Within the scope of Dietitians’ Day, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Health Sciences Faculty, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics organized an event titled “Nutrition and Dietetics Panel” on Thursday, 4 June 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Champion Angels Amphitheatre.
Moderated by Prof. Dr. Emine Yıldız, an academic staff member of EMU Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, the panel event hosted various speakers who are experts in their fields. During the panel event, Dr. Dietitian Hidayet Ağören, Chair of Cyprus Turkish Dietitians Association; Specialist Dietitian Sılay Dal, Specialist Dietitian Mualla Seray Birikim and Dr. Dietitian Ayşen Yıldırım shared their professional experiences and current dietary approaches with the participants.
The panel was attended by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Dean of EMU Health Sciences Faculty Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Vice Dean of EMU Health Sciences Faculty Assist. Prof. Dr. Asiye Yeter Başaran, Head of EMU Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Assist. Prof. Dr. Gözde Okburan, many academics and students.
“Plays a Fundamental Role”
Delivering the opening speech, Assist. Prof. Dr. Gözde Okburan, Head of Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, thanked all the guests for attending the panel organized in celebration of Dietitians’ Day and emphasized that nutrition science plays a fundamental role in protecting and promoting individual and public health, as well as enhancing quality of life. Underscoring the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and changing living conditions have made healthy nutrition more important than ever, Assist. Prof. Dr. Okburan emphasized that dietitians are indispensable healthcare professionals who contribute to public health through scientific knowledge and ethical principles. Expressing her appreciation to the distinguished speakers participating in the panel, Assist. Prof. Dr. Okburan also celebrated Dietitians’ Day with her colleagues and expressed her confidence that they would continue working toward a healthier future through scientific advancement, professional solidarity, and a strong commitment to ethical values.
“An Important Reminder of Dietetics Profession’s Role in the Healthcare System”
Speaking afterwards, Dean of EMU Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, stated that the panel organized in observance of Dietitians’ Day represented not only a celebration of the profession but also an important opportunity to once again emphasize the value of dietitians within the healthcare system. Stressing that healthcare services have become increasingly complex in today’s world, Prof. Dr. Malkoç remarked that no healthcare professional can adequately meet all healthcare needs independently and that effective and sustainable healthcare delivery is only possible through multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and intradisciplinary collaboration. She further noted that nutrition encompasses far more than an individual’s dietary intake, influencing areas ranging from growth and ageing to disease prevention, treatment processes, physical performance, and quality of life. Prof. Dr. Malkoç concluded by emphasizing that dietitians hold a very important place within the healthcare system through their contributions, scientific expertise, and essential role in preventive healthcare services.
“A Profession That Plays a Defining Role in Quality of Life”
In his speech, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç drew attention to the influence of the dietetics profession on healthy living and quality of life, describing dietitians as key contributors to public health. He remarked that while the healthcare sector comprises numerous professions, dietetics is distinguished by its direct role in shaping individuals’ lifestyles and overall well-being. Prof. Dr. Kılıç also emphasized the University’s commitment to educating students as more than future professionals, striving instead to cultivate individuals who are inquisitive, research-driven, and dedicated to continuous self-development. Noting the significant changes brought about by artificial intelligence and digitalization in healthcare, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stressed that students must adapt to these changes, embrace lifelong learning, and maintain a strong commitment to ethical values as they advance in their careers.
In her speech prior to the panel, moderator Prof. Dr. Emine Yıldız noted that the profession of dietetics should not be perceived solely as a field concerned with obesity and weight management, adding that the primary responsibility of dietitians is to protect individual health, prevent the development of diseases, and slow or prevent the progression of existing health conditions. Stressing that healthcare services is fundamentally a collaborative effort, Prof. Dr. Yıldız highlighted the critical role dietitians play within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, particularly in the field of preventive healthcare services. She also noted that the profession carries significant responsibilities in areas such as mass nutrition systems and public health nutrition. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Yıldız underlined the importance of continuously updating professional knowledge by engaging in postgraduate education, seminars, and following the latest scientific developments. Referring to the misconceptions about the profession circulating on social media, she emphasized that dietetics is a science-based healthcare profession founded on ethical principles and sustained through lifelong learning.
The event continued with the panel session after the speech delivered by moderator Prof. Dr. Emine Yıldız. Panelists Dr. Dietitian Hidayet Ağören, Chair of Cyprus Turkish Dietitians Association; Specialist Dietitian Sılay Dal, Specialist Dietitian Mualla Seray Birikim and Dr. Dietitian Ayşen Yıldırım shared their professional experiences with the participants. The event also underscored that dietetics is a constantly advancing scientific profession and that staying up to date with current evidence-based approaches and scientific developments is crucial to maintaining professional effectiveness and ensuring continued success in the field.
Drawing strong interest from students, the event featured speakers who shared their expertise and professional experiences while answering participants’ questions. The panel served as an informative and inspiring platform, offering students interested in nutrition and dietetics valuable academic insights and career-oriented guidance.
The panel concluded with Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Assist. Prof. Dr. Gözde Okburan, presenting certificates of appreciation to the moderator and the speakers in recognition of their contributions to the event.
