Eleven new doctors were sworn-in last Friday to begin work at the Ministry of Health and were urged to honour their vows and oath to serve Samoa and its community with humility. 

The new House Surgeons 2022 from the School of Medicine at the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) took their Hippocratic oaths during a special ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Health, after they completed and attained their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from the recent N.U.S. graduation last month. 

Held at the Ministry of Health's conference room, the new graduates proudly went before their peers, families and friends as well as M.O.H. officials who congratulated and officially welcomed them into the workforce. 

Long time serving physician and Assistant C.E.O. of the Health Ministry, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen spoke on behalf of the Ministry, not only congratulating the new doctors joining the Ministry, but also encouraging them to honor their Hippocratic oaths. 

The new doctors were also encouraged to regard this achievement as just one of many to come.

Tagaloa said he understands that becoming a doctor is not an easy journey, therefore, for them to have made it this far is commendable. 

In saying that, Tagaloa emphasised that now they have taken their oaths, a new chapter has begun for them and that there will be a lot of challenges ahead. 

Nonetheless Tagaloa encouraged them to carry out their work with humility and love for the people they serve and to be fair with everyone who would seek help from them. 

The new doctors solemnly pledged "to consecrate" their lives to the "service of humanity." 

They also vowed to practice their profession "with conscience and dignity" all while respecting the teachers who taught them and give them "gratitude that is their due."

They also promised to prioritise the life of their patients and to respect the secrets which are confined in them while vowing to maintain, by all means "the honor and the noble traditions of the medical profession."

"I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, politics, or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient," they continued. 

"I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from the time of its conception, even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity. 

"I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honor."

The new young doctors will now work under provisional registration for the next two years before they become fully registered.

Samoa’s newest class of doctors from the nation’s own School of Medicine joining the public service are: Dr. Benhur Matalavea, Dr. Crystal Rukshana Umar, Dr. Derek Taylor, Dr. Epaggelia Efu, Dr. Fa'asulu Nettie Fa'asalaina, Dr. Gimme Anginina Fa'asuamaleaui, Dr. Jerome Vili, Dr. Kiwi Gafa, Dr. Persia Caffery Petaia, Dr. Regina Emma Duseignuer and Dr. Sila Fanene.