The 4th International Medical Student Congress, held at Near East University, one of the world’s top 500 universities, brought together doctors of future with leading figures in science, technology, and healthcare.
The congress, held at Near East University, which ranks among the world’s top 500 universities, was themed “Journey to the Summit in Healthcare” this year. The “Congress Presentation Achievement Award”, given for the first time and planned to become a tradition, was also presented. The event was held in memory of the late Dr. Zeka Mahirel, and the awards for the winning presentations were presented by Dr. Tomris Mahirel, Dr. Mahirel’s wife and a respected doctor in the TRNC.
Organized in collaboration with the Near East University Faculty of Medicine, Office of Students’ Dean, and the Medical Students Association (NEUMSA), the congress took place at the Grand Hall of the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center. The congress, which brought together medical students and academics from different countries in Northern Cyprus, provided an important platform for scientific sharing and professional development. The program, which began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, continued with a piano recital by İrem Ekin Akal, a second-year student at Near East University Faculty of Medicine.
The opening speeches of the three-day congress were given by Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy, Founding Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan, Student Congress General Secretary Batuhan Bestel, and President of the Medical Students Association Ömür Yuşa Gök. The scientific sessions, conferences, and workshops held within the scope of the congress addressed current topics such as medical education, clinical practices, technological developments, and multidisciplinary health studies. Students, academics, and health professionals shared knowledge and experiences, while also contributing to the development of new scientific collaborations.
The scientific sessions, discussions, and workshops left their mark on the congress!
In the sessions held within the scope of the congress; The congress addressed important topics such as the role of artificial intelligence in medicine, current developments in drug research, euthanasia, drug development processes, and the production of smart drugs supported by nanotechnology. Presentations by experts in their fields shared innovative approaches and current developments in healthcare with the participants. Workshops held on the final day of the congress covered topics such as animal manipulation, biochemical analyses, brain tricks, and first aid in traffic accidents through practical training. Participants gained practical experience in addition to theoretical knowledge.
Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy: “Those who will make a difference in the future will not be those who merely observe change, but those who manage it!”
Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy emphasized in his speech that the true strength of a university comes not only from its physical infrastructure but also from its capacity to transform the knowledge it produces into solutions that touch human lives. Stating that the healthcare field is rapidly transforming into an ecosystem with artificial intelligence, genetics, robotics, and personalized treatments, Prof. Dr. Aksoy said, “Every development tells us the same thing: Those who will make a difference in the future will not be those who merely observe change, but those who manage it.”
Prof. Dr. Aksoy stated that Near East University views the field of health as a strong structure where science, technology, research, and application are carried out together, noting that the university possesses a sustainable health force with its faculties, hospitals, and academic staff. Pointing out that health education develops not only in the classroom but also in laboratory, clinic, and hospital environments, Prof. Dr. Aksoy said, “I believe that the International Medical Student Congress will provide you with new perspectives, new goals, and new courage.”
Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan: “Medical education is about learning to be curious, to ask questions, to make mistakes, and to try again.”
In her speech, Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan, Founding Dean of the Near East University Faculty of Medicine, stated that within the scope of the congress, many current and critical topics, from the latest developments in drug research to the role of artificial intelligence in medicine, from nanotechnology to biochemical analysis, were discussed with the contributions of experts in their fields. She also noted that the issue of euthanasia was discussed in debate sessions from the perspectives of medical ethics and sociology. Mocan emphasized that the congress had a comprehensive program encompassing both theoretical and practical aspects.
Stating that medical education is not merely about transferring knowledge, Prof. Dr. Mocan said, “Medical education is about learning to be curious, to ask questions, to make mistakes, and to try again.” Prof. Dr. Mocan also expressed his belief that the congress would contribute to the development of students into good physicians who are thoughtful, inquisitive, and determined to benefit humanity.
Ömür Yuşa Gök: “The professional vision of future physicians will be strengthened!”
Stating that artificial intelligence, multidisciplinary approaches, and innovative technologies are creating significant transformations in the field of health, Ömür Yuşa Gök, President of the Medical Students’ Association, said that the congress aims to bring students together with current scientific developments and strengthen the professional vision of future physicians. Noting that the congress’s scientific program includes topics such as artificial intelligence, ethics, drug development, and exosome technologies, Gök stated that the event will contribute to students’ closer examination of the changing and developing aspects of medicine.
