Dear Colleagues,

At the Department of Public Health at Dokuz Eylül University, we recognize that imagination is a more powerful force than knowledge.

However, we are also aware of the subtle distinction between being idealistic and the ability to achieve those ideals.

We have never been “idealists,” yet we have never abandoned our “ideals.”

We assert that public health embodies a collectivist perspective and that the path to collectivism is paved with equality and equity.

We understand that health is influenced by various social determinants, including income, education level, occupation, unemployment, migration, and gender. Our department is not only dedicated to education but also to conducting research and providing services. We offer significant contributions in epidemiology, research planning and analysis, occupational diseases, and the Occupational Health and Safety Unit of Dokuz Eylül University Hospital. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we managed the surveillance and contact tracing efforts at our hospital. Following the earthquakes of February 6, 2023, we volunteered our services in the earthquake-affected regions, particularly in Hatay, and supported working public health professionals. Each year, the number of postgraduate students in public health increases. Currently, we have over 50 postgraduate students, including 20 research assistants, 19 doctoral candidates, 14 master’s students, and 4 sub-specialty trainees. Additionally, about 30 of our hundreds of graduates have become academicians.

In the past year (June 2023 – May 2024), our department has published a total of 37 articles (14 indexed in SCIE, including 24 research articles) and 12 conference papers. Moreover, in the last 10 years, 74% of the theses from the 38 specialists who graduated from our department have been published in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the scientific community. These figures are tangible evidence of both our academic productivity and the research-oriented education we provide to our students.

We believe that the path to success is through reading and inquiry. We understand that even to know little, one must read extensively, and that finding answers is just as crucial as asking questions. Success is the cumulative result of small efforts sustained day and night. In this regard, we are proud of our achievements and take great pleasure in working in such a department.

We warmly invite everyone who shares our public health ideals and dreams to join us under this roof.

Best regards,

Prof. Bülent Kılıç
Head of the Department of Public Health
Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine

May 21, 2024