Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Health Sciences Faculty and the School of Health Services held their traditional Professional Oath Ceremony for the graduates of the 2025–2026 Academic Year Spring Semester. During the ceremony, graduates pledged to uphold ethical principles, respect human rights, and fulfill their professional responsibilities as they embark on their careers. The ceremony took place on Monday, 6 July 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Palace.
The ceremony was attended by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Commander of the 4th Infantry Regiment Infantry Staff Colonel Mahmut Gergin, EMU Board of Trustees (VYK) Members Özdinç Akdel and Turan Büyükyılmaz, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Vice Rector of Turan University, Kazakhstan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gulzhanat Tayauova, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. H. Ozan Gülcan, Dean of the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Güzoğlu, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Assoc. Prof. Dr. Işıl Ö. Kalyoncu; as well as vice deans and department chairs.
The ceremony commenced with a moment of silence and the national anthem, followed by the screening of promotional videos showcasing EMU and the Faculty of Health Sciences. The program also featured a musical performance by Mert Emir Gülerler and Elfin Arcan, students from the Music Teaching Program of the Department of Fine Arts at EMU Faculty of Education, which added a vibrant touch to the event. Representing their fellow graduates, Melda Uzun, top student of the Department of Nursing; Malak Salem, top student of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation; and Tuğçe Tak, top student of the Medical Imaging Techniques Program at the School of Health Services, addressed the audience and reflected on their academic journey and future aspirations.
“To Serve at the Most Critical Moments of Human Life”
Delivering the opening remarks, Dean of EMU Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, stated that a total of 386 graduates were embarking on their professional careers, emphasizing that the graduates had been equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with strong ethical values, compassion, and a deep respect for human life. Highlighting the profound responsibility that comes with working in the healthcare sector, Prof. Dr. Malkoç noted that the graduates would play vital roles at some of the most critical moments in people’s lives. She stated that the Faculty’s mission extends beyond awarding degrees, aiming instead to educate healthcare professionals who are inquisitive, research-oriented, and committed to social responsibility. She added that EMU’s robust scientific infrastructure and institutional support continue to strengthen this vision. Prof. Dr. Malkoç also expressed her pride in celebrating the first graduates of the Paramedics Undergraduate Program, describing it as a significant milestone for the Faculty. Concluding her address, she encouraged the graduates to remain committed to scientific advancement, uphold the highest ethical standards, and continue embracing a patient-centered approach throughout their professional careers.
“Cornerstones of Quality Healthcare”
Addressing the audience, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç described the ceremony as a landmark occasion, symbolizing both the successful completion of the graduates’ rigorous academic education and the beginning of their professional journey in healthcare. He noted that, through its distinguished history and strong academic tradition, Eastern Mediterranean University has established itself as a leading institution whose graduates continue to contribute to the healthcare sector around the world. Prof. Dr. Kılıç also addressed the rapid transformation of healthcare driven by technological innovation, highlighting the growing impact of artificial intelligence, digital health technologies, and advanced treatment methods. While acknowledging the importance of these developments, Prof. Dr. Kılıç emphasized that compassion, ethical responsibility, respect for human dignity, and empathy will always remain the cornerstone of quality healthcare. Stressing the importance of sustainable healthcare systems, he concluded by underlining that accessible, equitable, and effective healthcare services for all members of society are essential to the well-being of every community.
Ceremony continued with the traditional inscription of the names of the highest ranking students of the Faculty and the School into the commemorative registry, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, followed by the presentation of commemorative gifts.
As part of the ceremony, undergraduate and associate degree graduates of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the School of Health Services took their professional oaths, marking the official beginning of their careers in the healthcare sector. In accordance with the ceremony program, graduates of the undergraduate programs in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Dietetics, Nursing, Exercise and Sports Sciences, and Paramedics were invited to the stage to recite the professional oaths specific to their respective disciplines. Graduates of the associate degree programs in Oral and Dental Health, Operating Room Services, Dialysis, Physiotherapy, Medical Imaging Techniques, Anesthesia, Radiotherapy, First and Emergency Aid, and Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics also took their professional oaths under the guidance of their program coordinators. In addition, graduates of the Paramedicine program were presented with graduation sets in recognition of this important milestone. Following the oath-taking ceremony, the graduates celebrated the occasion by tossing their graduation caps into the air, bringing the event to a joyful and memorable close.
