MDCN Welcomes 349 Foreign-Trained Doctors and Dentists into Practice

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) on Tuesday formally inducted 349 foreign-trained doctors and dentists into the country’s healthcare system in Abuja.

Having successfully passed the MDCN assessment examinations, the inductees received certificates allowing them to practise medicine and dentistry in Nigeria, contributing to the expansion and strengthening of the nation’s healthcare workforce. Among them, 340 are medical doctors and nine are dentists.

The induction aligns with MDCN’s mandate to regulate medical and dental practice, uphold professional ethics, and ensure that healthcare delivery in Nigeria meets the highest standards. By integrating qualified foreign-trained professionals into the system, the council seeks to safeguard patient care while boosting the national healthcare workforce.

Speaking at the ceremony, MDCN Registrar Dr. Fatima Kyari urged the new doctors to maintain the highest ethical standards in their practice and emphasised the importance of housemanship as a critical foundation for professional development under consultant supervision.

“Parents, please ensure your children complete their housemanship. This year is a crucial period where they gain practical experience, serving as the first line of care under consultant guidance. The lessons learned will remain a foundation for their entire careers,” Kyari said.

She encouraged the inductees to serve patients with dignity, embrace the responsibilities of their profession, and contribute positively to their communities. She also reminded them that Nigerian doctors are highly sought after globally due to their resilience and adaptability, but stressed the importance of keeping talent within the country.

Kyari warned that any breach of professional or ethical standards would attract strict disciplinary measures, ranging from warnings and suspensions to total erasure of practising certificates.

“Medicine demands dedication and carries great responsibility, but it is also rewarding. Being a doctor is about respect, service, and stepping out of your comfort zone to care for patients with dignity and knowledge,” she added.

The President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Bala Audu, echoed these sentiments, stressing that doctors must uphold high ethical standards in both professional and personal conduct. He highlighted the importance of balancing leadership and trainee roles, working effectively in teams, recognising limitations, and seeking help when necessary.

“From your undergraduate training, you know that medicine requires adherence to high ethical standards in patient care and personal life. Society has high expectations, and you must be both leaders and team players. Recognise your limits and seek support when needed. Much has been invested in your training, and therefore, much more is expected of you,” Bala said.