At Erzurum Technical University (ETU), a panel titled “Loyalty and Ethics in Healthcare”
was organized in celebration of March 14 Medicine Day.
The program, held in the Conference Hall of the Faculty of Health Sciences, was organized
through the collaboration of the Faculties of Health Sciences, Economics and Administrative
Sciences, and Letters. The event was attended by ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Çakmak, Vice
Rectors Prof. Dr. Ceren Sultan Elmalı and Prof. Dr. Naim Ürkmez, along with academics and
a large number of students.
In his opening speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Çakmak emphasized that March 14 should not
be regarded merely as a professional celebration, but rather as a meaningful occasion that
highlights the importance of healthcare services centered on human life. He noted that
healthcare professionals are invaluable members of society who serve humanity with their
knowledge and conscience, especially in the most difficult moments, and underlined that
healthcare is a field requiring dedication, expertise, and responsibility.
Çakmak further stated that the concepts of “loyalty” and “ethics,” which constituted the
central themes of the panel, are fundamental values underpinning healthcare services. He
explained that loyalty reflects respect for pioneering figures who have contributed to the field
of healthcare in the past, as well as gratitude toward those currently serving. Ethics, on the
other hand, represents an understanding grounded in human dignity, justice, and responsibility
at every stage of healthcare delivery.
Highlighting the role of universities not only as institutions that produce knowledge but also
as entities responsible for strengthening societal values, Çakmak remarked that such academic
and intellectual gatherings contribute significantly to the development of ethical awareness in
healthcare and the transmission of professional values to future generations.
Following the opening remarks, the panel commenced under the moderation of Vice Rector
Prof. Dr. Naim Ürkmez. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Gürol, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences,
delivered a presentation titled “Loyalty to Healthcare Professionals,” in which she
emphasized the critical responsibilities undertaken by healthcare workers in safeguarding
public health. She stressed that their selfless efforts, particularly during challenging times, and
their contributions to human life should be duly appreciated by society.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurşen Aydın from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences
presented “The Construction of Ethical Values in Healthcare Over Time,” discussing the
historical development of ethical understanding in the healthcare field and noting that ethical
principles are among the most significant determinants of the quality of healthcare services.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmed Gökhan Polatoğlu from the Faculty of Letters delivered a
presentation titled “Pioneering Figures in Healthcare During the Republican Era,”
examining the contributions of physicians and scientists who played key roles in the
development of the modern healthcare system in Türkiye since the early years of the
Republic, as well as their impact on health policies.

The program concluded with a question-and-answer session and the presentation of
certificates of appreciation to the panelists.
Directorate of Corporate Communications and Promotion
March 13,2026