In collaboration with Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, VERA Intergen, VERA Doctors, and the Federation of Health and Social Service Associations (SADEFE), a symposium titled “Not the Disease, but the Patient” was held on 10 November 2025 at the Ahi Evran Congress and Culture Center, Neşet Ertaş Hall. The symposium was attended by Vice Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Ali Güneş, Secretary General Dr. Lecturer Hüseyin İlter, Prof. Dr. Alper Cihan, Op. Dr. Orhan Koç, Prof. Dr. Gülay Ceylaner, Prof. Dr. Serdar Ceylaner, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Yıldırım, along with academic and administrative staff and many students.

In his opening speech, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Güneş began by expressing his hope that the symposium would contribute both to our university and to the field of genetics. Prof. Dr. Güneş stated that with the advancement of technology and genetic science, it has become clear that diseases do not stem from a single cause, and that genetic background is among the factors responsible. He added that treatments have also begun to vary in light of these developments, leading to the emergence of personalized therapies. He expressed his happiness that such an important topic was being evaluated at our university through the perspectives of distinguished academics, and he thanked everyone who contributed to the organization of the symposium.

peaking at the opening of the symposium, Op. Dr. Orhan Koç began by stating that with the advancement of genetic science, the concept of “there is no disease, only the patient” has gained even greater significance. He noted that major studies are being conducted in the field of genetics to prevent diseases before they emerge, and that this will play an important role in reducing the financial burden currently placed on the country’s social security system. Op. Dr. Koç went on to emphasize that the medications used in the treatment of rare diseases are extremely costly. He underlined that while it is of course essential to treat individuals with such conditions, these high costs can only be reduced if the drugs used in these treatments are produced by scientists in our own country. In the final part of his speech, he highlighted the importance of increasing the number of centers conducting research on rare diseases and noted that organizing such symposiums would significantly contribute to raising awareness on this issue.

peaking at the opening of the symposium, Prof. Dr. Alper Cihan began by highlighting the innovations brought by the new-generation healthcare system. He stated that we are all constantly connected within our physical environment and that we now live inside a digital universe. He noted that in the coming years, healthcare services will not be limited to hospital outpatient clinics, but will be organized in a way that allows patients to access healthcare remotely at any time and in any place, making life significantly easier. Prof. Dr. Cihan emphasized that this transformation in healthcare has already begun, explaining that many physicians are now reviewing their patients’ test results and reports remotely and issuing prescriptions accordingly.

Prof. Dr. Gülay Ceylaner provided detailed information on the clinical and molecular perspectives of disadvantaged conditions. Prof. Dr. Serdar Ceylaner shared insights on genetic subcomponents and their treatments, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Yıldırım gave explanations regarding individual and cellular therapies. In the closing session of the symposium, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Güneş informed the participants about new-generation approaches in medicine and the vision for the future.

The symposium concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the participants and the taking of a group photo.