'Historical' graduation at the Asclepieion of Pergamon

The Faculty of Medicine of Izmir University of Economics (IUE), which was established 6 years ago to contribute to Turkey's development in the field of health, produced its first graduates. 35 young physicians received their diplomas at the graduation ceremony held at Ruins of the Asclepieion in Pergamon, one of the first healing centers in history where medical education was also given.

The Asclepieion in Pergamon, one of Izmir's most valuable cultural heritage in the field of health, also known as the region where the first psychiatric hospital in history was established, hosted an unforgettable night. Young physicians, who successfully completed the educational journey they started by putting on their white coats, threw their caps into the air and experienced the happiness of graduation to the fullest, reaching the moment they had been waiting for years. The young physicians, who made history by receiving their diplomas on the 100th anniversary of the Republic, recited the ‘Physician’s Pledge’ with great enthusiasm.

CONFERENCE ON ' ASCLEPIEION AND MEDICINE'

IUE Faculty of Medicine Graduation Ceremony took place with the participation of Emre Kızılgüneşler, IZTO Vice Chair of the Executive Board, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, Murat Karaçanta, Izmir Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism, Ayfer Beken, Acting Chair of the Executive Board of IUE Medical Point Hospital, Prof. Dr. İlgi Şemin, Dean of IUE Faculty of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Önder Limon, Acting Medical Director of IUE Medical Point Hospital and Vice Dean IUE Faculty of Medicine, and invited guests. Also a conference on ' Asclepieion and Medicine' was organized by Prof. Dr. Nalan Kalkan Oğuzhanoğlu within the scope of the ceremony. Prof. Dr. Oğuzhanoğlu shared her knowledge and experiences with the guests attending the ceremony. Izmir Opera and Ballet Soloist Oğuz Çimen spiced up the night with his magnificent performance.

THEY WILL ILLUMINATE THE PATH OF HUMANITY

IZTO Vice Chair of the Executive Board Emre Kızılgüneşler, who delivered a speech at the ceremony, stated that they are proud of all graduating students. Kızılgüneşler said, “Students, who will receive their diplomas today, have worked for days, spent a lot of effort and finally reached their goals in order to practice a sacred profession with great moral and humanitarian obligations. These young people made the best use of the opportunities provided by the University and were prepared for the future in the best way by an expert academic staff. Thanks to the merger with Medical Point Izmir Hospital, the largest private hospital in the Aegean Region, they have improved themselves very well by gaining experience through one-on-one practice. I believe that these young people, whose graduation we will witness today, will continue their success as qualified physicians that this country needs. They will illuminate the path of science and humanity by making new discoveries and making a difference.”

WE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU

Stating that Izmir University of Economics always stands by its graduates, Kızılgüneşler said, “Even if you leave the University as a graduate, you can have no doubt that you will always be a member of Izmir University of Economics Community. We will continue to stand by you and support you in achieving your dreams and goals. I sincerely congratulate all graduates and their esteemed families, and wish good luck to all the young physicians on their journey to becoming the best.”

BRIDGE BETWEEN SCIENCE AND SOCIETY

Stating that they trust their graduates very much, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “On September 18, 2017, I started my speech at the opening ceremony of the Faculty of Medicine by saying, ‘Today is a special day. Izmir University of Economics Faculty of Medicine is born today. The birth of a medical faculty is not an ordinary event, it is special.’ Six years have passed. We have turned uncertainty into success, despair into hope, pain into solidarity, experience into knowledge and hopefully knowledge into wisdom. Remember that physicians are perhaps the most important bridge between science and society. When built with compassion, respect and care, this bridge touches people's hearts. There is no medicine and wisdom without touching the heart. I know you will touch it.”

‘FOUNDING STUDENTS’

Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu continued as follows: “Today is a special day. We celebrate your journey with yourself and hope. I have called you the ‘founding students’ since day one. You have embraced your education and values, you have added meaning. You created new values. Values are important. When this ceremony is over, the future will unfold before you in all its uncertainty, limitless options, splendor and challenges. It is not hard to predict some of these challenges. There will be some we cannot predict. Creative solutions will be required. Solutions will come from knowledgeable, critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative, creative people. They will come from you. You will need to lead to reduce health inequities and create a sustainable civilization. Trust in your values, your education, your skills, and ultimately in yourselves and each other. Embrace the future. You are ready for it. Knowing that you will be good physicians makes me very happy and proud. May your path be clear. May your medicine and wisdom bring health and light to people.”

THEY WILL BE PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR PROFESSION

Stating that they train physicians who will be the hope for humanity with their knowledge and skills, the Dean of IUE Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. İlgi Şemin gave messages to the students. The Dean said, “We have developed our faculty together with you, and you will always be special to us. As our first graduates, I hope that you will establish the tradition of graduates of Izmir University of Economics Faculty of Medicine, maintain your bond with each other and with us, and carry this torch with pride. Your perseverance, passion for studying and learning throughout your education life has led you to today's success. Now a new path is opening up in front of you, and as you move forward on this path, you will both build your own careers and contribute to society. I am confident that you will be successful doctors with your knowledge and skills, self-confidence, professional and ethical values, love and respect for humanity. I have no doubt that you will passionately practice this sacred profession that gives you the chance to touch the lives of your patients when they need it most.”

YOU ARE NO LONGER OUR STUDENTS BUT COLLEAGUES

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Önder Limon, Acting Medical Director of IUE Medical Point Hospital and Vice Dean IUE Faculty of Medicine, stated that they were proud to witness the first graduation ceremony of the faculty. Dr. Limon said, “Our hospital, the largest private hospital in the Aegean Region, gained its new identity as ‘Medical Point Hospitals Group’ last year. It also made a name for itself with its cooperation with Izmir University of Economics. Providing services with the identity of ‘Faculty of Medicine Hospital’, becoming a health center that constantly renews and develops itself in accordance with the changing dynamics in global health services, and offering the latest technological opportunities on the axis of evidence-based medicine, is one of the developments that make us very proud and happy.”

ZAFER BEKEN COMMEMORATED

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Limon continued as follows: “We remember with mercy and longing the late chairman of the executive board, Surgeon Zafer Beken, who was instrumental in the establishment of our hospital with the dream of becoming an internationally prestigious educational institution, who gave us this vision and set an example with his medicine and personality. I know how much he wanted to witness your graduation here today and I hope that he is watching us and is as proud as we are. We have been a beacon of light to all our students so far with the support we have provided in both academic and practical fields. From now on, it is time to set out with all the values they have internalized and achieve success. I would like to congratulate you, who are no longer our students but our colleagues.”