The Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Dr. Fazil Kucuk Medicine Faculty was set to hold a Medicine Festival including a White Gown and certificate awarding ceremony on the 14th of March. However, these plans were postponed due to the terrorist attacks that took place in Ankara. The postponed event took place on Saturday, the 26th of March 2016. The event that started at 11:00 a.m. was held at the EMU Rauf Raif Denktas Culture and Congress Centre.
The event commenced with a moment of silence and recitation of the national anthem. This was followed by a musical performance from the Department of Fine Arts. Representing Dr. Fazil Kucuk Medicine Faculty, first year student Dilara Engin delivered a speech titled “Why did you choose to become a doctor?” and Tahoora Tahmasebichalloo delivered a speech titled “If you had a magic wand which global health problem would you eradicate?”
After the students delivered their speeches, Dean of EMU Dr. Fazil Kucuk Medicine Faculty Prof. Dr. Nahide Gokcora took the stage. Prof. Dr. Gokcora started her speech by saying that she was deeply saddened by the recent terrorist attacks. She proceeded to state that the ceremony taking place is the first step towards becoming a doctor for the 51 students attending the ceremony from 16 different countries. She stated that throughout their lives, the students will try to create solutions for health problems present in society. Calling medicine a profession that runs on love for humanity she wished the students success in their future careers as ethical doctors aware of global health problems.
In his speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam stated that today is a proud day for students who have taken the first step towards carrying out their profession by wearing their white gowns. Addressing the students, Prof. Dr. Osam noted that they must create trust in their patients which will be of great value for those trying to recover. Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam concluded his speech with the words “Your children are our children. Thank you for entrusting us with them.”
The ceremony proceeded with the students wearing their white cloaks and a presentation by EMU Dr. Fazil Kucuk Medicine Faculty student Komail Hatemi titled “Art and Medicine”. After this presentation, Medicine student Esref Achrat Hajad gave classical guitar performance. Honour and high-honour students received their certificates and the ceremony ended with the first lesson delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akman.
