Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Health Sciences Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department held its third "Origo White Coat Ceremony" for students starting their education in the 2024-2025 academic year.

The event, hosted at the Atatürk Congress and Culture Center (AKM), was attended by Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Afitap Özdelikara, Department Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ercan Tural, academics, physiotherapists, students, and their families.

The program began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by a musical performance.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özdelikara: “OMU graduates carry the well-earned pride of their alma mater throughout their professional lives.”

Highlighting the Faculty of Health Sciences' role in training professionals for the healthcare field, Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Afitap Özdelikara stated:

"From nurses to nutrition and dietetics specialists, from physiotherapists to speech and language therapists, ten different health disciplines receive a quality education at our institution and carry the well-earned pride of being OMU graduates throughout their professional lives. From the first day our students join our faculty, our expert academic staff takes on the responsibility of equipping your children, entrusted to us, with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications befitting their profession. I sincerely thank our esteemed faculty members for their dedication and effort in this regard."

“Our greatest expectation is that you never stray from honesty and integrity.”

Expressing that they will share the same joy and excitement at the students' graduation ceremonies, Özdelikara continued:

"Today, you stand at the starting point of a journey that will last throughout your professional life. As we discuss the importance of respecting life and human dignity in healthcare, our greatest expectation from you is to never stray from honesty and integrity. The white coats you are about to wear here today represent not only health and wellness but also professional ethics, dignity, and honesty."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tural: “We have made the Origo White Coat Ceremony a tradition in its third year.”

Noting that the department will graduate its first cohort next year, Department Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ercan Tural stated:

"Physiotherapists serve in many areas as healthcare professionals. In addition to physiotherapists working in the public and private sectors, some establish their own centers, work in wellness centers, and promote the motto 'Adding movement to life.' Next year, with our first graduates, our department will see these dedicated professionals begin their careers. We have made the Origo White Coat Ceremony a tradition in its third year. In medical terminology, 'Origo' refers to the point where muscles attach to bones and where movement begins. Therefore, we named this ceremony after 'Origo' to align with the slogan 'Adding movement to life,' and we aim to continue this tradition."

The ceremony concluded with students donning their white coats and a group photo session.