Lira, Uganda: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Victoria School of Nursing and Midwifery–Lira, Dr. Isaac Orec, has encouraged parents to consider medical education as a valuable investment in the future of their children, describing nursing and midwifery as professions that offer opportunities for career growth, community service and professional development.
Dr. Orec made the remarks while addressing questions from parents about why medical education continues to attract young people at a time when many families are searching for career paths that can provide both professional skills and opportunities to serve society.
You According to Dr. Orec, the growing need for healthcare services locally and internationally continues to create opportunities for qualified health professionals, particularly nurses and midwives who play a central role in patient care and community health.
“Medical education is not only about getting a job. It is about preparing a young person with skills and knowledge that can be used to save lives, promote health and serve communities,” Dr. Orec said.
He explained that nursing and midwifery students are trained in areas that require both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including patient care, disease prevention, health education and maternal and child health.
Dr. Orec said graduates can pursue careers in hospitals, health centres, private healthcare facilities, community-based programmes, humanitarian organisations and other health-related institutions, depending on their qualifications and professional requirements.
Dr. Orec noted that one of the reasons parents are increasingly considering medical training for their children is the broad role healthcare professionals play in society.
He said nursing and midwifery are professions built around service, responsibility, compassion and continuous learning, giving graduates an opportunity to make a direct difference in people's lives.
He also encouraged parents not to focus only on the immediate employment prospects of a course but to consider the skills, professional discipline and opportunities for further education that students can gain from their training.
The Victoria School CEO further advised parents and students to carefully assess medical training institutions before enrolling.
He encouraged families to consider factors such as institutional accreditation, qualified teaching staff, learning facilities, practical training opportunities, clinical exposure and the institution's academic record.
“Parents should take time to understand where they are sending their children for training. Quality education and proper practical exposure are important in preparing competent healthcare professionals,” he said.
Dr. Orec stressed that clinical training is particularly important because it enables students to apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare environments under appropriate supervision.
He also urged young people interested in nursing and midwifery to approach their studies with commitment and discipline, noting that healthcare is a profession that demands professionalism, integrity, compassion and a willingness to continue learning.
He encouraged students to view their education as the foundation of a long-term career rather than simply a means of obtaining academic qualifications.
As Uganda and other countries continue to strengthen healthcare services, Dr. Orec said the need for well-trained healthcare workers will remain important, making investment in quality medical education a significant consideration for families.
For parents in Lira and beyond, he said choosing a suitable healthcare training programme can provide young people with an opportunity to develop professional skills while contributing to the health and wellbeing of their communities.
Victoria School of Nursing and Midwifery–Lira says it remains committed to supporting students pursuing careers in nursing and midwifery through academic training, practical learning and professional development.
