30/04/2026

 

Istinye University hosted the “MEDTRUST: The Age of Decision-Making Machines and Ethics Forum” in collaboration with the Computational Pathology Working Group of the Federation of Pathology Associations and MLP Care. The forum addressed artificial intelligence in healthcare, as well as its ethical and legal dimensions. With strong participation from academics, industry representatives, and researchers, the event evaluated the impact of artificial intelligence on the healthcare ecosystem from multiple disciplinary perspectives.

As artificial intelligence continues to rise in every aspect of life, including healthcare, it has opened a new field of discussion not only in technological terms but also in ethical and legal dimensions. Hosted by Istinye University and organized in cooperation with the Computational Pathology Working Group of the Federation of Pathology Associations and MLP Care, the “MEDTRUST: The Age of Decision-Making Machines and Ethics Forum” addressed this transformation in a multidimensional way. The forum brought together academics, industry representatives, and researchers to evaluate the effects of artificial intelligence on the healthcare ecosystem through an interdisciplinary approach.

Following a long preparation process, the idea of a workshop addressing artificial intelligence and ethical issues in healthcare was proposed by the Computational Pathology Working Group of the Federation of Pathology Associations and was deemed appropriate. With contributions from the Department of Medical Pathology, Department of Management Information Systems, Department of Deontology and Medical History at Istinye University, and the Department of Medical History and Ethics at Marmara University, the proposal was submitted to the Rectorate of Istinye University. With the approval of the Rectorate, the event was held at the Topkapı Campus Congress Center, bringing together professionals from healthcare and law. Throughout the day-long program, panels, presentations, and sessions comprehensively discussed the present and future of artificial intelligence.

The Growing Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

In the opening speech, Prof. Dr. Nusret Erdoğan, Head of the Department of Medical Pathology at Istinye University, shared the background of the forum and emphasized the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. He stated that Istinye University was established as a continuation of the knowledge and experience of MLP Care Group, which operates one of the most extensive hospital networks in Türkiye, including Liv Hospital and Medical Park hospitals.

He highlighted the importance of addressing artificial intelligence transformation from scientific, ethical, and societal perspectives, stating that digitalization and AI applications have accelerated significantly in Türkiye and worldwide, especially after the pandemic period. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI-based clinical decision support systems prioritize patient welfare and responsibility principles, noting ongoing discussions on ethical and legal regulations, including the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act published on 12 July 2024.

Ethical Foundations and Technological Transformation

In the opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Işınsu Kuzu, President of the Federation of Pathology Associations, discussed the applications of artificial intelligence in pathology and health sciences. Istinye University Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş emphasized the role of technological transformation in healthcare and the importance of ethical principles.

He stated that although technologies and eras change, human values such as justice, conscience, and ethics remain constant. He emphasized that artificial intelligence and digitalization provide powerful tools for research, data access, and analysis, but must always be used within an ethical framework.

AI in Healthcare: From Innovation to Responsibility

The program continued with a keynote speech by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şebnem Özdemir, Head of the Department of Management Information Systems at Istinye University and AI Coordinator of MLP Care. She highlighted that artificial intelligence has entered a new phase where it has become a “shared language,” transforming medicine from drug discovery to fully individualized healthcare systems.

She emphasized the importance of balancing technological progress with ethical responsibility, stating that while AI systems are reaching high levels of capability, issues such as bias, hallucinations, and data security risks remain critical challenges. She concluded that human oversight must remain central in AI-driven healthcare systems.

Panels and Discussions

The forum included multiple panels covering different aspects of artificial intelligence in healthcare:

  • The first panel, “AI Transformation in Healthcare: Opportunities and Threats,” examined innovation, data security, and clinical risks.
  • The second panel, “Next-Generation AI Applications in Healthcare: LLM and Beyond,” focused on large language models and clinical decision support systems.
  • Additional sessions addressed digital transformation in healthcare institutions, sustainability challenges, and AI applications in medical research.

Ethics, Law, and Social Trust

Later sessions focused on ethical responsibility, legal frameworks, patient rights, and social trust in healthcare AI systems. Experts discussed how digital transformation affects hospital information systems, legal accountability, and patient-centered care.

The forum concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Dr. Nusret Erdoğan, who stated that the MEDTRUST forum brought together experts in informatics and deontology and that the outcomes of the event will serve as a roadmap for future studies.

Istinye University continues to contribute to scientific discussions on artificial intelligence in healthcare by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and emphasizing ethical responsibility in technological transformation.