White coat ceremony: welcome to the medical profession

The Faculty of Medicine of Cyprus International University (CIU) held the White Coat Ceremony where members of the faculty and students gathered. During the ceremony, while the medical students took their first step toward joining the medical profession, individuals who made significant contributions to the health sector were honored.

Prof. Dr. Halil Nadiri, the Rector of Cyprus International University, presented a lifetime achievement award recognition plaque to Dr. Ayten Berkalp who was the first female doctor to register with the Cyprus Turkish Medical Association. This meaningful presentation emphasized and acknowledged  the pioneering role of female doctors in the field of medicine..

Faculty of Medicine faculty member Prof. Dr. Füsun Yıldız delivered a highly informative speech on the importance of medical education. Yıldız said, "Medicine is not only a profession that requires knowledge and skills but also a lifestyle that obliges devotion, responsibility and adherence to ethical values."

Yıldız continued her speech by reminding students that they need to be patient and determined no matter what kind of  difficulties they may encounter in their professional lives, and emphasized that being a good doctor does not only relate to academic success but also entails with it  love for humanity and feelings of empathy. She also stated that the meaning of the white coat is not just a symbol, but also an indicator of great responsibility.

The ceremony continued with a video screening that was videotaped by medical students where they shared their experiences and offered some advice. Following the speeches and the video screening, the students received their white coats from Cyprus International University faculty.