Stethoscope Gift Continues to Benefit Future Doctors

Members of the incoming 4th-year class of Moi University School of Medicine received a stethoscope gift in a ceremony on April 6th. 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.

Angie, as Dr. Biegel was known, completed her medical residency at Indiana University. 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 has continued to pay the kindness on each year to students in Kenya.

Student’s recite the Medical Student's’ Oath

The event was graced by Professor Robert Tenge, principal of the Moi University College of Health Science; Dr. Julia Songok, dean of Moi University School of Medicine;  Dr. William Stauffer, executive site director for the AMPATH Consortium;  Dr. Caitrin Kelly, associate executive site director; and staff and faculty from Moi University College of Health Sciences including, Reverend Joseph Katwa, Professor Simeon Mining, Professor Kirtika Patel, Dr. Rodgers Songole and Ms. Nicole Robertson. The event was also attended by happy and proud friends and family of the medical students.

The speakers reflected on their journeys as medical students and had wise counsel for the students encouraging them to be respectful, humble and dedicated to their calling.

“In the world of a doctor, the patient is always number one. Treat all your patients with respect and all humility and diligence,” advised Prof. Tenge. He encouraged the students to be receptive to new ideas and be prepared to do greater things. “Medicine is evolving. What was superior and relevant 20 years ago may not make sense in today's world. You have to be willing to invest time in this challenging field and keep learning.”

Dr. Stauffer reflected on his time as a medical student when he received his white coat, “If anyone asked me about what to give me, I would have preferred to get a stethoscope. Today, as you enjoy the generosity and kindness passed down from Dr. Biegel, I urge you to always remember to be compassionate, generous and kind.”