The 24th Graduation Ceremony for the academic year 2023-2024 of the Faculty of Medicine at Manisa Celal Bayar University was held with great enthusiasm at the Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center on the Health Campus.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Manisa Governor Enver Ünlü, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Brigadier General Zafer Tombul, Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, District Governors Atilla Kantay and Fatih Genel, Chief of Police Fahri Aktaş, Vice-Rectors Prof. Dr. Ahmet Çetin, Prof. Dr. Kadir Ay, Prof. Dr. Oktay Üçer, General Secretary Erhan Doğan, protocol members, academic and administrative staff, families, and students.
The program commenced with a speech by the top student of the faculty, Mine Dereli, representing the graduates.
In his address, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Artuner Deveci emphasized, "As Albert Einstein said, education is not just about teaching facts but also about training the mind to think. We are a Faculty of Medicine that operates on this principle."
He stressed the importance of the doctor-patient relationship beyond gathering medical history and conducting examinations, highlighting the holistic approach to understanding patients as individuals with thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. "Medicine is an art, and it gets better with maturity," he added.
Expressing pride in sending approximately two hundred young doctors to the Turkish health corps, Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar said, "Medical faculties are where professions such as doctors, who perform one of the holiest professions closely affecting people's lives, are trained."
Addressing the families, Prof. Dr. Kibar acknowledged their pride in witnessing this day, returning their children entrusted to them six years ago as expert physicians. Turning to the graduates, she said, "Today, you are graduating and stepping into the field of medicine. Being a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine brings great honor and responsibility. The words of Sheikh Edebali, 'Keep people alive so that the state may live,' demonstrate how sacred human life is. From now on, you are ready to serve throughout our homeland, not just to protect people's health, but to treat them and find solutions to their health problems. Remember, 'When a patient trusts you, their prayer is enough for you,' as Dr. Sezai Karakoç said. You will perform one of the holiest professions, receiving prayers of goodwill from your patients. Always remember that your interest in them is as important as your knowledge. I wish your future life to be filled with health, happiness, and peace. May your graduation be blessed, and may Allah be your helper and supporter."
Governor Enver Ünlü, in his speech, congratulated the graduates for completing their education during challenging times, expressing confidence that they will serve as cultural ambassadors of Manisa in their future assignments. He affirmed, "Today, you embark on a sacred journey as medical doctors from the gates of this school. We have no doubt that you will serve our noble nation in the most fitting manner across every inch of our beautiful homeland. We trust you. May your graduation be blessed, and may your new life, fortune, and path be open."
The program continued with the top student of the faculty inscribing her name in the register, followed by the presentation of achievement certificates to the graduates who excelled academically. The ceremony concluded with the traditional cap toss.