White Coat Ceremony at the Faculty of Health Sciences

Students of our University’s Faculty of Health Sciences took their first steps in their professional journey by donning their white coats. Nursing students marked the beginning of their careers with the traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony, honoring Florence Nightingale and the ideals of professional commitment and service. The ceremonies, held in the Large and Small Conference Halls, were conducted with great enthusiasm and attended by academics and family members.

The event began with the opening remarks of Prof. Dr. İrfan Papila, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, who emphasized the significance of the white coat in the healthcare field:
“This ceremony symbolizes not only stepping into a profession, but also embracing the values that represent science, health, and quality of life.”

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics

The ceremony continued with students from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics putting on their white coats. Prof. Dr. Papila highlighted the importance of the field:
“You represent a science that understands nutrition not merely as a physiological need, but as a cornerstone of life. Your white coat is a symbol of your responsibility to safeguard bodily balance, mental strength, and the sustainability of life.”

The White Coat Ceremony for the Turkish and English programs of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics was held in two sessions in the Large Conference Hall. The first session began with a speech by Dr. Ahmet Murat Günal, Vice Chair of the Department, who emphasized the importance of the dietetics profession for human health and wished students success in their careers. The second session was opened by Dr. Zeynep Özerson, Head of the Department, who congratulated the students and wished them success in their professional journey. Following the speeches, students proudly donned their white coats.

Department of Midwifery

The White Coat Ceremony for the Department of Midwifery took place in the Small Conference Hall, beginning with a speech by Prof. Dr. İrfan Papila, who addressed the students:
“The white coat symbolizes welcoming new life into the world and guiding mothers through childbirth. It represents the responsibility, love, and trust you carry as you accompany the first breath of a newborn.”

The ceremony continued with remarks by Dr. Şerife Kartal Erdost, Head of the Department, who highlighted the importance of the midwifery profession and wished students success in their careers.

Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

The White Coat Ceremony for the Turkish and English programs of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation began with a speech by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seda Saka, Vice Dean, followed by remarks from Dr. Seda Yıldız, Vice Chair of the Department. Students proudly donned their white coats with the support of department academics.

Department of Speech and Language Therapy

Dr. Selim Önler, Head of the Department, delivered a speech emphasizing the significance of the profession. Students then took their first professional steps by putting on their white coats.

Nursing Department – Lamp Lighting Ceremony

Students of the Turkish and English Nursing programs celebrated the start of their careers with the traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony, commemorating Florence Nightingale and her lasting contributions to nursing. Inspired by Nightingale’s care for patients by lamplight, the ceremony symbolically used light to represent responsibility and dedication. The program began with a speech by Prof. Dr. İrfan Papila, followed by remarks from Prof. Dr. Neriman Zengin, Head of the Department, who emphasized ethical values, the commitment to human health, and the importance of professional responsibility in nursing.

All sessions concluded with students taking their professional oaths. We congratulate all our students and wish them success in their professional lives.