On the occasion of 25 September, World Pharmacist Day, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Pharmacy organized a White Coat Ceremony for students who will receive training at the faculty during the 2024-2025 Academic Year Fall Semester. During the ceremony held at 03:00 p.m. at the Green Hall in the EMU Faculty of Pharmacy, the students took their first steps towards their professional education journey by wearing the symbol of the pharmacy profession, the white coat.
The ceremony was attended by EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Vice Rector for Financial Affairs Prof. Dr. Salih Katırcıoğlu, Vice Rector for Promotion and Institutional Communication Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof. Dr. Hayrettin Ozan Gülcan, Acting Dean of Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Güzoğlu, Health Sciences Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, faculty members, students and their families.
“You are entrusted to Us”
Following the A Minute of Silence and National Anthem, the ceremony continued with the opening speeches. Providing information on 25 September, World Pharmacist Day, EMU Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof. Dr. Hayrettin Ozan Gülcan welcomed everyone attending the event. Stressing that the profession of pharmacy is both the entrance and the final circle of the health system, Prof. Gülcan underscored that the profession is accepted as one of the most sacred professions in every corner of the world. Stating that over 600 students will receive training the EMU Faculty of Pharmacy this semester, Prof. Dr. Gülcan wished the students success in the new academic semester. Presenting detailed information about the EMU Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Dr. Gülcan addressed the students by saying; “Dear students, you will receive training at the EMU Faculty of Pharmacy which offers by far the best pharmacy education in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). You are now entrusted to us. We are always ready to assist you”.
“One of the Most Significant Branches of the Health Sector”
EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Karatepe delivered a speech and the first lecture of the academic year at the ceremony. Welcoming all attendees and noting that the event was held both to commemorate World Pharmacists Day on 25 September and to introduce the new students, Prof. Dr. Karatepe stressed the vital role pharmacists play in society and discussed the significance of the pharmacy profession, which he described as one of the key areas within the healthcare sector. Prof. Dr. Karatepe highlighted that since its establishment in the 2011-2012 Academic Year, the Faculty of Pharmacy has trained skilled pharmacists and scientists with strong international qualifications, who stay updated with the latest scientific and technological advancements. Prof. Dr. Karatepe also pointed out that EMU has significantly expanded its healthcare investments since 2009, and in its 45 years of history, the university has amassed many achievements, including accreditations, partnerships at national and international levels, various memberships, numerous academic projects, and a wide array of social and cultural events. Moreover, Prof. Dr. Karatepe mentioned that 16 EMU academics were recently featured in Stanford University’s ‘Most Influential Scientists in the World’ list, with Prof. Dr. Müberra Koşar from the Faculty of Pharmacy being one of them. Speaking to the students, Prof. Dr. Karatepe said; “By wearing the white coats, you are taking the first step in your professional journey. Always remember the crucial mission the pharmacy profession holds in healthcare. Pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare professionals for patients. In this regard, the responsibilities of pharmacists extend far beyond preparing medications and offering advice—they require compassion for people, dedication, and deep technical expertise. I have full confidence that you will excel in these roles upon graduation”.
“The Most Important Responsibility of the Pharmacist is the Well-being of the Individual”
Making remarks on the ethical principles, Prof. Dr. Karatepe stated; “The most important responsibility of the pharmacist is the well-being of the individual. The pharmacists behave everyone in an equal way, honoring and safeguarding a person’s right to make their own treatment choices and maintain privacy. Pharmacists work in collaboration with their peers, showing respect for their values and skills. They conduct themselves with honesty and integrity, continuously enhancing and preserving their professional expertise and qualifications”.
At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Karatepe wished 2024-2025 Academic Year to be successful and beneficial for everyone and, expressed his hope that the Faculty of Pharmacy would soon be included in the ShanghaiRankings. Conveying his congratulations to all students on 25 September, World Pharmacists Day, Prof. Dr. Karatepe wished them success in their studies. Following the speeches, students wore their white coats and took photos.