Organized in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the Scholarly Concentration Program of Bezmialem Vakıf University Faculty of Medicine commenced on September 29–30, 2025 with a successful agenda. The program provided young academics and medical students with an in-depth opportunity to learn and practice the processes of the Scholarly Concentration framework.
Rector Prof. Dr. Adem Akçakaya Emphasizes Research and Collaboration
In his opening remarks, Rector Prof. Dr. Adem Akçakaya highlighted the strong integration of education, healthcare, and research services across the university. Stressing the importance of research activities, he underlined the critical role of the Scholarly Concentration and the partnership with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in supporting the development of young researchers. Prof. Akçakaya noted that this program not only brings an international vision to medical education in Türkiye but also serves as a cornerstone in training the scientists of the future.
Prior to the program, the delegation from Johns Hopkins University was welcomed by Rector Prof. Dr. Adem Akçakaya at Bezmialem.
Module 1: First Steps into Research – September 29, 2025
The first day of the program was shaped around the theme “Background + Research Questions." Participants were introduced to key concepts in initiating research, including literature review techniques, methods for formulating effective research questions, and the essentials of mentorship.
- Prof. Dr. Pınar Soysal delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Scholarly Concentration structure and the role of the committee.
- Prof. Dr. Semra Özçelik shared insights into research training models worldwide.
- Faculty from Johns Hopkins guided participants with practical training on structuring research projects, developing research questions, and building mentorship relations.
- Lecturer Özlem Yalçınkaya introduced techniques for medical literature searches.
- Dr. Onur Emre Onat presented current developments in health informatics.
The day concluded with an inspiring panel session featuring Bezmialem students who shared their prior research experiences.
Module 5: Effective Dissemination of Results – September 30, 2025
The second day of the program focused on “Dissemination of Results – Abstracts." The sessions explored how to effectively communicate research outcomes to the academic community.
- Prof. Dr. Rümeyza Kazancıoğlu opened the module by summarizing its objectives and significance.
- Dr. Onur Emre Onat provided a detailed lecture on data management and visualization processes in health informatics.
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Yabacı Tak offered hands-on training on data processing and academic presentation techniques.
Students worked in small groups to practice abstract writing. The program concluded with the first Scholarly Concentration meeting of the 2024–2025 Academic Year, featuring a “Discussion of Lessons Learned" session moderated by Dr. Steve Sozio, faculty member in Nephrology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Shaping the Scientists of the Future Through the Scholarly Concentration
At Bezmialem Vakıf University Faculty of Medicine, our vision extends beyond training physicians with clinical expertise; we are dedicated to cultivating professionals equipped with the ability to think scientifically, conduct research, and disseminate their findings effectively.
The Scholarly Concentration Program embodies this mission by offering young researchers a solid academic foundation. Through our ongoing collaboration with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, our students are nurtured as productive, critically minded scientists, well-integrated into the global medical community.
Bezmialem Vakıf University remains committed to supporting such initiatives and encouraging the academic growth of its students with determination and vision.
