School of Health Sciences graduated students from 15 programs with a shared commitment to human life

The 2026 Graduation Ceremony of the School of Health Sciences at Istanbul Medipol University was held at the B4 Garden of the South Campus in Kavacık. Organized in three sessions, the ceremony celebrated graduates from the Departments of Nutrition and Dietetics, Child Development,Midwifery,Ergotherapy, Audiology,Speech and Language Therapy (Turkish Program), Speech and Language Therapy (English Program), Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (Turkish Program), Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (English Program), Orthotics and Prosthetics, Nursing (Turkish Program),Nursing (English Program), Health Management (Turkish Program), Health Management (English Program) and Social Work. 
 

During the first session, Prof. Yasemin Yüksel Durmaz, Vice President of Istanbul Medipol University, addressed the audience. In the second and third sessions, a video message from Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk, President of Istanbul Medipol University, was broadcast. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Erdoğan Kunter, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, along with academic staff, administrative staff, students, and their families. 
 

MEDIPOL'S ACADEMIC JOURNEY DRIVEN BY QUALITY AND A RESEARCH VISION
Addressing the graduates, Prof. Yasemin Yüksel Durmaz, Vice President of Istanbul Medipol University, stated that the University has continued to grow and develop steadily since its establishment, noting that it has become one of Türkiye's leading higher education institutions with tens of thousands of students, a distinguished academic staff, and an extensive alumni community.

Durmaz emphasized that Istanbul Medipol University regards education, research, quality assurance, and societal contribution as complementary pillars of a modern university, drawing attention to the institution's international visibility and academic progress.

"These achievements are not merely institutional accomplishments reflected in rankings or official documents."

She noted that Istanbul Medipol University has risen to the 801–1000 band in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, has been designated a Candidate Research University by the Council of Higher Education, and has received Five-Year Full Institutional Accreditation from the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council.

Durmaz stressed that the true significance of these achievements lies not in rankings but in providing students with higher-quality education, stronger research opportunities, and broader possibilities for personal and academic development. She added that the School of Health Sciences is among the University's academic units that most effectively reflects this quality-oriented approach in its educational programs, noting that approximately 90 percent of its programs have been accredited, demonstrating both educational excellence and compliance with quality standards. 
 

"TECHNOLOGY IN HEALTHCARE IS EVOLVING, BUT HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY REMAINS UNCHANGED"
Addressing the graduates, Durmaz emphasized that serving in healthcare is both a great privilege and a profound responsibility.

"Because at the heart of every procedure you perform, every decision you make, and every interaction you establish is a human being."

She stated that while scientific knowledge and professional competence are indispensable foundations of healthcare, healthcare also requires empathy, patience, conscience, and trust. Durmaz explained that the University's expectation is not only for graduates to become successful professionals in their respective fields but also to combine their expertise with ethical values and a human-centered perspective.

Drawing attention to the transformation of healthcare through artificial intelligence, digital health technologies, and scientific advances, Durmaz advised graduates:

"Embrace technology and benefit from the opportunities it offers. However, never delegate your professional judgment and responsibility to technology. Protecting human dignity, acting fairly, and choosing what is right remain fundamentally human responsibilities."

Concluding her speech with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's words, "The one who loves their country most is the one who performs their duty best." Durmaz encouraged graduates by saying: "Never stop thinking, questioning, or dreaming. May your path be clear, your vision broad, and your success enduring."
 

"YOU WILL BECOME NOT ONLY SUCCESSFUL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS BUT ALSO EXEMPLARY INDIVIDUALS"
In his speech, Prof. Erdoğan Kunter, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, sincerely congratulated the graduates and thanked their families, as well as the academic and administrative staff who had contributed to their education. He noted that the graduates had successfully completed a demanding and intensive educational journey during which they had acquired not only theoretical knowledge but also an understanding of the responsibility of caring for human life, the importance of teamwork, professional ethics, and professional sensitivity.

Kunter emphasized that the professional titles the graduates will now carry represent not only careers but also significant responsibilities. He described healthcare as a profession guided by 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."
 

A CALL FOR LIFELONG LEARNING AT THE THRESHOLD OF NEW BEGINNINGS
Emphasizing that knowledge evolves rapidly and scientific developments progress at an extraordinary pace, Kunter reminded graduates that graduation marks not the end of learning but the beginning of a lifelong journey.

"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 advances, and remaining open to change."

Kunter noted that graduates would inevitably face difficult decisions and significant responsibilities throughout their professional lives and urged them never to lose their commitment to human-centered care, professional ethics, and compassion, regardless of the circumstances.

"Because in healthcare, one of the most powerful therapeutic tools is respect and compassion for people, alongside knowledge."

Stating that the day celebrated not only graduation but also new beginnings, Kunter expressed his confidence that the graduates would make meaningful contributions to the country, science, and humanity, wishing them healthy, happy, and successful professional careers.
 

THE FIRST PROMISE ON THE JOURNEY OF HEALTHCARE: TO BRING HOPE TO HUMAN LIFE
Speaking on behalf of the first group of graduates, Emir Memiş, a graduate of the Department of Audiology, represented graduates from the Departments of Child Development, Nutrition and Dietetics, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, and Audiology. He stated that after a long and demanding educational journey, they were proud to celebrate their graduation.

Memiş explained that throughout this process they had learned not only professional knowledge but also patience, responsibility, and the value of touching human lives.

"The diploma we receive today is not merely a certificate of graduation; it is also a symbol of our responsibility to bring hope to human life."

Representing the second group of graduates, Gizem Güvener, valedictorian of the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation English Program, spoke on behalf of graduates from the Departments of Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, and Orthotics and Prosthetics. She emphasized that education in health sciences requires multidimensional learning and profound dedication.

Referring to their experiences in laboratories, clinics, and internships, Güvener stated:

"From the first breath of a newborn baby to the first step of someone striving to embrace life again, from a child's development to the healthy future of society, we have learned to touch life at its very center."

Expressing gratitude to their professors and families, she affirmed on behalf of the graduating class that they would pursue their professions with unwavering commitment to ethics, justice, and innovation.

Representing the third group of graduates, Buse Özcan, a graduate of the Department of Social Work, addressed graduates from the Departments of Health Management, Nursing, and Social Work. She reflected that they had entered the University years earlier with great dreams and were now graduating as transformed individuals.

Recalling Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's words, "For everything in the world, for civilization, for life, for success, the truest guide is science."

Özcan stated that their student journey had come to an end and that the first page of a new chapter in life had now begun.
 

YEARS OF DEDICATION RECOGNIZED WITH OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
Students who graduated at the top of their respective programs were honored during the ceremony. Tuğba Özge Acar(Nutrition and Dietetics), Büşra Dinlemez (Child Development), Sude Kaya (Midwifery), Nuray Yıldırım(Occupational Therapy), Buket Yüksek (Audiology), Irmak Ay (Speech and Language Therapy – Turkish Program), Rand Abdulkader (Speech and Language Therapy – English Program), Nazlı Arduç (Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation – Turkish Program), Gizem Güvener (Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation – English Program), Ahu Buse Kartalcı(Orthotics and Prosthetics), Yıldız Zişah Akyıldız and Ayşe Nur Altıntaş (Nursing – Turkish Program), Orazsoltan Batyrova (Nursing – English Program), Şevval Akaslan (Health Management – Turkish Program), Aruzhan Ibrayembayeva (Health Management – English Program), and Gamze Özyurt (Social Work) were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements. 

The plaques were presented by Prof. Yasemin Yüksel Durmaz, Vice President of Istanbul Medipol University, and Prof. Erdoğan Kunter, Dean of the School of Health Sciences.
 

A PROUD FINALE FOR THE SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES
At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates, academic staff, and families gathered for commemorative photographs. The graduates then tossed their caps into the air, celebrating both the beginning of their professional journeys in healthcare and the joy of graduation together.