Karu: Prof. Haruna Ayuba, Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, has lauded family medicine as a versatile field capable of addressing a broad spectrum of health challenges while adapting to evolving medical needs. Ayuba made these remarks during the 11th inaugural lecture of the institution, presented by Prof. Musa Dankyau, former Provost of the College of Medical Sciences and current Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the lecture was themed ‘The Protean Nature of Family Medicine and Family Care: Old Medicine for New Problems.’ It emphasized the lasting importance of foundational medical principles amidst rapid technological and societal changes. Ayuba elaborated on the theme, explaining that the term ‘protean’ is inspired by the Greek mythological figure Proteus, symbolizing the adaptability of family medicine in addressing diverse health issues while remaining a cornerstone of comprehensive, continuous, and patient-centered care.
Prof. Ayuba noted that the topic chosen by the inaugural lecturer bridges the past, present, and future of medical practice, emphasizing enduring principles crucial for tackling complex health problems. He asserted that the insights shared deepen the understanding of how traditional values of holistic care continue to be vital in modern healthcare systems. Furthermore, Ayuba congratulated Dankyau for delivering the college’s 11th inaugural lecture and disclosed plans to compile the first 10 inaugural lectures into a resource volume for postgraduate students and scholars.
In his presentation, Prof. Dankyau underscored that family medicine remains ‘the most adaptable and system-resilient response’ to complex health challenges, refuting any notion of it being an outdated practice. He pointed out that healthcare was once holistic and community-rooted, viewing illness as affecting the whole person within a social context. Dankyau likened family medicine to the Proteus metaphor, highlighting its adaptability across varied settings and disease burdens while maintaining its core identity.
Dankyau emphasized that family medicine prioritizes care for the whole person, continuity over time, integration of services, and attention to family and community context. He identified major global health challenges, such as multimorbidity, rising healthcare costs, workforce shortages, technological disruptions, and climate change, which necessitate such an adaptable approach. He concluded by describing family medicine as ‘old medicine for new problems’ and a pathway to more humane, equitable, and resilient health systems.
The event was graced by dignitaries including Dr. Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, along with medical practitioners from within and outside Nigeria.