White Coat Ceremony Held at CIU
The Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, and Vocational School of Health Services at Cyprus International University organized a White Coat Ceremony for first-year students as part of the 2025–2026 Academic Year. The ceremony was attended by university administrators, academics, representatives of professional organizations, students, and their families. The opening speech of the ceremony was delivered by Selin Beydeniz, a student from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, on behalf of the students.
In his speech, CIU Vice Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tamer Tulgar addressed technological advancements in the healthcare field and emphasized the importance of lifelong learning for students. Tulgar stated that the role of artificial intelligence and technology in healthcare is steadily increasing; however, empathy, communication skills, and a human-centered approach will always remain fundamental values for healthcare professionals.
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Hatice Sütçü, emphasized in her speech that the white coat symbolizes purity, trust, ethical values, and professionalism in the healthcare field. Advising students to remain committed to ethical principles throughout their professional lives, Sütçü noted that healthcare professionals carry a significant responsibility as they directly impact individuals’ lives.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Turkish Cypriot Physiotherapists Association, Dr. Physiotherapist Batuhan İ. Dericioğlu, stated that physiotherapy is not only about restoring movement but also about touching human lives, and encouraged students to remain committed to empathy and professional ethics. President of the Turkish Cypriot Dietitians Association, Assist. Prof. Dr. Hidayet Ağören, highlighted the importance of nutrition and dietetics in public health. Ağören emphasized the importance of educating students as healthcare professionals who remain loyal to ethical values without compromising scientific accuracy. Honorary Board Member of the Turkish Cypriot Nurses and Midwives Association, Assist. Prof. Dr. Mine Bahçeci, stated that nursing is a profession that requires compassion and mercy in addition to knowledge and skills, reminding students of the importance of a human-centered approach.
Following the speeches, first-year students studying within the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, and Vocational School of Health Services were presented with their white coats by academics and protocol members. The ceremony concluded with students and their families taking photographs.