A meaningful beginning to the profession with the passing of the goniometer

The “Goniometer Oath and White Coat Ceremony” organized by the School of Health Sciences at Istanbul Medipol University, was held at the South Campus Conference Hall. During the ceremony, senior students took their first steps toward the profession of physiotherapy by putting on their white coats and taking their professional oath.

The event was attended by Prof. Ayşenur Tunalı Van Den Berg, Chair of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation within the School of Health Sciences at Istanbul Medipol University, as well as academics, students, and families. Speaking at the opening of the event, Prof. Ayşenur Tunalı Van Den Berg emphasized that physiotherapy is a powerful field of healthcare that contributes directly to human movement, independence, and quality of life.

PROF. VAN DEN BERG: THE ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS HAS BECOME MORE VISIBLE
Delivering the opening address, Prof. Ayşenur Tunalı Van Den Berg stated that the physiotherapy profession has gained an increasingly strong position both in Türkiye and around the world. Noting that recent developments in professional practice regulations have made the role of physiotherapists within the healthcare system more visible, Van Den Berg stated that this development has also increased professional responsibilities.

Addressing future physiotherapists, Van Den Berg said:

“What we expect from you is not merely to become skilled practitioners, but also to become healthcare professionals who embrace clinical and ethical values, scientific thinking, lifelong learning, teamwork, and a patient-centred approach.”

Stating that students had moved one step closer to their professional identity through the white coat and oath ceremony, Van Den Berg remarked:

“Today, you are not merely attending a ceremony; you are also crossing an important threshold in your professional journey.”

Van Den Berg advised students to take knowledge, compassion, and dedication as their guiding principles throughout their professional lives.

“WE HOPE THAT PEACE AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE WILL PREVAIL”
In her speech, Van Den Berg also referred to the painful developments taking place around the world and extended her support in particular to Iranian students and their families who may be experiencing concern and sorrow due to recent events.

Van Den Berg expressed her hope for peace and security with the following words:

“Our greatest wish is that peace, security, and respect for human life prevail under all circumstances.”

She also thanked the families, emphasizing the great importance of family support throughout students’ education, and expressed her gratitude to all families who witnessed this special day.

THE GONIOMETER AND DEPARTMENT PENNANT ENTRUSTED TO NEW REPRESENTATIVES
As part of the programme, the department pennant and goniometer were handed over by the fourth-year representative to the third-year representative. Symbolizing professional belonging and the transfer of responsibility, the handover was greeted with applause by the participants.

During the ceremony, a photo presentation featuring moments from the students’ educational journey was shown. A video in which students imitated their instructors also created cheerful moments in the hall.

At the end of the programme, the physiotherapist candidates took their professional oath, pledging to uphold ethical values, take scientific knowledge as their guide, and practise their profession with an approach that prioritizes human health. The programme concluded with a photo session following the ceremony.