Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine organized the “Being a Doctor” event, which was moderated by Dr. Zozan Güleken from the Physiology Department of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine. Prof. Dr. Özgür Kasapçopur from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medical Sciences, Pediatric Health and Diseases, who was a speaker in the program, spoke about the benefits of being a doctor, saying, “Being a doctor means being a solution for a desperate patient, being the breath for a child who cannot breathe.”
Prof. Dr. Özgür Kasapçopur stated that every success is possible with hard work; “Everything happens when you work. I also wish I were a first-year student today. I would be very happy. Today, May 18th, is the anniversary of the passing of our esteemed professor Türkan Saylan. Türkan Saylan passed away approximately 12 years ago. It is very important for me to have received a science award named after her last year. I will start this seminar, where I am a speaker today, by commemorating our professor Türkan Saylan.”
“You will live with a knapsack on your back throughout your life”
Kasapçopur told the students that they should not see doctoring as just a profession; “First of all, if we consider where the word 'hekim' (doctor) comes from, this word fundamentally derives from wisdom. You will live with a knapsack on your back throughout your life. You will fill this knapsack with good deeds, and you will distribute these good deeds to all people, to all humanity. These good deeds will not be only for you. Or, you have a water container in your hand; you must fill this water container with as much beautiful knowledge as possible. What does it mean to be a doctor? It means being a solution for a desperate patient. It means being the breath for a child who cannot breathe. It means dreaming of a child who cannot walk, running in the fields.”
“Doctoring is the state of doing good”
Kasapçopur emphasized the importance of a doctor always being by their patient's side and wishing for the impossible for them; “There will be moments when we realize we cannot help our patient. But despite this, you must dream of a happier life. Doctoring is the state of doing good. When you become a doctor in this world, remember that you were sent to do good. You must always do good to people everywhere, and always do not give up being a child. You must sacrifice yourselves for people you don't know. Being a doctor is also important for the Covid era we are living in. Many of our doctor friends lost their lives during this period. During this period, while everyone was at home, we were in the field every day. We solved Covid with the power of science. Our country is the most beautiful place to practice medicine.”
“Listen to your masters, love research, be united…”
Prof. Dr. Özgür Kasapçopur, addressing the roles of a prospective doctor, said; “As a doctor, you must be a master. Don't forget that this is an apprenticeship, meaning no matter how knowledgeable you are, listen to your masters, be a communicator. Always try to understand everyone's troubles, be united with everyone's troubles. Having collaborative skills is very valuable. Always seek solutions, don't create problems, advocate for health, and be a researcher. Always research; scientific studies and contributions will give you very important information. Be determined, never give up, and be persistent. Don't be influenced by external data. Most importantly, be kind. That is, don't hurt anyone. The human heart is made of glass. It breaks very easily. Therefore, you should be careful not to hurt anyone unless it is absolutely necessary. As I mentioned at the beginning of the speech, the word 'hekim' (doctor) comes from wisdom. You must be a remedy for those who suffer. Embrace the enlightenment and guidance of science. Seeing is never enough. You need to look, to understand. Never give up on loving.”