White coat excitement experienced before World Audiologists' Day

4th-year students of Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Audiology put on their white coats. At the ceremony held before October 10 World Audiologists' Day, the importance of students' transition to professional life was emphasized. In the ceremony attended by academics, students, and their families, white coats stood out as an important symbol of the students' professional journey. During the program, while attention was drawn to the role of the audiology profession in the early detection of hearing problems and improving individuals' quality of life, students thanked the academics and their families who supported them throughout their education.  

The white coat ceremony held at the Ibn Sina Auditorium of Üsküdar University NP Health Campus was attended by many academics, students, and families, including Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Asst. Prof. Gökçe Gültekin and Asst. Prof. Yeter Saçlı from the Department of Audiology.

Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “The audiology profession will make significant contributions to society”

Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, delivered the opening speech of the program. Ertekin said; “Today, we are holding one of the most important ceremonies on the path to joining the health profession. Being able to attend university is not an easy thing. You have successfully reached this stage in this process, and your families have given you great support. The authority you will gain imposes great responsibilities on you, not only professionally but also for society and the country. When we look at the importance of the audiology profession, we see that hearing problems are quite common in the world. As life expectancy increases, so does the number of people experiencing hearing problems. Unfortunately, there are data indicating that only 10 percent of those who need hearing aids can access them. Hearing problems can also be seen in newborn babies. If these problems are detected early and the necessary support is provided, it is possible for children to lead healthy lives as self-sufficient individuals who are beneficial to society. Otherwise, problems such as economic dependency, social communication difficulties, loneliness, and loss of self-confidence may arise. I believe that you will make great contributions to both those in need and our society to overcome these problems. The audiology profession will make great contributions to society. Some of you are sitting in student chairs today, and tomorrow you will be academics teaching here. I wish you all success.”

Asst. Prof. Gökçe Gültekin: “Today you will celebrate Audiologists' Day as a student for the last time”

Asst. Prof. Gökçe Gültekin from the Department of Audiology delivered her speech as part of the ceremony. Gültekin stated; “The white coats you will wear today at the exit door of your undergraduate life will bring you one step closer from student life to your professional life. Each of your journeys is unique and very valuable. Being a part of this journey is very meaningful for all our department lecturers. There is one more detail that makes today special for all of us. Our friends will put on their coats on the eve of October 10 World Audiologists' Day. Today you will celebrate Audiologists' Day as a student for the last time. Therefore, may this day be most auspicious for you. Today, our students will wear the white coats here, but you will fill the inside of the coat with your support, effort, excitement, and sometimes your anxieties. For this reason, I thank our valuable families very much.”

Beyza Gubse Gökalp: “As the Üsküdar University Audiology family, we are sharing a very meaningful day for all of us”

Beyza Gubse Gökalp delivered a speech representing the 4th-year students of the Department of Audiology at the ceremony. Gökalp said; “Today, as the Üsküdar University Audiology family, we are sharing a very meaningful day for all of us. We are experiencing the excitement of wearing our white coats, one of the important symbols of our profession. What makes these coats meaningful for us is not only that we are stepping into a profession, but also that we carry the efforts of our valuable lecturers who have provided us with knowledge, experience, and love for the profession on this path. As a part of the Üsküdar University Audiology family, I thank all our lecturers, on behalf of our class, who taught us not only professional knowledge but also the importance of being a good person and a good healthcare professional, in addition to being a good audiologist. I also extend our thanks to our families who have always been by our side and have made great efforts for us to reach this day.”

They put on their coats with enthusiasm

Following the opening speeches, the white coat ceremony commenced.

The future audiologists, who put on their coats with great enthusiasm, shared this happiness with their families.

The ceremony concluded after a group photo session.