Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine organized a “Pre-Graduation Medical Education Accreditation Workshop.” During the workshop, the accreditation process for undergraduate medical education was discussed in all its dimensions. The faculty’s current status was evaluated, and both strengths and areas in need of improvement were identified. At the same time, a roadmap for the accreditation process was established in line with a human-centered educational approach, a sustainable quality culture, and contemporary teaching methods.
The workshop, held at Üsküdar University NP Health Campus, was attended by President of Üsküdar University and Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Haydar Sur, as well as academic and administrative staff of the Faculty of Medicine.
It was emphasized throughout the workshop that accreditation is not merely a certificate, but a process aimed at continuously and sustainably improving the quality of education.
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “Quality is a continuously developing awareness”
President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan highlighted the importance of institutionalizing a culture of quality and stressed that accreditation processes require continuity.
“Quality is not a one-time inspection, but a continuously evolving awareness. It is not enough to think that we are good; we must be able to prove it,” he said.
“If we just pretend, it will not hold”
Stating that accreditation cannot be sustained through superficial approaches, Tarhan added: “If we do accreditation as if we are doing it, it won’t hold. Even if it does, it will not be deep-rooted or sustainable.”
“Medical education must be human-centered”
Addressing the quality of medical education, Tarhan emphasized that the process must be carried out with a human-centered approach. “Medical education should not merely transfer knowledge; it should be conducted with a human-centered perspective,” he said, summarizing the core principle of accreditation as: “Write what you do, and do what you write.”
Drawing attention to the rigor of evaluation mechanisms, Tarhan described the process as a journey that enhances quality in both education and healthcare services.
Prof. Haydar Sur: “Accreditation is the first question families ask”
Speaking at the workshop, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Haydar Sur emphasized that accreditation is no longer a matter of choice for faculties. “After university entrance exam results are announced, the first question families ask is about accreditation. Not having graduated students is no longer an excuse,” he stated.
Sur noted that the accreditation process is long-term and multi-dimensional, requiring the documentation of strengths and the systematic improvement of areas in need of development.
Sustainable quality at the core
Sur also explained that medical education accreditation differs from hospital or healthcare service accreditation. “Educational accreditation is a comprehensive evaluation process that covers all components of undergraduate medical education,” he said, emphasizing that this approach focuses not only on the current situation but also on sustainable quality. Accreditation, he added, helps establish a quality culture that permeates every stage of education.
Evaluation under six main headings
In line with national standards, the workshop addressed six main areas:
- Institutional identity
- Educational program
- Student relations
- Academic staff
- Infrastructure and educational facilities
- Governance processes
Based on these evaluations, strengths and areas for improvement were identified and a roadmap was created.
Emphasis on diversity in teaching methods
It was stated that, alongside lecture-based education, problem-based learning, case discussions, and interactive methods should be increased. Strengthening the integration between basic sciences and clinical sciences was highlighted as a key factor in improving educational quality.
The workshop continued with group-based working sessions, and it is expected that the insights and recommendations generated will guide Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine in its accreditation journey.
