Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine welcomed its new students with the 12th White Coat Ceremony, marking the beginning of their journey into the veterinary profession.

The event, held in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Conference Hall, was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tütüncü, President of the Samsun-Sinop Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons Ahmet Pilan, vice deans, academics, students, and their families.

Vice-Rector Kesten: "It's the people within these walls that give this building its true meaning"

Speaking at the ceremony's opening, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten expressed his pride in being part of the occasion. "It is an honor to be with you on this special day. First and foremost, I bring you the greetings of our Rector, Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın. As the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ondokuz Mayıs University, we are privileged to have such a wonderful facility. However, it is not just the physical structure that gives this building its significance but the esteemed faculty members, dear students, and all who work within it. I thank our academic staff for their dedication in preparing our students for the future and extend my gratitude to the students for their contributions, both present and future," he stated.

Dean Tütüncü: "We are delighted and proud to welcome our new students"

Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tütüncü, highlighted the importance of veterinary education as the profession celebrates its 182nd anniversary. "Our profession, within the concept of One Health, integrates animal health, human health, public health, and food safety into a single framework. I wish for many more successful years of service in our new building, which supports all those dedicated to our field. We are delighted and proud to welcome our new students into the faculty," he remarked.

"In 2020, Our Faculty Was Granted a 5-Year National 'Accredited Faculty' Approval by VEDEK"

Dean Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tütüncü highlighted the structure and achievements of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, noting that it comprises five departments and 23 divisions. "The proportion of national and international scientific research conducted at our faculty exceeds the averages of both veterinary faculties nationwide and our university. Established in 2010, our animal hospital has been operating 24/7 since 2018. Over the last three years, we have treated more than 30,000 patients annually. In this unique and modern animal hospital, students significantly benefit from clinical practice and night shifts, which greatly enhance their professional development," he explained.

Emphasizing the faculty's academic excellence, advanced laboratories, and educational quality, Prof. Dr. Tütüncü continued:

"Our primary goal remains the same as always: to train qualified, experienced, and well-equipped veterinarians. With our new faculty building, we aim to further improve the quality of education, research, and services. In 2020, VEDEK granted us a five-year national 'Accredited Faculty' status. Looking ahead, we are confident that we will achieve international accreditation and complete our research and application farm project. We view the fact that we have been ranked fourth among well-established veterinary faculties over the last three years as a reward for our efforts," he stated.

"Our Greatest Desire Is for You to Serve Our Country and Humanity in the Best Way Possible"

Addressing the students, Prof. Dr. Tütüncü emphasized their importance as entrusted members of the faculty:

"We see you as entrusted to us by your families. Just as our professors have dedicated themselves to raising us, we will make every effort to guide and nurture you as representatives of this profession. Your academic advisors will always be there to support you. Our sense of gratitude to our family, profession, nation, and country makes this effort both obligatory and valuable.

The white coat symbolizes the values of the medical profession. Throughout your lives, our greatest hope is that you serve our country and humanity as diligent, honest, patriotic, and conscientious veterinarians who uphold moral and national values, care for humanity, and act with fairness and justice. I urge you to always honor the significance of your white coats with this awareness," he concluded.

Samsun-Sinop Veterinary Chamber President Pilan: "OMU Veterinary Faculty is One of the Best in Turkey"

Samsun-Sinop Veterinary Chamber President Ahmet Pilan began his speech by wishing students a successful academic year:

"Veterinary medicine may be a profession you chose either willingly or by chance. However, once you dive into it, you will see how significant and essential this profession is. You have lovely days ahead. First and foremost, enjoy being a student because this phase will come to an end someday, and you will realize its value even more. For now, live your student life to the fullest and fulfill its responsibilities.

Sure, you can find ways to take notes or graduate somehow, but let me proudly state that the OMU Veterinary Faculty you attend is one of Türkiye's best veterinary faculties. This success was not achieved easily, and you are here because you, too, have achieved a certain level of success. Make the most of the opportunities this university provides. Welcome to the veterinary profession, and I extend my best regards to you all," Pilan stated.

A Token of Appreciation and a Traditional Ceremony

At the end of the program, Veterinary Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tütüncü presented a sapling certificate to Samsun-Sinop Veterinary Chamber President Ahmet Pilan as a token of appreciation for his contributions.

The program concluded with the Veterinary Faculty students donning their white coats in the traditional White Coat Ceremony and posing for commemorative photos.