University Hospital – Regional Health Leader
Atatürk University Research Hospital (SAUM) serves as the largest tertiary care hospital in Eastern Anatolia, with approximately 1,400 beds and a capacity to serve around 1.5 million patients annually. It offers advanced surgical services, oncology, transplantation, and highly specialized clinics, acting as a referral center not only for Erzurum but also for neighboring provinces. The hospital integrates healthcare delivery with academic training, ensuring that students, residents, and fellows gain direct experience in a real-world healthcare environment.
Faculty of Dentistry & Dental Hospital
The Faculty of Dentistry provides comprehensive dental care and education through its modern clinics. It delivers preventive, restorative, prosthodontic, and surgical dental services, while also collaborating with Erzurum City Hospital to serve special patient groups, including children with disabilities. These joint treatment programs ensure that vulnerable populations gain access to quality oral health care, while students acquire advanced clinical skills.
Collaborations with Local & National Health Authorities
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Erzurum Provincial Health Directorate: Atatürk University has formal protocols with the directorate, allowing nursing, midwifery, nutrition, and social work students to conduct their field practices in public hospitals and community health centers. This integration strengthens local health systems and provides hands-on workforce training.
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Ministry of Health: The university participates in nationwide programs coordinated by the Ministry, aligning its training, data, and outreach with Turkey’s broader health policy goals.
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Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay): The university supports Red Crescent blood donation campaigns, disaster preparedness workshops, and voluntary health initiatives. Students and staff actively participate as volunteers, reinforcing community resilience.
Research & Technology Collaborations
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DAYTAM (Eastern Anatolia High Technology Application and Research Center) provides state-of-the-art laboratories in biotechnology, molecular biology, and food–health sciences. In 2024, the Pharmaceutical, Health, and Life Sciences Foundation (İVEK) visited DAYTAM to develop joint research programs in pharmaceutical development.
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Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Collaboration: In 2024, Atatürk University signed a multi-university protocol with four other institutions to advance joint research in bioactive compounds, preclinical/clinical studies, and plant-based health products.
Pharmaceutical Raw Material Production Facility & Global Partnerships
Atatürk University recently launched a Pharmaceutical Raw Material Production Facility, the first of its kind in the region, with the goal of reducing dependence on imported active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This facility not only produces raw materials but also collaborates with global pharmaceutical manufacturers to develop joint research projects, pilot production, and technology transfer.
Through these partnerships, the university:
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Supports local and national pharmaceutical security by producing essential raw materials domestically.
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Engages in joint R&D with international pharmaceutical companies, ensuring access to cutting-edge technologies and contributing to the global supply chain.
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Creates training opportunities for pharmacy and biomedical engineering students, integrating them into real industrial R&D environments.
Health Communication and Public Awareness
In 2024, Atatürk University hosted the 3rd International Health Communication Symposium, bringing together academics, health professionals, media experts, and policymakers to discuss how communication strategies can enhance public health awareness and behavior.
