57th Convocation: 293 doctors graduate from St John's Medical College, Bengaluru

Bengaluru: A total of 293 doctors, including 147 MBBS students, 112 postgraduates, 31 super-specialty postgraduates, and three PhD scholars, received their degrees at the 57th annual convocation and college day of St John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, on Wednesday.

Of this, 35 doctors secured university ranks. Thirteen of the PG students ranked among the top 10, with 10 in the top five and three securing the University Gold Medal for the first rank. Six of the 31 super-specialty postgraduates obtained university first ranks.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao with dignitaries at St John

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, in his presidential address, congratulated the graduates, calling them an asset to the nation and mankind. He said graduates must show concern for their patients and not become commercial or exploit them, stressing that the public sector is pivotal to healthcare in the country. He urged them to practise medicine ethically and stay updated on the latest developments in the field of healthcare.

Dr Yogesh Jain, founder of Sangwari (People’s Association for Equity and Health) and Jan Swasthya Sahyog (People’s Health Support Group), was the chief guest.

Describing three types of doctors — those who do the bare minimum, those who go beyond to address public health issues and the causes of diseases, and those who focus on policies and advocate for causes — Dr Jain urged the graduates to make a choice about the kind of doctor they want to be.

Rev Fr Jesudoss Rajamanickam, Director of St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, urged the graduating doctors to always remember their promise to serve the underprivileged and the poorest of the poor in rural areas with courage and compassion.