The 18th General Assembly of the Health Sciences Deans’ Council (SABDEK), which unites Health Sciences Faculties from Türkiye and the TRNC, was hosted by EMU Faculty of Health Sciences. Commencing with an opening ceremony at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall, the two-day assembly featured an intensive academic program attended by over 150 participants.
The Opening Ceremony was attended by Higher Education Planning, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK) Vice Chair Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca, EMU Board of Trustees (VYK) President Dr. Erdal Özcenk, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Famagusta Mayor Dr. Süleyman Uluçay, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU Secretary General Derviş Ekşici, EMU Health Sciences Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, SABDEK Executive Board Chairperson Prof. Dr. Bülent Elbasan, health sciences faculty deans and faculty members.
Following A Minute of Silence and National Anthem, a musical recital was performed by EMU Faculty of Education, Department of Fine Arts Education, Music Teaching Program Polyphonic Choir, Choir Master Erkan Dağlı and academic staff member Assist. Prof. Dr. Atakan Sarı.
Making an address at the opening, Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Dean of EMU Faculty of Health Sciences, highlighted the significance of the meeting and expressed pride that EMU was hosting the SABDEK General Assembly for the second time. Prof. Dr. Malkoç outlined how the Faculty has scientifically addressed the region’s need for health professionals since its founding and shared insights about the Faculty and Cypriot culture. Prof. Dr. Malkoç concluded by wishing the assembly to be inspiring, productive, and fruitful.
“A Strategic Role”
Prof. Dr. Bülent Elbasan, Chair of the SABDEK Executive Board, stressed that Faculties of Health Sciences play a strategic role in shaping the quality of the nation’s healthcare. He pointed out that growth has naturally created vulnerabilities in capacity, quality, and employment, which would be discussed at the meeting. Addressing rising quotas and graduate numbers, Prof. Dr. Elbasan stressed the need to evaluate academic staff and infrastructure. Moreover, Prof. Dr. Elbasan emphasized that the General Assembly aims to be a solution-oriented platform rather than just identifying problems, expressing confidence that the meeting would mark a new milestone and help establish a critical roadmap.
Delivering next, Famagusta Mayor Dr. Süleyman Uluçay shared his experiences from his student years, noting that the first Faculty of Health Sciences in Türkiye was established at Hacettepe University. Drawing on his own experiences, Dr. Uluçay also discussed the significance of Türkiye for the Turkish Cypriot community.
“To Lead to Future of Health Sciences Training”
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç expressed his pride and honor in hosting the 18th General Assembly of the Health Sciences Deans’ Council at EMU, describing the event as a valuable platform for shaping the future of health sciences education. He noted that national collaborations in health sciences align with EMU’s commitment to fostering a culture of quality in higher education and strengthen communication with academic stakeholders. Prof. Dr. Kılıç continued by saying; “I truly believe this meeting will contribute significantly to advancing health education at our university, in the TRNC, and in Türkiye, not only by evaluating the current state but also by developing proactive, solution-focused strategies for the future”. Highlighting the qualities required of future health professionals, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stressed that students should not only master technology but also excel in human connection, communication, and empathy. He also underscored that EMU aims to train health professionals who leverage science and technology while keeping human values at the forefront.
“Common Expertise to be built”
EMU VYK President Dr. Erdal Özcenk stressed that the meeting goes beyond a mere gathering, serving as a platform to build collective expertise in health sciences, set innovative goals, and guide future health professionals. He highlighted that bringing together the Faculties of Health Sciences from Türkiye and the TRNC under one umbrella reflects a shared societal responsibility. Furthermore, Dr. Özcenk stated; “Guide your students beyond professional knowledge, teach them to value humanity, show empathy, uphold social responsibility, and maintain principled conduct in all situations. True healthcare thrives on respect for people, ethical commitment, and professional integrity. At the General Assembly, the focus will be on generating solutions, exploring new opportunities, and fostering collective wisdom to advance faculties into the future. EMU takes pride in fulfilling its role in this endeavor, and I hope the Assembly will bring fresh momentum to health policy and the scientific community”.
“EMU Leads Higher Education Sector”
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca, Vice Chair of YÖDAK, highlighted that YÖDAK continues to work diligently, aiming not only to address current needs but also to establish a strong, forward-looking educational system prepared for future uncertainties. Noting that recent technological advances have brought a profound paradigm shift in higher education, with health sciences being particularly impacted, Prof. Dr. Amca expressed confidence that the 18th General Assembly would produce significant outcomes and provide guidance for the future, underlining the importance of EMU, a leader in higher education, in hosting such esteemed scholars. Prof. Dr. Amca also stated; “EMU’s dedication to quality, innovation, and forward-thinking in higher education stands as a key reference point for the TRNC and the wider region. I firmly believe that your academic contributions will help shape our country’s future. Wishing you all continued success”.
Following the opening speeches, various sessions were held: ‘SABDEK Action Plan’ by Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç and Prof. Dr. Bülent Elbasan; ‘Prosthesis-Orthosis Core Education Program’ by Prof. Dr. Sultan Taşçı and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Dursun Atılgan, and lastly, ‘Adaptation to Core Education Programs’ session by Prof. Dr. Sibel Aksu Yıldırım and Prof. Dr. Salih Bardakcı.
The General Assembly proceeded with a three-part workshop for deans, department heads, and program coordinators, focusing on Program-Based Feasibility Analysis, Aligning Course Types with Teaching Methods, and Mapping Programs to Learning Outcomes.
Presentations Continued
On the second day, the General Assembly continued with a series of presentations. The event concluded with panels titled “Designing Quality Together, Building the Future Together” featuring representatives from SABAK, HEPDAK, FTR-AD, and EPDAK.
