The event began with the opening address by Istanbul Beykent University Rector Prof. Dr. Volkan Öngel, followed by remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Rıza Rızalar, and the Chief Physician of Istanbul Beykent University Hospital, Asst. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kemal Yenmez.

Prof. Dr. Volkan Öngel, in his statement on the occasion of 14 March Medicine Day, emphasised that physicians carry out a sacred and honourable profession and expressed his support for healthcare workers. Öngel stated that everyone claims to have expertise in various fields, particularly due to the influence of digitalisation and social media, adding, “Today, everyone sees themselves as an economist, a political scientist, or even a physician. Everyone seems to have an opinion. However, we know that you carry out this profession with great dedication and a strong foundation in science. I wish you all ease in overcoming these challenges.”

“Today is not only a professional day, but also a symbol of independence and struggle.”

Providing background on the origins of 14 March Medicine Day, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Rıza Rızalar, stated, “14 March is not only a day of celebration but also a significant occasion to reflect on the historical roots of our profession, its sacrifices, and its role in the struggle for independence. Founded on 14 March 1827 under the reign of Sultan Mahmud II, the Tıphane-i Amire (Imperial School of Medicine) and Cerrahhane-i Amire (Imperial School of Surgery) established the foundations of modern medical education in the Ottoman Empire, marking a pivotal milestone in the history of medical training. However, the true significance of 14 March as Medicine Day stems from the support shown by Tıbbiye-i Şahane (Imperial School of Medicine, 1838-1933) students for the independence struggle in Istanbul during the British occupation in 1919. On 14 March 1919, medical students and physicians staged a demonstration under the pretext of celebrating the anniversary of modern medicine’s founding. To demonstrate their opposition to the occupation, they hoisted a flag atop the school’s highest point and proclaimed their resistance. Since that day, 14 March has become not only a professional day but also a symbol of independence and struggle.”

“Medicine is not only a profession, but also a way of life dedicated to humanity.”

Stating that 14 March is not just a celebration, Rızalar said, “We are not only people who treat diseases, but also individuals who have the obligation to protect human health, raise public awareness, and move the health system forward. Because medicine is not only a profession, but also a way of life dedicated to humanity.”

Pioneering Physicians from Past to Present Emphasised in the Light of Turkish Medical History

Istanbul Beykent University Chief Physician Asst. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kemal Yenmez said, “Medicine is a period of time that started with Mekteb-i Şahane in our country and continued with Dr. Adnan Adıvar.

So who are those medics? They are Dr. Refik Saydam, who was the founder of Türkiye’s Public Health Department - an institution whose equivalent we now struggle to find, and Dr. Sabiha Ali, who made history as Türkiye’s first female physician. They are Dr. Hulusi Behçet, who was the physician first described Behçet’s disease in world medical literature, and Dr. Nusret Fişek, who became renowned for his advocacy of equal and qualified healthcare for all. He is Dr. Gazi Yaşargil, who was credited as the greatest neurosurgeon of the 20th century, establishing microscopic surgery. She is Dr. Türkan Saylan, who dedicated her life to three great causes: the fight against leprosy, the advancement of girls’ education, and the struggle for democracy. He is Dr. İskender Sayek, whose books are studied and read in all health faculties of our country, and doctors benefit from them. He is Dr. Aziz Sancar, who crowned the history of Turkish medicine with the Nobel Prize. They are Dr. Özlem Türeci and Dr. Uğur Şahin, the pioneering scientists who developed a crucial vaccine during the global pandemic we endured. You are the ones who work devotedly for health service day and night.” he said, drawing attention to the importance of our doctors in the society from past to present.