Experts discuss safety and career pathways in health professions

Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) and the Career Center Directorate organized the event titled “Career Panel in Healthcare: Professional Life in Health Professions from the Perspective of Industry Representatives.” The panel addressed career opportunities in the healthcare sector, the importance of occupational health and safety, and the role of orthotics–prosthetics technicians within the health system. The event also highlighted essential safety measures, rules to be followed in laboratory and workshop environments, and the critical importance of proper chemical labeling.

The event, held at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus, was moderated by Kübra Akkalay, Lecturer and Head of the Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Program at SHMYO, and Semra Gül, Assistant Manager of Sectoral Collaborations at the Career Center.

The program featured Anadolu Orthopedics Prosthetics and Orthotics Technician Ecenaz Koca and Health and Safety Specialist (Class B) Yiğit Gül as speakers.

Yiğit Gül: “Occupational safety is not just a legal requirement…”

Health and Safety Specialist (Class B) Yiğit Gül delivered a talk in which he highlighted his more than 10 years of experience in the field. He emphasized that their primary mission is to protect employees, employers, and the workplace environment. Gül stated, “Occupational health and safety is not just a legal obligation; it is a responsibility to protect human life.”

“A small negligence can lead to serious accidents”

Gül underlined the vital importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) in laboratories and workshops. He explained: “In laboratory environments, long hair should not be left loose, closed-toe shoes must be worn, and gloves and protective goggles should be used. Even a small negligence can lead to serious accidents. The most critical step is to stay calm, ensure your personal safety, and immediately trigger the alarm.”

“The most important factor is proper labeling”

Highlighting the importance of correct labeling, Gül added: “All chemicals you work with have specific functions and risks. If a flammable substance is accidentally combined with a corrosive one due to lack of knowledge, it can cause a fire. This is why the most important factor here is proper labeling and knowing the safety information on each material.”

Ecenaz Koca: “We are a healthcare profession that builds a bridge between hospitals and patients”

Speaking about the role of orthotics–prosthetics technicians in the healthcare system, Üsküdar University Orthotics–Prosthetics Program alumna and Anadolu Orthopedics Technician Ecenaz Koca noted: “We are a healthcare profession that acts as a bridge between patients and hospitals. We produce orthotic and prosthetic devices for individuals who are born with or later experience limb loss.”

“We must be extremely careful while working”

Emphasizing occupational safety, Koca also highlighted rules that must be followed in workshop environments: “Wearing a uniform is mandatory in the workshop; scarves or white coats are not allowed. We must be extremely careful while working. Without realizing it, we could cause highly risky accidents.”

The well-attended event concluded with a Q&A session.