The future of genetic science discussed at Robert College

Tayfun Gözler, Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Specialist at Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, and İpek Yüksel, Molecular Biology and Genetics Laboratory Specialist, met with students within the scope of the traditional “Career Day” program organized by Robert College, sharing their professional experiences and scientific visions. The specialists conveyed to the students the current state of genetic science and its transformative effects on health, technology, and daily life in the future. During the day-long event, students had the opportunity to gain comprehensive information about various professional fields.

The program, which began in the Faculty Parlor hall in the historic Gould Hall building, continued with interactive sessions held in various classrooms and halls of the school.

Students attended sessions belonging to two different professional groups they had chosen beforehand according to their interests, gaining important information that would guide their career planning.

The future of genetic science discussed

Within the scope of the event, Tayfun Gözler, Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Specialist at Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, and İpek Yüksel, Molecular Biology and Genetics Laboratory Specialist, gave a comprehensive presentation on the field of molecular biology and genetics. 

Özgür Akoğlan, Manager of Educational Institutions and Guidance Services at Üsküdar University, and Talha Özelçi, Assistant of Educational Institutions and Guidance Services, also accompanied the program.

The specialists conveyed to the students the current state of genetic science and its transformative effects on health, technology, and daily life in the future.

Pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine concepts discussed

During the presentation, concepts such as pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine particularly came to the forefront. 

It was emphasized that planning drug treatments according to individuals' genetic makeup can increase treatment efficacy while reducing the risk of side effects. It was explained with examples that genetics is not limited to diseases but is also actively used in areas such as sports performance, nutrition, skin health, and behavioral sciences.

Guiding students on their career journey

Questions from students throughout the event revealed young people's awareness of scientific career planning. Different career paths were discussed in detail through questions such as 'Should a student who wants to develop drugs study chemistry or molecular biology and genetics?', 'What is the difference between medical genetics and molecular biology and genetics?', and 'Should one prefer medical faculty or basic sciences?'

Additionally, students were provided with information on:

•    The importance of a multidisciplinary approach in drug development processes

•    Differences between basic sciences and clinical sciences

•    Advantages of research-oriented and patient-oriented career paths.

The relationship between career choices and quality of life discussed

Students had the opportunity to hear directly from experts about domestic and international career opportunities offered by professions, as well as the impact of career choices on quality of life. Evaluations on the relationship between individual happiness and factors such as financial expectations, status, job satisfaction, and process-oriented work provided young people with new perspectives