First-year students of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Health Sciences celebrated their "White Coat" Ceremony in an event filled with excitement and pride, accompanied by their families.
The ceremony took place at the Faculty of Health Sciences Conference Hall and was attended by OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşe Pınar Sumer, Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Esra Pancar Yüksel, Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülcan Taşkıran Eskici, Head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department Prof. Dr. Pınar Sökülmez Kaya, students, and their families.
The event began with a moment of silence and the national anthem, followed by a ney (reed flute) performance by Nutrition Science graduate students Fatıma Nur Bal and Rabia Gülcan.
At the ceremony's opening, OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşe Pınar Sumer emphasized the profound significance of the white coat for health professionals. Addressing the students, Prof. Dr. Sumer stated, "The white coat represents the honor and responsibility of a professional working in health sciences. When you wear this coat, you symbolize not only your professional achievements but also your contribution to public health."
Prof. Dr. Sumer wished the students success in their academic journey and urged them to always be mindful of the responsibility that comes with wearing the white coat.
Faculty of Health Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Esra Pancar Yüksel highlighted the faculty’s commitment to providing the best education in health sciences. "Today, we witness the first steps of young professionals who will lay the foundations of health sciences and serve in this field," said Prof. Dr. Yüksel, expressing confidence that the steps taken by students on this special day will lead to outstanding achievements in the future.
Head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department Prof. Dr. Pınar Sökülmez Kaya stressed that the white coat is not merely a professional uniform but a symbol of responsibility and professionalism. Commending the dedication and effort of the students, Prof. Dr. Kaya remarked, "The realization of this moment, which each of our students has long dreamed of, is the result of great effort and perseverance." She emphasized that the white coat signifies empathy, responsibility, ethical values, and compassion, advising students to adopt these principles in their professional lives. "As you wear the white coat, always remember the meaning and responsibility it carries," she added.
Following the speeches, first-year Nutrition and Dietetics Department students were individually invited to the stage to receive their white coats from their professors. Each student, along with their families, celebrated this significant milestone with pride.
At the end of the ceremony, participants and students captured the moment with group photos, preserving memories of this meaningful day. The ceremony concluded in a warm and supportive atmosphere filled with well-wishes for the students' future success.
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