The “March 14 Medicine Day Painting Exhibition” held in collaboration with the Near East University Faculty of Medicine, Experimental Health Sciences Research Institute, Turkish Microbiology Society and TRNC Microbiology Platform brought together the works of healthcare professionals with art lovers at the Near East University Faculty of Medicine.
The Near East University Faculty of Medicine crowned the March 14 Medicine Day with art. Bringing together the artworks made by Near East University Faculty of Medicine academicians and healthcare professionals, the “March 14 Medicine Day Painting Exhibition” met with art lovers.
The Medicine Day, which emphasizes the labor and sacrifices of healthcare professionals every year, gained even more meaning this year with an artistic touch. The “March 14 Medicine Day Painting Exhibition” organized in collaboration with the Near East University Faculty of Medicine, Experimental Health Sciences Research Institute (DESAM), Turkish Microbiology Society (TMC) and the TRNC Microbiology Platform opened at the Near East University Faculty of Medicine.
The exhibition, which offers a visual feast to participants, features 50 artworks made by Prof. Dr. Emrah Ruh, Prof. Dr. Emine Koç, Prof. Dr. Mehtap Tiryakioğlu, Prof. Dr. Beyza Ulusoy, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Baha and Assist. Prof. Dr. Hülya Arık. The exhibition, consisting of mixed works, featured drawings on charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, paper and canvas, as well as works prepared in digital media. The works prepared by healthcare professionals and academics revealed that medicine has not only a scientific but also an aesthetic and artistic dimension.
Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Near East University Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan and Near East University Hospital Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Salih Müjdat Balkan spoke at the opening of the exhibition, which realized with intense participation.
A reflection of healthcare professionals’ multifaceted contributions to society!
“History is full of countless heroes who carried science forward with their sacrifices,” said Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, “Today, we have come together here for a meaningful event where healthcare professionals and academics who follow in the footsteps of these heroes meet with art.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ stated that science sometimes requires great sacrifices and gave the example of Turkish physician and scientist Dr. Hikmet Boran; “Exactly 105 years ago, Dr. Hikmet Boran attended an event on March 14 Medicine Day and then attended the Sivas Congress in September 1919. The speech he gave there caught the attention of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Then, Dr. Hikmet Boran returned to Ankara Cebeci Hospital with a colleague and began studies on the typhus vaccine. These great scientists put their own bodies forward as the first test subjects and risked their lives for the sake of science.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Today, we continue to keep the legacy of these heroes who devoted themselves to science alive. These works, where art and science come together, are a reflection of the multifaceted contributions of healthcare professionals to society.”
Near East University Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan emphasized that March 14 stood out in history not only as the beginning of modern medicine, but also as a symbol of the patriotic stance of medical students. Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan said, “During the occupation of Istanbul in 1919, students of Mekteb-i Tıbbiyye-i Şahane came together to show their love for the country. One of the pioneers of this movement was Dr. Hikmet Boran. On that day, medical students supported the struggle for independence by hoisting the Turkish flag on the towers of the school in order to show a reaction against the occupation. This brave act showed that medical students were not only individuals who provided healthcare services, but also intellectuals who were sensitive to the fate of society.”
“Being a doctor is a war fought sometimes in the examination of a patient, sometimes during a difficult surgery, sometimes in health education, and sometimes in the struggle for the liberation of the homeland.” said Near East University Hospital Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Salih Müjdat Balkan, adding that the courage and patriotism shown by medical students in the War of Independence have left us a legacy that this profession requires not only health but also sacrifice and dedication. We will continue to touch human life, heal patients and fight under all circumstances by advancing on the path of reason and science opened by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.”
