Students from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics (English and Turkish programs) at the Faculty of Health Sciences took their first step into professional life by donning their white coats. The ceremony, held in the Small Conference Hall, was attended by academic staff, students, and their families.
The event began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem and was held in two sessions: one in English and the other in Turkish. The first session was dedicated to the English program. The opening speech was delivered by the Head of the Department, Mr. Ahmet Murat Günal, who stated:
“The White Coat Ceremony is a highly meaningful and valuable occasion for both our students and for us. Witnessing them take their first steps toward building a professional identity on this special day brings us great pride and happiness. I would like to take this opportunity to once again remind our students never to compromise on ethical values throughout their careers."
In her speech titled “Career Journey," Dietitian Gizem Şeber outlined the core competencies that every successful dietitian should possess:
“A dietitian's toolkit must include, first and foremost, a strong commitment to ethical principles. A solid and current theoretical foundation, hands-on internship experience, international exposure, and a thorough understanding of research methods and resources are essential. Being open to innovation and maintaining the curiosity of 'How can I do this better?' is also critical to professional growth."
Following the speeches, academic staff assisted the aspiring dietitians in putting on their white coats. After the oath-taking ceremony and a celebratory cake cutting, the session for the English program concluded.
The second session was held for students in the Turkish program. The opening address was delivered by Assist. Prof. Zeynep Özerson, Head of the Department, who said:
“We have gathered here today for the White Coat Ceremony, which represents a significant milestone in the professional journey of our third-year students. Since the establishment of our department in 2007, we have proudly graduated over 1,000 students, many of whom are now successfully practicing across the country. Our mission is to educate confident, responsible, visionary, and dynamic dietitians. The white coat also symbolizes responsibility and leaves a lasting first impression."
In her speech, Dietitian İrem Gündoğan shared insights from her own career journey, highlighting the vital role of dietitians in treatment processes and emphasizing the importance of effective communication in healthcare.
As in the first session, academic staff helped students into their white coats. The program concluded with the oath ceremony and a cake-cutting celebration.