Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Nahide Gökçora made a statement regarding the 14 March Medicine Day. Prof. Dr. Gökçora’s statement reads as follows:
Although it is said that medicine started with the first man, Asklepios was the first person associated with medicine in ancient sources. The snake figure in the medical emblems also came from Asclepius, which means snake. However, the person who is definitely known to have lived and who is regarded as the father of medicine as a result of his services is Hippocrates. Due to the important contributions of Hippocrates to medicine and his philosophy that is still accepted today, doctors in many countries take the first step in their profession with the "Oath of Hippocrates" while graduating. They learn that the medical profession is not just a profession but a way of life. Love for life and respect for what is different, disciplined and lifelong work, self-sacrifice are the most basic qualities of this lifestyle. Medical education is not the only education given in medical faculties and in our faculty. This process also helps them gain very important qualities such as tolerance, empathy, communication skills, stress management, future planning, and helpfulness.
With the establishment of “Tıphane-i Amire and Cerrahhane-i Amire” in Turkey during the 2nd Mahmut period in in 1827, 14 March, accepted as the starting day of modern medical education, is celebrated as the "Medicine Day". Medicine Day was celebrated for the first time on March 14, 1919, at the end of World War I, as a reaction of medical students against foreign occupation forces in Istanbul. In other countries, the celebration of the medical day is held on important dates related to medicine. For example, in America, 30 March is the first date when general anesthesia was used in surgeries, therefore it is observed as the medicine day. Another meaning of 14 March for us is that it is our late leader Dr. Fazıl Küçük's birthday.
I congratulate all doctors, medicine students and healthcare professionals who work hard for the health of the society, risk their lives and do not hesitate to make any sacrifices in these difficult days when it is extremely important to be a doctor. I wish them all a very happy Medicine Day and a healthier future. "
