It started with a white coat, and ended with pride.

59 young doctors who successfully completed their education at Izmir University of Economics (IEU) Faculty of Medicine received their diplomas. The doctors, who started their 6-year educational journey proudly wearing their white coats, celebrated their graduation by throwing their caps in the air. The young doctors received great applause from the guests as they read the ‘Hippocratic Oath’ together.

The graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Medicine for the 2023-2024 Academic Year, held in the amphitheater located on the campus of Izmir University of Economics, was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, İzmir Chamber of Commerce Council President Selami Özpoyraz and Council Vice President Mehmet Tahir Özdemir, Medical Point Hospitals Group Vice Chairman of the Board Veysi Kubba, İzmir Medical Chamber President Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ceyhun Özyurt, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. İlgi Şemin, Deputy Chief Physician of IEU Medical Point Hospital Assoc. Prof. Dr. Önder Limon, board members, and guests.

They presented a music recital for their graduating friends.

The ceremony was hosted by Ceren Ayık and Berk Yılmaz, students of the Faculty of Medicine. The music recital performed by medical students İrem Sezginer on the violin and Müge Çolakoğlu on the piano added color to the night and received great appreciation from the guests.

“You are the hope”

In his speech at the ceremony, IEU Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu addressed the students, saying, “What you have learned in the Faculty of Medicine is the ancient story written for thousands of years by humanity’s limitless curiosity and quest for knowledge. This is a story distilled with the values of science, experience, and our profession. This story is valuable, respected, and honorable. That is why in our oath we say, ‘I will show the respect and gratitude that my profession deserves to those who taught me, my colleagues, and my students.’ Now it is your turn to write this story with science and the values of our profession. We must transform for a sustainable life. Every transformation requires leadership. As educated and equipped individuals of this society, you must lead this transformation. Frankly, I believe this is more of a moral duty and obligation than a choice. You are the hope.”

“May your path be clear, illuminated by knowledge, wisdom, and love.”

Rector Abacıoğlu pointed out that one of the most important bridges connecting science with society is doctors, stating, “This bridge touches the hearts of people when it is built with compassion, respect, and care. There is no medicine and wisdom without touching the heart. I know you will touch. Despite all the adversities our profession faces, we will always prioritize the well-being and health of our patients and continue to honor them. Because we possess the serenity, courage, and freedom to uphold and develop the honor and esteemed traditions of the medical profession with all our might. May your path be clear, illuminated by knowledge, wisdom, and love.”

“We have become an important milestone.”

Medical Point Hospitals Group Vice Chairman of the Board Veysi Kubba emphasized the strong partnership between Izmir University of Economics and Medical Point Hospitals Group, delivering important messages to the graduates. Kubba said, “With the knowledge and experience you have gained, you are setting out as the future’s leading health professionals who will touch human life and contribute to public health. As Medical Point, we have become an important milestone in your career journey and will continue to be. You have had the opportunity to work with the latest technologies and the most complex cases in our hospital to become the best doctors in our homeland; you have also personally observed our working principles of love, respect, patience, confidentiality, loyalty, and sincerity, and I believe you have adopted these principles for yourselves. We wish you continued progress in this direction throughout your professional lives. We would like to thank everyone who supported you during this process, especially your families. Without their support, we could not celebrate these successes. Remember, as Izmir University of Economics and the Medical Point Family, we are always by your side.”

“The world needs you.”

IEU Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. İlgi Şemin expressed pride in the graduates, saying, “The world needs doctors who are not only skilled in medicine but also deeply committed to the art of disease prevention and health promotion. The world needs you. You are not just graduates of the Faculty of Medicine; you are the torchbearers of a future where health services are guided by social responsibility, empathy, and innovation. You will be the ones to question the status quo, investigate the truths, and push the limits of what is possible. By doing this, you will bring hope and healing to countless lives. As you step into your new roles, remember that medicine is not just a profession, but a calling. It is a commitment to serving humanity, standing by those in pain, and advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are incredibly proud of each of you. Your success is our success, and we are happy to witness your journey. May your path be clear, and may everything be as you wish.”