Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty organized a ceremony on Friday, 14 March 2025 at 12:30 p.m. at EMU Atatürk Square on the occasion of Medicine Day which is annually observed on the 14th of March. The Medicine Day celebrates the contributions of healthcare professionals, acknowledges the challenges they encounter, and emphasizes their impact on science and society.
The ceremony was attended by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and Prof. Dr. Salih Katırcıoğlu, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty’s Acting Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Güzoğlu, EMU Health Sciences Faculty Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yasin Kurt, EMU Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Chair Prof. Dr. Mitat Koz, academic staff members and students.
Following the observance of A Minute of Silence and National Anthem, Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç and Acting Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güzoğlu placed a wreath in front of the Atatürk bust at the Atatürk Square. The ceremony continued with the speech of EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty student representative Arda Özgöz who touched on the history of Medicine Day and underscored that medicine is a profession that requires not just knowledge and skills, but also conscience, patience, and compassion for people. Offering his sincere wishes to all healthcare workers who devote their knowledge and effort to safeguarding human health on 14 March – Medicine Day, Özgöz expressed his hope that healthcare professionals receive the recognition and rewards they deserve for their dedication and hard work.
“Make the Most of Your Professors’ Experiences and Knowledge”
Making remarks at the ceremony, Acting Dean of EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Güzoğlu expressed that the faculty celebrated the 14 March – Medicine Day with great pride along with its accreditation awarded in the field of Medical Education. Emphasizing the importance of Medicine Day by saying, “14 March is a significant date in Türkiye, as it marks the establishment of modern medical education and the founding of the country’s first medical schools”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güzoğlu stated that they commemorated Dr. Fazıl Küçük, one of the significant founding members of TRNC, on this special day. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güzoğlu gave professional advice to the faculty students, urging them to “make the most of your professors’ the experience and knowledge”. Noting that this year marks the first time Medicine Day is celebrated with sports activities, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güzoğlu explained that they aimed to emphasize the close relationship between health and sports. Güzoğlu also touched on the issue of violence in healthcare and wished all healthcare professionals a happy Medicine Day.
“We are Grateful to the Healthcare Professionals”
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç also delivered a speech, highlighting the importance of this special day in recognizing the devoted work of healthcare professionals. Prof. Dr. Kılıç emphasized that health is one of the most vital values in human life and expressed his gratitude to all healthcare professionals who work selflessly to protect, improve, and enhance health and quality of life. Acknowledging the rapid progress in the medical field, Prof. Dr. Kılıç pointed out that the EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty, through the Marmara University Joint Medical Program, educates doctors who stay abreast of scientific developments, have strong ethical principles, and effectively utilize technology. He also stated that Medicine Day is a valuable opportunity to appreciate the efforts of healthcare workers and raise health awareness in society. Prof. Dr. Kılıç concluded by wishing a happy Medicine Day to all healthcare professionals.
14 March Medicine Day Message from EMU VYK President Dr. Erdal Özcenk
The ceremony concluded with a message from Dr. Erdal Özcenk, President of the EMU Board of Trustees (VYK). In his message for 14 March Medicine Day, Dr. Özcenk congratulated the future doctors and healthcare workers on this significant occasion. Dr. Özcenk expressed his confidence that young professionals, who take on the responsibility of safeguarding and sustaining human health in the light of medicine, will become strong physicians who will lead public health, guided by science. Dr. Özcenk also reiterated the sacredness and honour of the medical profession, wishing all healthcare workers who pursue this path with dedication and perseverance a successful career.
