Üsküdar University proudly sent off its first physicians!

At its 12th Commencement Ceremony, Üsküdar University witnessed a historic milestone as it graduated the first cohort of its Faculty of Medicine students, following six years of rigorous and high-quality education. During the grand ceremony held at the Haliç Congress Center, the young physicians received their diplomas and took their professional oath under the guidance of Faculty Dean Prof. Haydar Sur, officially marking the beginning of their medical careers.

As one of Türkiye’s leading educational institutions in the fields of Behavioral Sciences, Health, and Engineering, Üsküdar University bid farewell to 7,274 students during the 2024–2025 Academic Year Commencement Ceremony, and this year with a special sense of pride and excitement.

Founded in 2018 with the vision of "educating the physicians of the future," the Faculty of Medicine celebrated the honor of graduating its very first students.

In the enthusiastic atmosphere of the Haliç Congress Center, the new physicians received their diplomas in the presence of their families and professors, all bearing witness to this momentous occasion.

The ceremony was attended by President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Furkan Tarhan, TARHAN–İDER Foundation Board Member Fırat Tarhan, Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör, and the university’s senior academic leadership.

Prof. Haydar Sur: “The most honorable moment of my professional life”

One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony came during the speech by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Haydar Sur.
Taking the stage with great enthusiasm, Prof. Sur described the significance of this moment:
“Our excitement has peaked and has now reached a joyful release. I am living the most honorable moment of my medical and academic career.”

Recalling the founding process that began with the approval of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) in 2018, Prof. Sur added: “When such an honorable task was entrusted to me, I rolled up my sleeves. With the aim of not disappointing the hopes of the families and students who placed their trust in us, we began our work with great enthusiasm. Today, we are reaping the fruits of that trust and effort,” he said, sharing the pride of graduating the faculty's first class.

The historic oath of the first physicians…

The most special moment of the graduation ceremony came after the diploma presentation: the oath ceremony. Prof. Haydar Sur, also the founding dean of the faculty, stood before the graduates and led them in the medical oath. Under his leadership, the young physicians pledged to practice their profession with honor, adhere to ethical values, and prioritize human life above all else. The atmosphere was one of pride and deep emotion for everyone present.

Caps in the air!

Following the speeches and oath ceremony, a flag and banner handover ceremony was held, symbolizing the transmission of Üsküdar University’s values to future generations. The highlight of the event was the jubilant tossing of graduation caps by thousands of graduates, including the first group of physicians. Embracing their families, the newly minted graduates celebrated stepping into a new chapter of their lives.

With the graduation of its first medical doctors in its 12th commencement term, Üsküdar University marked another significant milestone in its institutional history.

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “A journey dedicated to humanity, conscience, and science”

In his commencement speech, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan remarked: “Today, we are witnessing the realization of a dream.” He continued his remarks as follows:

“The graduation of the first cohort of Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Medicine is not just an academic achievement, and it is the beginning of a journey dedicated to humanity, conscience, and science. I am a physician myself. This profession carries both sacred meaning and great responsibility. Medicine is not just about knowledge, but it requires character, patience, empathy, and conscience. What lies ahead of you is not merely a career path, but a way of life. You will touch human lives. You will heal not only bodies but also souls.

Be ethical, compassionate, and scientific…

In today’s world, technical knowledge alone is not enough. We must embrace a human-centered approach. We need a multidimensional understanding of healthcare, intertwined with disciplines such as neuropsychiatry, psychology, and biotechnology. At Üsküdar University, we set out to make a difference precisely at this juncture. You are the first fruits of this vision. Throughout your medical journey, be ethical, compassionate, and scientific. See your profession not merely as a livelihood, but as a field of service. Keep developing yourselves, but don’t neglect your spirit. Today, our country and the world need conscientious scientists more than ever. And I know that you possess the strength to carry this responsibility. I congratulate each and every one of you and wish you success on your path.”

A medical education model that combines science and technology

From its founding, the Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine has aimed to bring an innovative perspective to modern medical education. To this end, it adopted a “Hybrid System” education model that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. The faculty not only provided academic instruction but also gave students the opportunity to receive hands-on clinical training at Türkiye’s prestigious healthcare institutions, such as NPİSTANBUL Hospital and Istanbul Ataşehir Memorial Hospital, offering them direct exposure to real-world medical practice.

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)