1st-year students of the Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, experienced the excitement of wearing white coats on the 100th Anniversary of the Republic. The ceremony was attended by Heads of Departments of the Faculty of Health Sciences, academics, and students from the Occupational Therapy Department. The ceremony, which saw strong interest from families, also featured emotional moments.
The opening speeches of the ceremony were delivered by Alper Durdu Turnalar, a 2nd-year student of the Occupational Therapy Department, Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Occupational Therapy Department at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences and MÜTEM Director, Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Dean of the Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak.
The ceremony held at the Ibn Sina Auditorium of Üsküdar Üniversitesi NP Dental and Health Campus saw high participation.
Alper Durdu Turnalar: “We will contribute to the building of a healthy society”
Alper Durdu Turnalar, a 2nd-year student of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Occupational Therapy Department, delivered his speech at the ceremony. He stated that the occupational therapy profession is designed to improve the quality of life for every individual in society and help them manage their daily lives better. Turnalar said: “The white coat ceremony is also a reflection of both our responsibilities and ethical values. We will touch people's lives, give them hope, and contribute to the building of a healthy society together with all my student friends.”
Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova: “I believe you will do justice to your white coats”
At the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Occupational Therapy Department at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, delivered her opening speech. Starting her speech by congratulating all students and their families, Asqarova drew attention to why occupational therapy is important in the 21st Century. Asqarova said: “Today, we have gathered on a beautiful and special day. On this special day, you will wear your sparkling white coats, which hold great meaning for your profession. My faith is endless that you will proudly carry your coats on this path you have embarked upon. As a field of science, Occupational Therapy's positive impact on our quality of life is of great importance. Because Occupational Therapy is a 'Positive Therapy.' In fact, we can fully say that Occupational Therapy is 'The Art of Healing Humans'... As Occupational Therapists, you too will improve a person's situation, whatever it may be, and provide positive touches to their lives by teaching them to enjoy life.”
Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “Occupational therapy has started to become a very important bridge”
Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Dean of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, underlined that health professions require empathy, dedication, tolerance, and effort. Prof. Dr. Ertekin said: “When you step into healthcare and put on a white coat, you become a professional in this field, and this is one of those unforgettable moments. The health profession requires a bit of empathy, dedication, tolerance, and effort. It's not very similar to other professions; communicating one-on-one with people is a very different field. Occupational therapy has become even more distinct among these because, as human life expectancy extends today, occupational therapy has started to become a very important bridge in reintegrating people into society.”
Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak: “Serving humanity is the most sacred duty”
In his opening speech, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak emphasized that serving humanity is a sacred duty. Koçak said: “Serving humanity, serving life, is the most sacred duty. It is important to serve those in need among people. To alleviate suffering, to integrate a person into society, to help them – for this reason, the health profession has been accepted as sacred. Today, our young people who wear their white coats are taking their first steps into such an army. The white coat is a garment that instills trust in the other person, makes them feel that all emotions can be easily overcome, and signifies cleanliness and purity. It is an important day for both the students and the families who raised them. I congratulate my young colleagues.”
Families did not leave occupational therapy students alone…
Families did not leave the occupational therapy students, who experienced the excitement of wearing white coats, alone on their happy day.
Department heads and academics helped students put on their white coats.
An anthem was performed on the 100th Anniversary of the Republic…
As part of the 100th Anniversary of the Republic, students wearing their white coats enthusiastically performed the 100th Anniversary Anthem together.
The ceremony, which featured colorful scenes, ended after a group photo session.
