Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty, Marmara University (MU) – EMU International Joint Medicine Program’s “2026-2027 Academic Year Opening and White Coat Ceremony” was organized on Monday, 28 September 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center.
The ceremony was attended by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Güzoğlu, EMU Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof. Dr. H. Ozan Gülcan, EMU Faculty of Dentistry Acting Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Işıl Özgül Kalyoncu, vice deans, department heads, academics, students and their families.
The ceremony, which began with a Moment of Silence and the National Anthem, continued with a musical performance by Ada Keskinbakış and Bahattin Keleş, third-year students of the EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty. Following the performance, Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Güzoğlu presented flowers to Keskinbakış and Keleş. The university and faculty promotional film was then screened.
Delivering the opening speech of the ceremony, Deniz Çangal, Student Representative of the EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty and a third-year student, welcomed the new students and expressed her pleasure at being together with them. Stating that she represents the Faculty on the Student Council, Çangal touched upon the process of starting at a new school, meeting new people, and adapting to university life.
“First Steps on a Long Professional Journey”
In her speech, Dean of the EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Güzoğlu greeted the academics, families, and students and welcomed all those attending the ceremony. Stating that the Faculty began offering education in 2012, produced its first graduates in 2018, and has graduated approximately 400 students to date, Prof. Dr. Güzoğlu noted that its graduates proudly represent the Faculty while working in different parts of the world. She emphasized that the Faculty’s accreditations, including TEPDAD accreditation, demonstrate the quality of the education provided. Prof. Dr. Güzoğlu stated that, by putting on their white coats, the students were taking their first steps on a long professional journey, and drew attention to the importance of asking the right questions, maintaining a sense of curiosity, and teamwork. Emphasizing the importance of people with different perspectives being able to work together for the health of the same patient, Prof. Dr. Güzoğlu advised the students not to hesitate to take responsibility.
“A First in the Field of Joint-Medicine Programs”
In his speech, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç emphasized that the white coat is a symbol of knowledge, effort, responsibility, conscience, and respect for human life. Stating that medical education is a long and challenging journey, Prof. Dr. Kılıç advised the students, “While striving to become good physicians, never forget to first be good human beings,” and noted that being a physician requires not only knowledge of diseases, but also the ability to listen to patients, understand their concerns, and give them hope. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that the Marmara University–EMU International Joint Medicine Program achieved a first in the field of joint medical programs by qualifying for accreditation from the Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Medical Education Programs (TEPDAD) in the 2024–2025 Academic Year, adding that this achievement demonstrates the quality of education offered by the program. Noting that the students will benefit from the academic expertise of two strong universities, Prof. Dr. Kılıç emphasized that EMU attaches importance to educating physicians who question, conduct research, adhere to ethical values, and contribute to humanity.
Following the opening speeches, the White Coat Ceremony was held. During the ceremony, students beginning their medical education put on their white coats.
Opening Lecture Delivered
At the end of the program, the opening lecture of the new academic year, titled “West Nile Virus: A Journey from Mosquito to Brain,” was delivered by Prof. Dr. Hikmet Ayşegül Taylan Özkan, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Cyprus International University. Afterwards, Prof. Dr. Özkan was presented with a plaque by Prof. Dr. Güzoğlu, Dean of the EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty.
