females and two could secure 3.55 & 3.51. Likewise, 8 comfortably touched mark of 3 while 26 had to satisfy with going beyond 2 CGPA.

The function begun with Gamo Zone Cultural Music Band belting out various ethnic numbers; Corporate Communication Directorate Delegate, Mr Bedru Hirigo, anchoring program gave a low-down on AMU; he reminded them that now they will be called an alumni, an ambassador of the university, so the way they perform would impact the visibility of AMU; therefore, kindly remain connected and keep us informed about your continuous professional development for it will encourage others and give us sense of pride.

At the outset, University President, Dr Damtew Darza, addressing the doctors informed that till date AMU has produced 417 doctors of medicine and most of them are well placed and rendering their expertise in different parts of the country. He informed that apart from this, AMU’s coming up Referral-cum-Teaching Hospital will have Specialty and Sub-Specialty provisions wherein doctors can update their respective field of specialization which will be an asset for the patients and nation at large.

Further he adds that specialized education has always been the base for the development for it helps us to produce professionals who in turn pave the way for growth in divers sectors. And let me tell you that medical professional is most revered and responsible one; and as you enter into the new realm of life you got to be very attentive and absolutely diligent while serving society; he wished them best for their future endeavor.

Later, Dean of College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr Tamiru Shibiru, administering the oath, said, dear graduates this degree of life-science makes you most sought-after professionals and it’s time you must take the vow to render your absolutely valuable services by being honest, devoted, unprejudiced and non-discriminatory for the entire nation. In society, you are always on the higher pedestal; hence, you got to be clinically professional, but at the same time humble, compassionate and magnanimous for you will be dealing with human lives.

Exhorting doctors, the chief guest, AMU Board Chairman, Dr Yinager Dessie, said, on this momentous occasion, I would like to say that success doesn’t end here; actually it’s your new beginning for you have miles to go. At this juncture, when we are facing health professionals’ crunch, you can fill those gaps and play important role so that people’s pain and suffering would get alleviated and our healthcare system further get strengthened.

(Corporate Communication Directorate)