First-year students of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Dentistry experienced the joy of donning their white coats. Families also shared the happiness of the students who wore their white coats, symbolizing the first step into their professional lives.
Speaking at the ceremony, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said; “The white coat is not just about being white, but about succeeding in remaining white. I have no doubt that you will be able to carry this sacred responsibility and make a difference in your profession.”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Dentistry Dean Prof. Dr. Ergün Yücel stated; “The white coat is a symbol of hope, honesty, human love, and professional responsibility. The coat you will wear today is not just a piece of clothing, but also your commitment to being conscientious, ethical, and adhering to human values.”
The white coat ceremony took place at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Health Campus Ibn Sina Auditorium.
The ceremony was attended by Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Dentistry Dean Prof. Dr. Ergün Yücel, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Osman Çerezci, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Pathology Head Prof. Dr. İbrahim Öztek, faculty academics, students, and parents.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “The white coat is not just about being white, but about succeeding in remaining white”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, delivered the opening remarks at the white coat ceremony. Tarhan stated; “This white coat is not just an attire, but a symbol of purity, honesty, and professionalism. By wearing this coat, you are accepting a responsibility not only to medicine but also to serve humanity. One must be a good person before being a good physician. You should never forget this. The foundation of success in your profession lies in being able to empathize, having a conscience, and adhering to professional ethics. Each of you must always prioritize ethical values, honesty, and human love to be worthy of your patients' trust. The white coat is not just about being white, but about succeeding in remaining white. I have no doubt that you will be able to carry this sacred responsibility and make a difference in your profession. I congratulate all of you and wish you success in your professional lives.”
Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak: “We are very proud to see them preparing for this sacred duty”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak also said in his speech at the ceremony; “Every profession is sacred, but professions that serve humanity have a special importance due to their impact on public health and their responsibilities. Honesty, integrity, and empathy lie at the heart of professions that serve health. The white coat, as a symbol of these values, represents purity, conscientiousness, and professional responsibility. We are very proud to see our students preparing for this sacred duty by developing their theoretical and practical knowledge through a master-apprentice relationship. One of the most important duties of healthcare professionals is to earn the trust of their patients and serve them in the best possible way. We have full faith that after graduation, they will prioritize human values and utilize their knowledge and skills to the best of their abilities. May it be beneficial for our new colleagues, and may their paths be clear.”
Prof. Dr. Ergün Yücel: “The white coat is a symbol of human love”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Dentistry Dean Prof. Dr. Ergün Yücel emphasized the spiritual values of the white coat. Yücel stated; “The white coat is a symbol of hope, honesty, human love, and professional responsibility. The coat you will wear today is not just a piece of clothing, but also your commitment to being conscientious, ethical, and adhering to human values. Medicine has historically been one of the most respected professions in society. However, this profession is not merely an endeavor based on knowledge, but also an art that must be performed with empathy, self-sacrifice, and high ethical values. Caring for human health is a great privilege and also a heavy responsibility. Remember that you cannot practice this profession without love for humanity. Your white coat is a symbol of healthy living, overcoming challenges, honesty, trustworthiness, humility, and service to humanity. Our faculty aims not only to educate you as knowledgeable and skilled individuals but also to develop your entrepreneurial, research, social responsibility, and communication skills. We also thank your families who have contributed to you reaching this point. Their support will be your greatest source of strength on this challenging path.”
Muhammed Enver Mesci: “Our aim is to place respect for humanity at the center of our profession”
Muhammed Enver Mesci, a first-year student at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Dentistry, delivered a speech on behalf of his friends at the white coat ceremony, stating “The white coats we wear today symbolize not only the honor of our profession but also the great responsibility that comes with serving human health. As we embark on this journey, our goal is not only to develop our knowledge and skills but also to place respect and care for humanity at the heart of our profession. I believe that with the guidance of our professors, the sacrifices of our families, and the support we feel for each other, we will continue this challenging but valuable journey. Although this path may be arduous and at times demanding, we will move forward with our heads held high and determination, always upholding the honor required by these coats. Today is a beginning for all of us and a promise made to contribute to humanity.”
Following the opening speeches, the first-year students of the Faculty of Dentistry enthusiastically put on their white coats.
The white coats were put on the dentistry students by Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak, Prof. Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel, Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur, Prof. Dr. Ergün Yücel, Prof. Dr. Osman Çerezci, and faculty members.
After donning their coats, the students then collectively took their professional oath under the leadership of Associate Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barış Karabulut.
The happiness and emotional moments of the families witnessing this beautiful moment of their children were truly remarkable.
The ceremony concluded after a group photo session.
