Dean of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Ertekin: "Our education is not just theoretical, but a world-class simulation-based experience."
Stating that successful people, when asked 'What do you do?', say 'I do what I love.', Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin said, “If we equate this with healthcare, the field of health is a bit different. Loving people is the foundation of everything. Empathizing, being able to make sacrifices when necessary, being patient and hardworking are extremely important.”
Offering advice to candidates at the critical juncture of university preference period, Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin stated, “Our education is planned and implemented in accordance with theoretical and applied course contents applied in world-standard vocational training. Developments in information systems hold an important place in the healthcare field, as in all professional fields.”
At the most critical juncture of the university preference period, Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, addressed candidates aiming for a career in healthcare, explaining the key features that distinguish their faculty and the advantages they offer to students.
First, choose a profession that suits your character
Addressing candidates and their families during the preference period, Prof. Dr. Ertekin said, “It's a difficult process, not an easy one. In fact, students take the exam, but the whole family takes the exam. A profession that suits one's character, nature, and beliefs is actually one of the most important concepts. Successful people are asked, 'What do you do?' They say, 'I do what I love.' If we equate this with healthcare, the field of health is a bit different. Loving people is the foundation of everything. Empathizing, being able to make sacrifices when necessary, being patient and hardworking are extremely important. Because this work has no end. The most important professional groups that constantly renew themselves in a dynamic process are gathered under the umbrella of health sciences. I believe that if individuals first choose a profession that suits their character, nature, and expectations, they will be very successful in that job.”
Rich variety of departments and experienced academic staff
Emphasizing that the faculty's most fundamental strength is its experienced academic staff and wide range of departments, Prof. Dr. Ertekin stated, "The number of universities in Turkey housing 12 departments under the umbrella of the Faculty of Health Sciences is very small. In some branches, such as Ergotherapy, we are among the first established in Turkey. The perfusion department, while at master's level in most places, is offered as an undergraduate program at our faculty, making us one of the few in our country. Our educational staff consists of experienced, knowledgeable instructors who closely follow current developments in their fields. With the support of computer and software programs at our university, access to up-to-date information in this area is very easy.”
Offering advice to candidates at the critical juncture of the university preference period, Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin stated, “Our education is planned and implemented in accordance with theoretical and applied course contents applied in world-standard vocational training. Developments in information systems hold an important place in the healthcare field, as in all professional fields.”
Interdisciplinary development opportunity with Double Major and Minor programs
Ertekin stated that the field of health is a whole and different disciplines work in interaction with each other, “Health is actually a whole. Speech-language therapy, audiology, ergotherapy, physiotherapy... all are parts of a whole. That's why we are one of the groups that can house all of them. Plus, we offer our students options like pursuing a minor or a double major (ÇAP) in related fields. In very closely related fields, if the courses overlap, students can develop their knowledge and skills by taking two undergraduate programs or a minor program simultaneously without too much difficulty.”
Closest experience to reality with simulation and artificial intelligence
Prof. Dr. Ertekin stated that one of the most important tools for students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice is simulation-based education, and also emphasized the place of artificial intelligence in healthcare education.
Prof. Dr. Ertekin stated, “Simulation-based education is provided in some of our laboratories. For example, in the midwifery or nursing department, a birth event can be presented to our students as training entirely within the framework of software programs in a virtual environment. A patient arrived, heart rate dropped, what kind of sounds would they make... All of these can be artificially programmed. Our students have the chance to experience and learn about situations that could occur in real people using models. The future will gradually move in that direction. We are assertive about our laboratories; there's no need to be too modest. Our infrastructure in this regard is very good.”
Noting that simulation-based education is also provided in some laboratories, Prof. Dr. Ertekin said, “Our highly developed infrastructure for information systems and distance learning provides great convenience to our students when distance education is required.”
Applied training opens doors to employment
Stating that the combination of theoretical knowledge with practice is indispensable in healthcare education, Prof. Dr. Ertekin said, “One of the fundamental philosophies of health is that you must apply the theoretical knowledge you gain in the field for it to be reinforced. Without practice, one leg remains missing. Our students find opportunities for internships and practical training within our own organization, in institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Health, in the private sector, and in cooperation with industry. That's where networking begins. One of the biggest advantages for our students is that by the time they graduate, most of them almost have a job ready. We see the great support and benefit of industry and education cooperation in this field.”
An international campus environment and student-focused solutions
Prof. Dr. Ertekin stated that the university has an international identity, pointing to the support offered to foreign students, “We have a large number of students from our near neighbors, as well as from very remote parts of Africa and European countries. Our students can go abroad within the framework of Erasmus programs, and students also come to us from abroad. When our international students arrive, we have a mentoring system, almost like a one-on-one ‘buddy system’, so they can adapt to our culture and receive support when they encounter problems. Additionally, when an application is made to our Solution Center, one of the most excellent practices of our school, a response is always provided and a solution produced within a defined timeframe.”
Project-orientation, R&D, and teamwork culture
Emphasizing the importance given to project generation across the university, Prof. Dr. Ertekin stated, “Now, teaching how to learn is important. The most beautiful learning happens when you are doing something you love. There is endless support for our students for innovative ideas that may come to mind while doing projects. We are very open to projects, in fact, we even push for them a bit. Teamwork means learning to share, showing respect to others, exchanging ideas, and brainstorming. This also creates a spirit of togetherness and belonging among our students.”
City university and disability-friendly campus
Prof. Dr. Ertekin stated that, in addition to the transportation and social activity conveniences brought by being a city university, they also have free shuttle services between campuses, a rich library, reasonably priced meal options, and a disability-friendly infrastructure.
“Our infrastructures have been created such that one can fulfill all functions without needing assistance even when entering our school's door. In this respect, we are a university that provides disability-friendly education,” said Prof. Dr. Ertekin, concluding his words by saying, "It's not an easy process; you will choose a profession that will shape your life. If you think you are good at empathy and human relations, if you love to work, if you are open to innovations and won't give up, the field of healthcare is exactly the right branch for you. I wish you all to choose a profession in which you will be successful according to your heart's desire.”
