University of Atatürk Faculty of Medicine Medicine Day and the Traditional Coat Ceremony were observed on March 14 with the presence of Prof Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, the rector of Atatürk University.

This year, with the participation of second graders, the apron ceremony that was canceled in 2023 as a result of the February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes was held in the 15 July National Will Hall of the Cultural Center.

In attendance at the ceremony were 713 students from the Faculty of Medicine donning blazers, including the Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı. In attendance were academicians, students, and their families, as well as Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Secretary General Zafer Aynal, Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. Fatih Albayrak, Vice Rectors, and Deputy Deans.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Dr. Fatih Albayrak, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, discussed the historical significance of March 14 Medicine Day. Albayrak stated that March 14, which medical students have observed as Medicine Day since 1918, is a significant date for the solidarity and unity of medical students and is still enthusiastically observed today.

Albayrak stated, with an emphasis on the altruistic service of healthcare professionals during the Covid-19 and February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, that every student enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine at this institution will earn a degree as a healthcare professional.

Declaring that the aprons of the generation that will pioneer medical advancements in the twenty-first century will be worn, Metropolitan Municipality Secretary General Zafer Aynal stated, "Our students have strived to fulfill a profoundly sacrosanct responsibility. By pursuing their education in this manner, they will have a profound impact on humanity and significantly advance our nation's medical field. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the families of our students and their academic achievements."

Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı commenced his discourse by asserting, "Health is among the holiest blessings on earth." He further elaborated that contemporary medical science is progressing rapidly due to the integration of new technologies, modern science, and specialization.

"The Difficult Art of Medicine Is Shaped by Love for People."

"One factor remains constant in this progression and maintains its initial significance, and that is human knowledge equipment," said Rector Çomaklı. Despite technological advancements, the intrinsic worth of a healthcare professional who applies that technology with diligence, perseverance, and passion has grown exponentially. It is exceedingly challenging to find adequate words to convey our appreciation to healthcare professionals for their altruistic endeavors while away from their families and for the war they fight valiantly in both their physical and spiritual capacities. Medicine is a difficult discipline molded by a compassion for humanity. Our physicians assist patients in their pursuit of wellness, irrespective of the time of day. I extend my congratulations to all of our physicians, academics, and healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to ensure health and happiness.I extend my sincere congratulations to aspiring physicians and their families who are filled with anticipation as they don scrubs for the very first time on this momentous occasion. I extend my best wishes for their ongoing achievements.

14.03.2024 CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE