Approximately 400 students beginning their education at the Near East University Faculty of Medicine took the first step on their journey to becoming physicians at the White Coat Ceremony.

Around 400 students starting their studies at the Near East University Faculty of Medicine for the 2026-2027 academic year put on their white coats. Families and faculty members shared in the excitement of the students at the ceremony held at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center. Following a moment of silence and the National Anthem, Near East University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy and Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan delivered opening speeches. First-year students recited the Student Oath, led by Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan. The ceremony continued with faculty members helping the students put on their white coats.

Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy: “To be a good physician means understanding people and instilling confidence in them.”

Noting that the white coat symbolizes the ideal of serving humanity, adherence to ethical values, and the responsibilities of the medical profession, Near East University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy addressed the students, saying, “Every time you put on your coats, you will remember how precious it is to touch human lives.”

Stating that medical education develops skills in thinking, questioning, and valuing human beings alongside professional knowledge, Prof. Dr. Aksoy highlighted the international academic environment at Near East University. Prof. Dr. Aksoy noted that the university ranks among the top 500 universities globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 and falls within the 601–800 band in the field of Medicine and Health.

Addressing the families, Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy said, “You are entrusting us with your most precious assets. It is our greatest responsibility to raise them as individuals who are committed to ethical values and beneficial to society.” He then addressed the students, saying, “Being a good physician is not merely about treating diseases; it is about understanding the person before you and instilling confidence in them. We will always be by your side throughout this journey.”

Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan: “I sincerely believe you will live up to the honor of the white coat.”

Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan, Dean of the Near East University Faculty of Medicine, stated that undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing medical education are approached as an integrated whole at the faculty. Noting their aim to train physicians who can solve problems, embrace lifelong learning, and adhere to universal ethical values, Prof. Dr. Mocan emphasized the importance of preventive medicine and public health in the curriculum. Mocan said, “Our graduates will be physicians who prioritize preventive medicine and public health, and who assume an educational role for society in these areas.”

Stating that the faculty comprises 39 departments and offers instruction in both Turkish and English, Prof. Dr. Mocan added that the Near East University Hospital contributes to medical education through its diagnostic and treatment infrastructure. Addressing the students’ families by saying, “Your children are our children. You raised them, and we will equip them with a profession and broaden their worldviews and horizons.” Prof. Dr. Mocan concluded her speech to the physicians by saying, “I sincerely believe that you will live up to the white coat, which symbolizes honesty as well as spiritual and physical purity.”