Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University 2025-2026 Academic Year Faculty of Medicine Graduation Ceremony witnessed emotional and proud moments. Having completed their six-year education, young doctors took their first steps into their professional careers accompanied by the applause of their families and academics.
The ceremony held at Sezai Karakoç Cultural Center was attended by BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. Hakkı Özölçer, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu and Prof. Dr. Bekir Hakan Bakkal, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Zehra Safi Öz, senate members, academic and administrative staff, students, and their families.
Commencing with a moment of silence for the honorary martyrs and singing of the National Anthem, the program continued with the speech of faculty valedictorian.
Faculty Valedictorian Çıtlak: “We Have Leant That Being a Physician Doesn’t Merely Mean Treating Patients, But Being a Human”
Perihan Ecem Çıtlak, who graduated at the top of the Faculty of Medicine, delivered an emotional speech on behalf of the graduating students. Emphasizing that they had gained not only medical knowledge throughout their six years of education, Çıtlak stated that the journey of becoming a physician had taught them the true meaning of touching human lives. She noted that every experience—from their first patients and first night shifts to their first losses and first major responsibilities—had shaped them into different individuals and physicians. Çıtlak expressed that they had learned that being a doctor does not always mean knowing everything or being able to save everyone; sometimes it means simply being there for a person, understanding them, and doing one's very best. As young physicians of the Republic, she pledged that they would carry out their duties without ever straying from science, conscience, and ethical values, and thanked the academic staff, their families, and the university administration for their support throughout their education.
Dean Aydemir: “Our Students Are the Pride of Our University”
Following the valedictorian’s speech, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Hande Aydemir took the podium and shared her evaluations regarding the faculty’s academic development, educational quality, and future goals. Stating that the Faculty of Medicine continues to strengthen its academic standing each year, Aydemir noted that, with its strong educational infrastructure and qualified academic staff, the faculty continues to educate the successful physicians needed by the country. Congratulating the graduating students and their families, Aydemir also thanked Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer for his contributions to the development of the faculty.
Rector Özölçer: “Our Young Physicians Will Bring Healing Across Türkiye from the Healthcare Hub of the Western Black Sea Region”
Taking the podium to deliver his remarks on the significance of the day, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer drew attention to the University’s deep-rooted history and its growing achievements in healthcare. He stated that BEUN, with its strong academic heritage dating back to 1924, has become a respected and preferred higher education institution in the fields of science, education, healthcare, sports, and the arts. Özölçer noted that the educational quality of the Faculty of Medicine had been certified through a six-year accreditation granted by Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Medical Education Programs (TEPDAD). Emphasizing that the young physicians graduating from a faculty that provides education in line with international standards are assuming a significant responsibility, he stated that investments in healthcare continue with determination and that the capacity of the University Hospital is being strengthened day by day through the Family Health Center for Education and advanced medical technology investments.
Highlighting the University's efforts to extend its vision of being the healthcare hub of the Black Sea region across Türkiye, Özölçer addressed the graduates with the following message:
“Today, a new journey in life begins for you. Along this journey, there will be times when you face challenges and days that test your hope. However, always preserve your patience, determination, and faith. Work for the future of our country and humanity without ever departing from the guidance of science. Strive to heal not only your patients’ illnesses but also their hearts. Because medicine is not merely about treatment; it is about inspiring confidence, offering hope, and touching human lives. I sincerely believe that you will further strengthen our country’s healthcare system, and I wish you a life filled with health, peace, and happiness.”
Çıtlak Hammered Her Name into the Ceremonial Log
Following the speeches, the valedictorian of the Faculty of Medicine for the 2025–2026 Academic Year, Perihan Ecem Çıtlak, hammered a plaque bearing her name into the graduation log in the presence of her family, leaving her achievement as a lasting mark in the history of the University. As part of the program, plaques and certificates of achievement were presented to faculty valedictorian Perihan Ecem Çıtlak, second-place graduate Gizem Yağmur Ünal, and third-place graduate Furkan Akbaş.
Young Physicians Took Their Oath
During the continuation of the ceremony, the young physicians took the Physician’s Oath, pledging to remain committed to the ethical principles of their profession, to place human life above all else, and to carry out their duties in the light of science. Families and academics in attendance followed the oath, recited in unison by the young doctors, with great pride and excitement.
Young Physicians Sent Off to the Future with the Traditional Cap Toss
The most enthusiastic moment of the graduation ceremony came with the traditional cap-tossing ceremony. Having successfully completed six years of rigorous medical education, the young physicians threw their caps into the air and took their first steps into a new chapter of their lives. As families, academics, and guests filled the hall with applause, these meaningful and emotional moments left a lasting impression on all in attendance.
The graduation ceremony, marked by emotion, pride, and hope, concluded with commemorative photographs taken to mark the occasion.
