Istanbul Arel University hosted a special event as part of the March 14 Medicine Day celebrations. The “White Coat Ceremony,” organized for medical students, was held with strong participation at the Zübeyde Hanım Cultural Center of Fatih Municipality.

Students at the beginning of their professional journey experienced the excitement of wearing their white coats which is one of the most important symbols of the medical profession. The ceremony, held for the sixth time this year, was combined with the anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine, giving it a dual significance: celebrating both new beginnings and the institution’s founding anniversary.

The ceremony was attended by Istanbul Arel University Honorary President Kemal Gözükara, Board of Trustees Member Münevver Gözükara, Founding Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Enver Duran, Rector Prof. Dr. Ersin Göse, Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital Director Fatih Akpınar, faculty members, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Gün, Vocational School Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Aydın Göktepe, University Secretary General Hasan Basri Demir, Board of Trustees Members Dr. Halil Toplamaoğlu, Prof. Dr. Ayşe Öner, and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mete Tapan, as well as students and their families.

The program began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem. In the opening speeches, the importance of the medical profession for society, the responsibilities of being a physician, and ethical values were emphasized. It was highlighted that students are embarking on a long and challenging educational journey, and the honor of choosing a profession that directly impacts human life was underlined.

They Wore Their First White Coats

On behalf of the first-year medical students, Elif Zeynep Çelik delivered a speech, emphasizing that the medical profession requires great responsibility and expressing their pride in stepping into a career that touches human lives.

Founding Dean Prof. Dr. Enver Duran stated that medicine is not only a profession but also a way of life dedicated to humanity, advising young physician candidates to always prioritize scientific ethics and compassion. Rector Prof. Dr. Ersin Göse highlighted the value of young doctors for society and stressed the importance of equipping students with strong scientific knowledge and ethical awareness. During the ceremony, students were invited to the stage one by one to receive and wear their white coats. The coats were presented by Honorary President Kemal Gözükara, Founding Dean Prof. Dr. Enver Duran, and Rector Prof. Dr. Ersin Göse. Families and guests accompanied these meaningful moments with applause, as students experienced both pride and excitement.

The ceremony concluded with students, academics, and families taking commemorative photos together. As students took the first step in their professional journey, families shared their pride with tears of joy.

As the Arel University family, we wish all our students a successful academic life.