College of Health Sciences graduates embarked on their professional journeys

Held at the B4 Garden of the South Campus in Kavacık, the 2026 Graduation Ceremony of the College of Health Sciences brought together students, their families, and academic staff in a joyful celebration. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk, President of Istanbul Medipol University; Prof. Erdoğan Kunter, Director of the College of Health Sciences; academic staff; students; and their families. Graduates celebrated the successful completion of years of academic dedication alongside their professors and loved ones.

"YOU ARE THE ONES WHO WILL BUILD THE FUTURE"
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk, President of Istanbul Medipol University, stated that graduation ceremonies signify far more than the completion of an academic journey, emphasizing that graduates are entering a new period of responsibility.

"Today, we are not merely holding a graduation ceremony. We are also sending off the young people who will shape the future of our country and humanity as they embark on a new chapter in their lives."

Highlighting that universities are institutions that shape the future of societies, Güntürk said: "Universities are not merely academic institutions that transmit knowledge. They are institutions that produce knowledge, develop technology, guide society, and shape the future."

Güntürk noted that Istanbul Medipol University continues to grow with its distinguished academic staff, international achievements, more than 40,000 students, and over 50,000 graduates. He emphasized that the University's primary goal is to become a research university that generates scientific knowledge, develops technology, and creates value for humanity.

HUMAN-CENTERED EDUCATION IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Referring to the transformation brought about by artificial intelligence, Güntürk stated that technology is reshaping professions, working methods, and the ways in which knowledge is accessed. He stressed that universities must now prepare students not only for today's professions but also for the challenges of the future that have yet to emerge, adding that Istanbul Medipol University approaches this transformation from an interdisciplinary perspective.

"We regard artificial intelligence as a strategic force that is transforming science, healthcare, the economy, and social life."

He explained that artificial intelligence has become an integral part of educational processes not only in engineering and computer sciences but also across disciplines ranging from health sciences and law to communication and business. "Our goal is not merely to educate graduates who use artificial intelligence. Our goal is to educate individuals who develop artificial intelligence, define its ethical boundaries, create new applications, and establish the standards of the future."

Concluding his remarks, Güntürk emphasized that technological progress is meaningful only when it remains human-centered: "We want our students not to be people who follow change, but those who initiate it. Because Medipol's vision is not to follow,it is to lead."

"HEALTHCARE IS A SACRED RESPONSIBILITY CENTERED ON HUMAN DIGNITY"
Prof. Erdoğan Kunter, Director of the College of Health Sciences, congratulated the graduates and thanked their families, as well as the academic and administrative staff. He stated that the graduates had successfully completed an intensive and demanding educational journey and emphasized that future healthcare professionals must be guided not only by professional knowledge but also by ethical values and compassion.

Kunter said:

"You have successfully completed a long, intensive, and demanding educational journey. Throughout this process, you have acquired not only theoretical knowledge but also an understanding of the responsibility of touching human lives, the importance of teamwork, ethical values, and professional sensitivity. The titles you will carry from now on represent not only a profession but also a profound responsibility."

Drawing attention to the fact that healthcare requires conscience, compassion, and dedication as much as scientific knowledge, Kunter continued:

"Healthcare is a sacred responsibility carried out under the guidance of science, centered on human dignity, and requiring selfless dedication. As long as you combine your knowledge with your conscience and your professional skills with human values, you will become not only successful healthcare professionals but also exemplary individuals."

"GRADUATION IS NOT THE END OF LEARNING"
Emphasizing that graduation should not be regarded as the end of learning in an era in which knowledge is constantly evolving, Kunter encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning.

"Graduation is therefore not the end of learning, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. I strongly encourage you to continue improving yourselves, following scientific advancements, and remaining open to change."

Kunter also reminded graduates that they would inevitably face difficult decisions and significant responsibilities throughout their professional lives, urging them never to lose their human-centered approach.

Expressing his confidence that the graduates would make meaningful contributions to the country, science, and humanity, Kunter wished all students a professional life filled with health, happiness, and success.

THE PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY BEGAN WITH A PROMISE TO SERVE HUMANITY
Speaking on behalf of the graduates of the College of Health Sciences, Osman Nuri Çırak, a student from the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, expressed his happiness at sharing this memorable occasion with fellow graduates from different departments. He emphasized that graduation represents not only the completion of an educational journey but also the beginning of a new life shaped by knowledge and responsibility.

Çırak stated:

"Today, after years of dedication, patience, and determination, we are experiencing the pride and happiness of graduating. At the same time, we are not merely completing an educational journey,we are stepping into a new life shaped by knowledge, responsibility, and professional ethical values."

Recalling Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's famous words, "The truest guide in life is science," Çırak added: "I sincerely believe that we will work guided by science, committed to ethical values, and with a human-centered approach." Speaking personally, he expressed his pride in beginning his professional life as a physiotherapist and stated: "I would like to express that I will always remain mindful of the education I have received, the values instilled in me, and the responsibility I carry."

TOP GRADUATES WERE HONORED
Students who ranked first in their respective departments received commemorative plaques during the ceremony. Beyzanur Ceylan (Nutrition and Dietetics), Azra Gül Usta (Child Development), Mervah Medina Ahmet (Midwifery), Ceren Gül Uçlar (Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation), Elanur Erdemir (Audiology), and Beyza Ünal (Social Work) were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements.

NEW HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS JOINED THE FIELD
Academic staff of the College of Health Sciences presented diplomas to graduates from the Departments of Nutrition and Dietetics,Child Development, Midwifery, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Audiology, and Social Work. Graduates commemorated the occasion by taking photographs with their families and professors. During the celebration, students proudly waved Turkish flags as they shared the joy of graduation. The ceremony concluded with the traditional tossing of graduation caps into the air.