Rectorship Handover Ceremony Held at Bezmiâlem Foundation University
The Rectorship Position Was Transferred to Prof. Dr. Adem Akçakaya
Bezmiâlem Foundation University hosted a meaningful ceremony on May 9, 2025. Prof. Dr. Rümeyza Kazancıoğlu, who served as the rector of the university for ten years, handed over the rectorship to Prof. Dr. Adem Akçakaya, a General Surgeon with significant experience in the healthcare field and a notable academic background.
Tribute and Thanks to Prof. Dr. Rümeyza Kazancıoğlu
The ceremony was attended by the university's academic and administrative staff. A short video was shown, highlighting Prof. Dr. Kazancıoğlu's contributions to the institution during her tenure.
Visionary Speech by the New Rector, Prof. Dr. Adem Akçakaya
In the continuation of the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Adem Akçakaya, who assumed the leadership of the university for the new term, delivered an impressive speech.
Expressing his gratitude for the values and achievements Prof. Dr. Kazancıoğlu brought to the university, Prof. Dr. Akçakaya stated, “I deeply appreciate Prof. Dr. Kazancıoğlu's dedicated work. However, we will work diligently to take this strong structure even further."
Sharing his strong vision for the new era, Prof. Dr. Akçakaya emphasized that the university would continue to advance with the principles of quality in education, productivity in science, and excellence in healthcare services.
“We will continue to nurture pioneering individuals in science and exemplary citizens in humanity, while preserving our foundation culture and spiritual values," he added.
Emphasis on the University's Strong Structure
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Akçakaya underlined the significant contributions of the university's faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Health Sciences, as well as the university's hospitals, polyclinics, and application centers to public health. He also highlighted the role of the Health Sciences Institute, Beykoz Life Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, and the Phytotherapy and Traditional-Complementary Medicine Centers in accelerating scientific development.
He noted that in the new term, the integration of clinical and research units will be strengthened, scientific activities will be pursued with a results-oriented approach, and leadership in healthcare services will be maintained.
Message of Thanks and Congratulations from the Board of Trustees Chairman, Osman Develioğlu
In his speech, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Av. Osman Develioğlu, expressed his gratitude to Prof. Dr. Kazancıoğlu for her long years of service and conveyed his trust and best wishes to the new rector, Prof. Dr. Adem Akçakaya.
Develioğlu emphasized that Bezmiâlem continues its development in line with its historical mission and the values of the foundation and expressed confidence that under Prof. Dr. Akçakaya's leadership, the university will achieve even greater successes.
About Prof. Dr. Adem Akçakaya
Prof. Dr. Adem Akçakaya graduated from Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty in 1990. He continued his education in various medical fields at foundation hospitals and abroad, specializing in General Surgery, Endoscopy, ERCP, Laparoscopic Surgery, Oncological Surgery, and Kidney Transplantation. Akçakaya has also pursued graduate studies in BioStatistics and Demography, Hospital and Health Institution Management, and Palliative Care, thus acquiring a multidisciplinary educational background.
Prof. Dr. Akçakaya began his career at Vakıf Gureba Training and Research Hospital, where he held significant roles such as Chief Assistant and Clinical Chief. He later took on administrative roles, including Assistant Director of Education at the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate, Chief Physician at Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, and General Coordinator/Chief Physician at Bezmiâlem Foundation University Hospital. At Bezmiâlem Foundation University, he successfully managed the Department of General Surgery and held leadership roles in various centers. He also personally oversaw the establishment of significant projects such as the First Aid Training Center, Kidney Transplantation Center, and Palliative Care Unit.
Especially recognized for his innovative work in Cancer Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Akçakaya is also involved in research in Phytotherapy and Integrative Medicine and has contributed to various scientific publications. He holds active leadership roles in several civil society organizations in the healthcare sector.
Prof. Dr. Akçakaya actively participates in national and international associations and congresses and serves as the president of the Phytotherapy Association. As an educator, he teaches General Surgery and Health Management at Bezmiâlem Foundation University and offers courses at the Phytotherapy Center.
A distinguished academic with over 300 scientific publications and three books, Prof. Dr. Adem Akçakaya continues his work as the Rector of Bezmiâlem Foundation University since April 30, 2025.
