The 14 March Medicine Day Ceremony, organized by the Faculty of Medicine, was held on March 14, 2025, at the Yörük Ali Efe Hall of the Atatürk Congress Center.
The ceremony was attended by our University Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Kent, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Erkan Salan and Prof. Dr. Cengiz Özarslan, Acting Secretary General Prof. Dr. Bertan Akyol, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Ayhan Aköz, Rector’s Advisor and Chief Physician of our University Hospital Prof. Dr. Mücahit Avcil, vice deans, deputy chief physicians of ADU Hospital, academic staff, students, and their families.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by a piano recital performed by Şamil Aliyev (5th-year student) and Hazangül Aliyeva (3rd-year student) from the Faculty of Medicine.
Delivering the opening speech, Dean Prof. Dr. Ayhan Aköz stated:
“March 14, 1827, marks the establishment of the Imperial School of Medicine and is recognized as the beginning of modern medical education in Türkiye. The first celebration of Medicine Day took place on March 14, 1919, when medical students raised the national flag in protest during the occupation of Istanbul. As healthcare professionals who place the lives of others above their own, we will continue to fulfill our duties with the same dedication today as we did in the past. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all healthcare workers who work tirelessly during pandemics, earthquakes, wars, and all kinds of emergencies.”
During his presentation, Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Mücahit Avcil introduced ADU Hospital and shared information about completed and upcoming projects for the years 2024–2025.
Our University Rector, Prof. Dr. Bülent Kent, emphasized the vital role physicians play in society with their knowledge, devotion, and commitment to serving humanity:
“Perhaps there are no superheroes with superhuman powers in the world we live in — but we do have heroes whose knowledge is their superpower and whose white coat is their cape. We firmly believe that our students, the fresh lifeblood of this sacred path, will become successful physicians. The title you will earn at the end of these challenging years carries profound meaning. A ‘hekim’ is a wise, philosophical, and knowledgeable person; a ‘tabip’ is a skilled and proficient one who helps others through medical knowledge; and a ‘doktor’ means one who teaches. In essence, they all represent those who possess wisdom and guide humanity. Therefore, the title of ‘physician’ is earned through years of perseverance, climbing the summit of knowledge. In the most difficult times of humanity — in war, disaster, outbreaks, and crises — you, our physicians, are always on the front lines and are truly worthy of the highest praise. With these thoughts and feelings, I celebrate 14 March Medicine Day and wish health, well-being, and good fortune to all.”
Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Kent concluded his speech by reiterating his confidence that the students would carry out their medical education with determination and fulfill their profession with excellence, wishing them all continued success.
As part of the ceremony, robes were presented to faculty members who received appointments or promotions during the 2024–2025 academic year, and first-year medical students were presented with their white coats. The event concluded with a group photo session.
