The ceremony, held at the Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Yılmaz Congress and Culture Center, was attended by Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör, Vice Rectors, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. İbrahim Türkçüer, President of the Denizli Medical Chamber Prof. Dr. Fazıl Necdet Ardıç, academics, students, and their families.

Following a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem, the ceremony continued with protocol speeches.

Denizli Medical Chamber President Ardıç: “This Ceremony Symbolizes a Beginning. A Long and Challenging Road Lies Ahead.”

President of the Denizli Medical Chamber and faculty member of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Fazıl Necdet Ardıç, stated in his speech: “I am also very happy to witness your and your families’ happiness at this ceremony where our medical faculty students will wear the white coat, the symbol of our profession, for the first time. This ceremony symbolizes a beginning. A long and challenging road lies ahead. There are five more years full of difficulties to overcome. You will work much harder than students in other faculties, make sacrifices from your social life, and you will study, study, and study. Your intelligence, your abilities, and most importantly your diligence have brought you to this point. I am confident that you will all succeed and that we will see you among us as our colleagues. First of all, I wish you success throughout your challenging educational life. I celebrate the Medicine Day of all physicians working selflessly in every corner of our country, my colleagues present in the hall, and our young physician candidates, and I wish that they can continue their profession in a future where science is not overshadowed and merit is valued. I extend my respects to you all.”

Dean Türkçüer: “Our Goal Is to Graduate You Not Only as Well-Equipped Physicians but as Physicians Who Have Internalized Ethical Values”

Pamukkale University Vice Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. İbrahim Türkçüer stated in his speech: “Today, we are witnessing an exceptional day where two meaningful traditions come together under one roof. On the one hand, we proudly celebrate March 14 Medicine Day, which symbolizes the beginning of modern medical education and the patriotism of physicians; on the other hand, we share the excitement of our first-year students who are at the very beginning of their professional journey wearing their white coats. Dear guests, medical education is not merely a process in which theoretical knowledge is engraved in the mind. This process is a long and arduous journey of maturation in which a person’s perspective on the world, sense of responsibility, and ethical compass are reshaped. The strongest symbol of this journey is undoubtedly the white coat we wear. The white coat is a symbol of purity, honesty, and the enlightenment of science. However, from the moment it rests on our shoulders, it represents much more than fabric. It is a great responsibility. It represents the unconditional trust a patient entrusts to you, the trembling hope of a family, and the unwavering ethical stance expected from a physician by society. Dear students, do not see these coats you will wear shortly merely as a school uniform. That white fabric will whisper this vital question to you every morning: ‘How can I make my knowledge and conscience most beneficial for humanity?’ Do not forget that being a Turkish physician means not only being a person of science but also having a love for the homeland. The founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, said even during the most difficult periods of his illness, ‘Entrust me to Turkish physicians,’ thus expressing his unwavering trust in the members of this profession. You are the present-day addressees of this legacy and trust of Atatürk. That is why March 14 is not just a date on the calendar for us; it is the name of resilience. You are part of this ancient legacy and the scientific tradition of Pamukkale University. Our goal is to graduate you not only as well-equipped physicians but as physicians who have internalized ethical values, developed empathy, and prioritize humanity. Your path will be long and at times filled with sleepless nights and difficult decisions. However, the sparkle of recovery you will see in the eyes of your patient will be the most sacred reward for all your fatigue. On this meaningful day, I sincerely celebrate March 14 Medicine Day of all our colleagues. I wish great success to our students who will wear their white coats. I would also like to thank our hospital chief physician and his team who contributed to the organization of this ceremony and the preparation of the coats. I greet you all with respect and love.”

Rector Güngör: “Conscience, Empathy, and Love for Humanity Are Essential Values That Must Be Learned”

Rector of Pamukkale University Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör stated in his speech: “Welcome to our white coat ceremony; we are honored to have you here. The moment you have dreamed of for years has arrived. Today, our dear young students will receive the reward for every drop of sweat and every page they have studied with this white coat. Medicine is not merely a profession, of course; it is a way of life. It is a way of understanding. It is a way of communication. You must approach your patients by combining your knowledge with compassion, technology, and your conscience. Today, you have filled this hall as students. However, the moment you wear these coats, you will become links in that great chain in the service of humanity. Our professors have also stated that medical education is a long, challenging, and patience-requiring journey. In this journey, ethical values are extremely important. Conscience, empathy, and love for humanity are essential and must be learned because medicine is about trying to understand the human being in all aspects. I assert that half of the treatment lies in a very positive patient-doctor relationship. This coat represents trust for our patients and a great responsibility for us. I firmly believe that we will support each other on this path where we move forward without straying from the light of science and by placing humans at the center. I extend my gratitude to all our families who have brought us to this point and to all our teachers who have opened the doors of this sacred profession for us. As the Rectorate, we will always do our best; our professors and guests are aware of this. We strive to allocate all our resources first to the physical infrastructure of our Faculty of Medicine. Stay well. Thank you.”

The Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine 2025–2026 Academic Year White Coat Ceremony concluded with the presentation of white coats to 273 students by Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet İnel, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ersan Öz, Vice Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. İbrahim Türkçüer, and the deans.