Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty and Marmara University International Joint Medicine Program’s 2025-2026 Opening and White Coat Ceremony was held on Monday, 22 September 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center.
The ceremony was attended by President of EMU Board of Trustees (VYK) Dr. Erdal Özcenk, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, VYK Members Beyhan Gürgöze and İsmail Güneş Güneşoğlu, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Prime Ministry Health Consultant Dr. Erkut Aşıcıoğlu, Acting Dean of Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Güzoğlu, Dean of Health Sciences Faculty Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Dean of Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Dr. Hikmet Solak, faculty members, students and families.
The ceremony commenced with the observation of A Moment of Silence and National Anthem. In the ceremony, the Faculty of Education, Fine Arts Education Department, Music Teaching Program student Şükrü Kemal Söylemez delivered a guitar performance.
Representing the students at the ceremony, Fersu Salel, a third-year student of the EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Faculty of Medicine, opened her remarks by saying, “Welcome to the 2025–2026 Academic Year Opening and White Coat Ceremony”. Salel continued; “I am here today to share the excitement I felt when I first wore my white coat two years ago. The white coat symbolizes our respect for human health, the guidance of science, and our commitment to ethical values. Today, you have taken your very first steps into medical school — beginning a journey that is challenging and demanding, yet profoundly meaningful”.
“Only Medicine Faculty Accredited”
Also delivering a speech, Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Güzoğlu, the Acting Dean of Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty, highlighted that since its establishment, the faculty has offered students a distinctive and high-quality education, supported by its team of expert academics and diverse patient cases. Prof. Dr. Güzoğlu expressed pride in the faculty’s status as the most successful and the only accredited medical school in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and said; “Dear students, I sincerely congratulate you on being admitted to the Faculty of Medicine. Embarking on a medical education is a challenging journey, but from this moment on, this faculty will be your home. Our mission is to educate physicians who are not only skilled but also guided by strong ethical principles and compassion. As an accredited institution, we provide a structured and well-established program that ensures a high-quality education”. Prof. Dr. Güzoğlu also addressed the families of the students, saying; “Your children have reached this point today thanks to your patience and support. Your pride is also our pride”. Highlighting the challenges of medical education, Prof. Dr. Güzoğlu emphasized that, by the end of this journey, students will graduate well-prepared. She pointed out that the medical profession carries both a great privilege and a significant responsibility entrusted by society, adding, “May the white coats you wear for the first time today serve as an armour that surrounds you, enriched by the knowledge you gain throughout your medical education and the inspiration you receive from your mentors”.
“Symbol of a Life Devoted to Knowledge, Conscience, Responsibility and Humanity”
In his address, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç reminded the audience that EMU is the first and only state university established by law in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. With a proud history spanning 46 years, the university has grown into an internationally recognized institution, providing students with top-tier education, a distinguished academic staff, and extensive opportunities. Prof. Dr. Kılıç also emphasized that the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty, through its joint program with Marmara University, offers a rigorous curriculum accredited both nationally and internationally, noting that it is the first joint medical program to receive accreditation from TEPDAD. Addressing the students, Prof. Dr. Kılıç said; “Today, the white coat you will wear is more than just a garment; it is a symbol of a life devoted to knowledge, conscience, responsibility, and humanity. As you embark on the sacred journey of medicine, we expect not only that you become skilled doctors, but also individuals who uphold ethical values, prioritize the well-being of people, and advance through science”.
“You are the Accomplished Doctors and Scientists of Future”
In his speech, EMU Board of Trustees President Dr. Erdal Özcenk shared the excitement of the day as a fellow professional and warmly welcomed all participants. He remarked, “Today is a remarkable day for each of you; we are not only commencing a new academic year at our university but also witnessing the white coat ceremony of our budding medical professionals. By wearing the white coat, you are stepping into one of the most noble professions in humanity. It represents integrity, responsibility, dedication, and a commitment to serving others. The responsibilities you assume will be a source of pride, and the knowledge and skills you acquire will allow you to help many people regain hope and life, giving you a profound understanding of your profession’s true value. We will support you in becoming physicians of global standards. You are the successful doctors and scientists of tomorrow”.
Following the opening speeches, White Coat Ceremony symbolizing the commencement of 2025-2026 Academic Year took place. During the ceremony, protocol members and academic staff presented the students with their white coats and extended their best wishes for a successful academic semester. The event concluded with a group photo to commemorate the occasion.