Dr. Onesmas Beinomugisha, a senior clinical officer, president Association of ENT officers (U) limited ( Ears, Nose, Throat / Head surgery, and the father founder of Uganda society of clinical officers who also shares as the director of Globo medical centers country wide re-emphasized the call by H.E YK Museveni for the students to embrace science subjects as the solution to their demand and viability in the job market after school life.
Dr. Beinomugisha asserted that the increasing population in the country is creating a vacuum for a demand in the recruitment of health personnels who can handle health community matters and therefore advising students to prioritize clinical medicine to bridge the gap between health services providers and the the consumers ( public).
“As many students are waiting for their A’level results and planning to join University and tertiary institutions, this period marks 15 years when i was in a similar situation. As a former science (Biology and chemistry) student at one of the top schools in Kampala, most of us had one dream, becoming a doctor though we didn’t know which type of doctors. My parents and teachers didn’t know either. I and many of my colleagues would thus go to adventure of options after the release of results moving from several universities to institutions but finally landed on a course that fitted my purpose for life,” he noted, explaining that clinical medicine and community health is a vital and rewarding career that plays a crucial and Paramount role in delivering primary health care services to communities in need and community health care workers are the backbone of our health system, providing essential medical care, health education, and community outreach services. Despite their vital role and importance, clinical health professionals however face biases and misconceptions.
“Many biased people believe that clinical officers are not real doctors or that community health workers are just volunteers. But these myths could not be further from the truth”, he added.
Dr Onesmas further observed that clinical officers under go rigorous training and education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to provide high quality medical care.
”They are qualified to diagnose and treat a range of medical conditions, prescribe medications, perform essential life saving surgeries just like any other doctors, present medical legal evidence in courts of law, and above all, the community health program equips them with an upper hand advantage on how to solve health related issues at a community perspective rather than individual approach”. he said
He also informed students that clinical medicine and community health graduates obtain duo qualification with a Bachelor of medicine (family medicine) and bachelor of community health.
”Community health and training plays a crucial role also in promoting health disease preventions and community empowerment. About the reasons why a science student should consider a career in clinical medicine and community health,” he emphasized.
Dr Onesmas Beinomugisha made the remarks during the Funeral send-off of the late Lydia Kyarikunda in Kyandaaro village, Ntunga subcounty, Isingiro district recently.
