Prof. Hikmet Koçak: “One who does not love people cannot be a good healthcare professional”

The second guest of the “Masters of Medicine Interviews” series, organized by Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine to convey the universal principles of medical science, bioethical norms, and ancient medical practice to future physicians, was Vice Rector of Üsküdar University and Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist Prof. Hikmet Koçak. Sharing his experiences from his professional life with Faculty of Medicine students, Koçak drew attention to the importance of the master-apprentice relationship, professional discipline, and human love in medicine. Koçak also underlined that a person who does not love people cannot be a good healthcare professional. 

During the interview held at Üsküdar University NP Health Campus İbni Sina Auditorium, the scientific and humane aspects of the medical profession were discussed.

Prof. Haydar Sur: “The master-apprentice relationship is the critical backbone of medicine”

The opening speech of the interview was delivered by Prof. Haydar Sur, Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine. Stating that medicine is not limited to scientific knowledge alone, Sur expressed that medicine is an art that uses science most intensely.

Emphasizing that learning from experienced physicians is as important as knowledge gained from books in medical education, Sur drew attention to the role of the master-apprentice relationship in professional development. Sur said; “I have known hundreds of colleagues who devoured books like poison but were not as successful in medical procedures. They thought medical science could only be learned from books. This was their common trait. Reading books is mandatory, but this profession cannot be learned from books; it is learned from masters. The master-apprentice relationship is very important, a critical backbone for medical science.”

Prof. Hikmet Koçak: “The purpose of these meetings is to share experiences”

Expressing his pleasure at meeting with students, Prof. Hikmet Koçak touched upon the importance of transferring his accumulated experiences from his professional life to younger generations.

Koçak said; “Experiences are hard-earned. Because they are easily explained, they sometimes do not find an audience or are not preferred. However, those hard-earned experiences can be taken by you, our young colleagues, and carried to a more advanced point in your own lives. The purpose of these meetings is to share experiences and shed light on your path at some point.”

Experience and practice stand out in surgical training

Born in Oltu district of Erzurum in 1954, Koçak recounted his educational life starting from his childhood years, his medical faculty years, and his professional journey extending to cardiac surgery. 

Stating that he graduated from Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in 1978, Koçak shared his process of turning to the field of surgery and his experiences gained in various healthcare institutions. Koçak, who returned to Erzurum in 1988 and contributed to the development of cardiac surgery there, also conveyed the difficulties he encountered in his professional life and the influence of his mentors who guided him.

“Surgery is a master-apprentice craft”

Stating that surgical training develops not only through observation but also through practice and transfer of experience, Koçak said; “You do not become a good surgeon by just looking and seeing. The practical aspect is important. Surgery is a master-apprentice craft.”

Stating that what he learned from his mentors played an important role in his professional development, Koçak emphasized that experience is decisive in managing difficulties and complications encountered especially during surgical procedures.

Sharing a surgical experience from the early years of his professional life with students, Koçak gave an example of his mentor's approach to him. Through this experience, he drew attention to the fact that physicians should know the limits of their own knowledge and competence, and at the same time, should have the equipment to manage complications they may encounter.

“One who does not love people cannot be a good healthcare professional”

Stating that being a good physician is not possible only with academic knowledge and professional skills, Koçak touched upon the importance of communication with the patient, empathy, and a humane approach. Recalling the saying “There is no disease, there is a patient,” Koçak stated that each patient has unique conditions and needs.

Emphasizing that medicine is a profession based on human love, Koçak said; “Our profession is based on human love. One who does not love people cannot be a good healthcare professional. Neither a physician, nor a nurse, nor a midwife can be one. Because you must first love people; this is a profession based on love. So, let's take it a step further in medicine; medicine is more a way of life than a profession...” Highlighting the importance of loving one's profession and bearing responsibility towards the patient, Koçak stated that medicine is a strong bond established with people and a way of life.

“You will have the final say”

The future of medicine and the effects of technological developments on the medical profession were also on the agenda of the interview. Stating that artificial intelligence and robotic systems will make significant contributions in the field of health, Koçak expressed that technology should be considered a tool that supports professional practices, not one that replaces physicians.

Emphasizing the importance of using artificial intelligence in healthcare, Koçak said; “We will use artificial intelligence, but we cannot delegate responsibility and authority. You will still have the final say.” thus highlighting that the power to make decisions and take responsibility in medicine must remain with humans.

Questions from students were answered

In the interview, which continued with questions from students, evaluations were made on professional discipline, communication in medicine, the master-apprentice relationship, and the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Koçak advised students on situations they might encounter in their professional lives and drew attention to the importance of adopting a respectful and constructive attitude in relationships with people holding different opinions.

At the end of the program, information was also provided about Koçak's book titled “Memories, Stops.” 

The interview concluded after a group photo session.