A total of 365 students graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), joining Türkiye's healthcare workforce during a graduation ceremony marked by both pride and emotional moments. Following years of rigorous medical education, the newly qualified physicians took the Physician's Oath and received their diplomas.

The 48th Graduation Ceremony of the OMU Faculty of Medicine was held at the Student Life Center. A total of 295 students graduated from the Turkish-Medium Medicine Program, while 70 students graduated from the English-Medium Medicine Program.

During the ceremony, Zeynep Sarı Diri, valedictorian of the Turkish-Medium Medicine Program, and Mert Ali Yıldırım, valedictorian of the English-Medium Medicine Program, received their diplomas and certificates of achievement before engraving their names onto the faculty's honor board. In their speeches, both graduates thanked their families and academic staff for supporting them throughout their medical education. Diri also called for an end to violence against healthcare professionals and physicians.

The ceremony also commemorated Zeynep Sena Yıldız, an OMU Faculty of Medicine student who lost her life in the 6 February earthquakes. Her fellow students honored her memory by placing flowers and a framed photograph on an empty chair in the graduation venue.

"We Will Continue to Stand by You in Times of Challenge"

Delivering the opening address, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Murat Danacı said:

"Medical education is not merely a process of acquiring knowledge; it is a way of life shaped by patience, dedication, and empathy. You have successfully completed every stage of this journey with remarkable determination and commitment."

Danacı emphasized that medicine is a constantly evolving field and that the medicine of the future will differ significantly from today's practice, requiring physicians to adapt to continuous change.

"Scientific advancements are progressing at an extraordinary pace. Therefore, never forget that your learning journey does not end here; in fact, it is only just beginning. You must continue to renew yourselves, conduct research, ask questions, and contribute to the global body of knowledge. By making full use of the opportunities offered by modern medicine, you should play an active role in shaping the future of healthcare. Remember that Ondokuz Mayıs University is your home and will always remain so. We will continue to provide opportunities that help you achieve your ideals, celebrate your successes, and stand beside you during times of challenge."

"One of OMU's Flagship Faculties"

OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz described the Faculty of Medicine as one of the university's flagship faculties.

"Without question, the Faculty of Medicine is one of the flagship faculties of Ondokuz Mayıs University. Our university has a total of 19 faculties. Eighteen of them conduct education and research aimed at improving human life. The Faculty of Medicine, however, is directly dedicated to human life and health."

He noted that the graduates had received a high-quality medical education but that important stages such as specialty training still lay ahead.

"After that, you will practice medicine in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, big data, and rapidly advancing technologies. I believe that together we will achieve even greater success as physicians who adapt to change and remain committed to continuous professional development."

Following the speeches, graduation certificates were presented to the 365 students who had successfully completed their studies.

After receiving their diplomas, the newly qualified physicians recited the Physician's Oath.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional cap-tossing celebration.