USA Symposium – An Honest Review

The podium banner proudly declared: "31 October 2024, 11:00 AM." But, in true African time fashion, the clock said otherwise. The shorthand sauntered toward 12. Finally, at 12:26 PM, the event kicked off – fashionably late, as expected. 

All hitches and hiccups duly noted, the event was an overall joy to attend. Refulgence was duly explained by the association president, Uzor Uchechukwu, a Yoruba-speaking, Igbo-named, Hausa-dressed, eloquent young man. He spoke on the concept of light breaking darkness, and -in clothes and words- inclusivity in diversity. The lineup of speakers was promising right off the bat: a barrister turned senator, the president of the association of resident doctors, and particular notice, the Deputy Central Managing Director, also standing in for the Central Managing Director. 

The real highlight was the theme, "NAVIGATING HEALTHCARE, BEYOND THE CLINIC”. The Deputy CMD spoke about unity and the abrasion between health professionals in the College of Medicine and how instrumental the students could be in eliminating this disunity and distance. He also mentioned that a UCH Research Handbook was soon to be released. He mentioned that a section about research done by students was a part of this Handbook, stating categorically that student research would be supported in the future. Expectations about charging phones amidst the recent blackouts might not have been met. Yet, the hope of an unsegregated UCH should lift hearts if it won’t lift battery levels. 

The keynote speaker gave a speech on the relationship between the law and the field of healthcare. And what a speech it was! This was followed by a panelist session on Non-Traditional Careers in Healthcare Success and Navigating Healthcare Beyond the Clinics. The panelist session had Odedele Covenant (A fourth-year medical student), Dr. Lola Olalere (A coach for doctors and medical students), and Olaoluwa Promise (A health Information manager at Total Energies). 

Some other events of note included the launching of the USA website: www.uchstudentsassociation.com, the launching of the USA magazine; Chiasma, the launching of the Research Hub. The Public Relations Officer of the UCH Students Association, Lawrence Temidayo, as well as the Masters of Ceremonies; Ogunnaike Rebecca and Salawu Abiola, did a good job of creating and heightening expectations for the Cultural Night.

In conclusion, the event surpassed expectations, providing a rich source of valuable information for UCH students. The current administration successfully catered to diverse interests and engaged students from various faculties, including Law.

Salami Wisdom