Pharmacy students don their White Coats
Cyprus International University, Faculty of Pharmacy students received their white coats at a ceremony that marks their leap into their professional life.
CIU Rector Prof. Dr. Halil Nadiri stated at the ceremony that the demand for health services has increased and noted that health programs have become an important career field. Nadiri, who also gave information about the investments made by CIU in the field of health education, said that the university has become one of the important health education centers in this area. Reminding that the M.Pharm and Pharm.D programs of the Faculty of Pharmacy have been accredited by the Accreditation Agency in Health and Social Sciences (AHPGS), one of the most prestigious accreditation institutions in Germany and Europe, Nadiri said, "Our programs are the only programs that have received accreditation by AHPGS in Cyprus."
CIU Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aslan, on the other hand, stated that the white coat ceremony is important as it represents the first step towards becoming a pharmacist. Drawing attention to the importance of pharmacy education, Aslan said, “Our faculty continues to provide the best education to you, our students from many countries of the world, with its expert teaching staff, simulation programs and up-to-date education curriculum supported by the latest technological tools.”
Aslan also talked about the accreditation and collaborations of the CIU Faculty of Pharmacy and shared the information that “Our faculty has signed a double degree agreement with Rome Tor Vergata University in Italy.” Noting that the CIU Faculty of Pharmacy was accepted as a member of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the world's most important pharmacy organization, Aslan stated that the Faculty continues to increase its prestige in the world.
Speaking at the ceremony, TRNC Pharmacists Union Disciplinary Committee Vice President Duygu Adahan Kuran stated that “pharmacy is a profession that aims to improve human and public health, has preserved its existence and functionality throughout human history, and has never lost its importance in societies. We are the health consultants who serve wholeheartedly that patients can reach easily.” Noting that the Pharmacists' Association is a union that was founded in 1959 and currently has 433 members, Kuran said, "With 354 pharmacies in our country, our pharmacists are approaching our patients with the ethical values required by our profession."
Serap Konde, Director of the Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacy Department of the Ministry of Health, gave advice to students referring to her professional experience and said, “You should be aware that life will be full of ups and downs. You must not run from them. Embrace the challenges and remember that these challenges add value to your life journey.”
Expressing that some students will work in the pharmacy sector and some will continue their career journey at a university, Konde said, “Listen to your heart, it will guide you on the right path. Always look towards the future. Most importantly, believe in yourself, otherwise you will not achieve anything.”
After the speeches, the ceremony ended with the students getting dressed in their white coats by the faculty members.