For the students of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, Audiology Department, the “White Coat Ceremony for the First Audiologists of the Republic's 2nd Century” was held. During the ceremony, held on October 10th, “World Audiologists' Day”, the 100th Anniversary of the Republic was also celebrated with enthusiasm. The excitement of the white coat ceremony was shared by the students' families.
The “White Coat Ceremony for the First Audiologists of the Republic's 2nd Century” took place at the Ibn-i Sina Auditorium of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Health Campus. Parents experienced emotional moments upon seeing their children in white coats at the event, which also garnered significant interest from academicians and families.
The ceremony, which began on the 100th Anniversary of the Republic with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, featured an oratorio performance organized by the Audiology Department students, narrating the struggle to earn the Republic, which was watched with appreciation.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Didem Şahin Ceylan: “It was our endeavor to combine audiology with literature and art”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences Audiology Department Head Asst. Prof. Dr. Didem Şahin Ceylan spoke about their work for the Audiology Department. Ceylan said: “We created a documentary that will present the history of Turkish Audiology to future audiologists, including every instructor and professional who brought audiology to its current state in Turkey. We became the audiology department that combined audiology with art and introduced the ‘Audiology and Art’ course into the curriculum for the first time in Turkey. Our theater journey, which began with the play 'Hear My Voice' focusing on the challenges faced by a young person with hearing impairment, continued with the play 'Ear Forest' targeting preschool children. We wrote numerous storybooks under the graduation project course. We are one of the best audiology departments in Istanbul. Our good relationship with students, our empathetic approach, and our modern vision have brought us this success.”
Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “People who cannot hear become isolated from society, withdrawing into themselves”
Later, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin came to the podium. Ertekin stated, “When it comes to university education, raising individuals who are well-educated, well-informed, and have good communication with society is one of the issues we highly value. They are well-trained in their professions; they will perform their jobs well. I believe they will make very important contributions to their families, their societies, and this world. Also, a major problem in this world is that when people cannot hear, they withdraw into themselves, lose communication with their environment, and become isolated from society. However, when supported, they can turn into people who make great contributions to society. I congratulate our friends who have reached the white coat stage. I wish them success in their lives and professions.”
Prof. Dr. Şefik Dursun: “Doing one's job well is extremely important”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Rector's Advisor and Head of Biophysics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Şefik Dursun emphasized that doing one's job well is extremely important. Dursun said, “I thank the entire team that prepared this program. Doing one's job well is extremely important. In fact, this is the world's issue. At Üsküdar Üniversitesi, we always strive for this. Üsküdar Üniversitesi is progressing with solid steps on its path. The size of a university will be measured by the quality of the students it educates. Society knows this, we know it, and we strive for it. Our graduating children will be the healthy ears of our nation.”
Prof. Dr. Ferda Akdaş: “We put great effort into the establishment and development of audiology in our country”
Prof. Dr. Ferda Akdaş, who played a significant role in bringing audiology to its current state in Turkey, gave advice to audiology students. Akdaş said: “I am very happy to be a part of our ascent to the level of contemporary civilizations, as indicated by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, during these days when we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Republic. We put great effort into the establishment and development of audiology in our country. We never gave up in the face of difficulties, and you should not either. Read books beyond your professional knowledge; know geography well; definitely read and learn the history of the Republic thoroughly, a person who does not know their history cannot be a good citizen. Read Atatürk's Address to Youth until you memorize it. Above all, be a good person; love people; be loyal; do your job well; try to do your best; build good relationships with those around you; be curious; do not shy away from asking questions; always try to improve yourself.”
Hürol Erişçi: “We started like Turks, finished like Turks, and became an example to the world”
Hürol Erişçi, General Manager of Erişçi Elektronik, who made significant contributions to the development and spread of audiology science in Turkey, delivered his speech at the white coat ceremony. Erişçi said, “When we look at what we have done in audiology, this year we are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Republic, but this year also marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of audiology. Audiology was established in Turkey 55 years ago. We have come a long way in 55 years. They say, ‘Start like a Turk, finish like an Englishman,’ but we started like Turks, finished like Turks, and became an example to the whole world. Be sure to follow technological advancements in audiology; your learning process actually begins now. Therefore, read as much as possible and follow technology.”
A visual feast with balloons…
The White Coat Ceremony for the First Audiologists of the Republic's 2nd Century, where balloons were released from the auditorium balcony, concluded after a group photo session.
Reporter- Photography: Eda Nur Keçeci