Medical Students Receive Stethoscope Gift

Members of the incoming 4th year class of Moi University School of Medicine students received a stethoscope as a gift in an inspirational ceremony earlier this month.

Dr. Angenieta Biegel began gifting a stethoscope to every incoming fourth year student in the mid-1990s and established a fund to continue the donation after her death in 2008. This year, 73 students received stethoscopes. Sarah Ellen Mamlin led the AMPATH team organizing this year’s ceremony.

Professor Joe Mamlin talks about his friend Dr. Angenieta Biegel whose generosity provides stethoscopes to Moi University School of Medicine students.

Professor Joe Mamlin shared memories of his friend Angie, as Dr. Biegel was known, with whom he completed his medical residency at Indiana University. Professor Mamlin recounted how Dr. Biegel lost her father during World War II and was raised by her physician grandfather who gave her a stethoscope as a gift. “She never forgot that. That was one of the most important gifts she ever received. She kept that scope until she died,” said Professor Mamlin.

“I always like to tell the students that Angie really gives you two gifts. One gift you’re going to get shortly, and you can put it around your neck, and it will make you look like a doctor,” mused Professor Mamlin to audience laughter. “Then she gives you gift number two. It means she cares about someone she doesn’t know and someone who can never thank her. She says ‘care about others’ and that’s her second gift to you.”

Professor Robert Tenge, principal of the Moi University College of Health Sciences, congratulated the students for reaching this milestone. Prior to the conferring of the stethoscopes to each student by a member of the of the medical school faculty. Dr. Julia Songok, associate dean Moi University School of Medicine also spoke to the students. Reverend Joseph K. Katwa gave the invocation.

In appreciation, the students presented Joe and Sarah Ellen Mamlin with Kenyan gifts and a thank you note that read, “We assure you that Angie’s deed will not be forgotten and we will do more for strangers because of the enlightenment she has given us.”

At the conclusion of the event, each student recited the Medical Students’ Oath.

As I begin my journey as part of the community of Medical Professionals,

I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;

I will give my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;

I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity;

My first consideration will be the health of my patients;

I will respect the secrets which are confided in me;

I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession;

My classmates and colleagues will be my sisters and brothers;

I will not permit consideration of religion, nationality, tribe, race, party politics, or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient;

I will maintain the utmost respect for human life; 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.