What if, after graduating with a degree in medicine, you chose not to take the safe path, but to venture into the unknown? Ghent University alumnus Serhat Yildirim moved from Ghent to Harvard in the United States with a Fayat scholarship, where he discovered that the world was much bigger than what he had known back home.
From Gent to Harvard
When Serhat graduated as a doctor from Ghent University in 2023, the traditional path of specialization seemed the obvious choice. But in the end, he chose to go to Harvard Medical School with a Fayat scholarship, completing a two-year master's degree in Global Health Delivery in May 2025.
Today, Serhat works as a researcher at Harvard, where he conducts research on healthcare in conflict areas and mental health care for former child soldiers. He also studies the potential impact of financial compensation (reparations) on the life expectancy of marginalized populations.
More than knowledge
Serhat's time studying in Boston confirmed the strength of Flemish education: "I never felt like I was falling behind. On the contrary, the foundation I received in Ghent was exceptionally strong." Nevertheless, there is a significant difference in approach. Whereas in Flanders the emphasis is often on reproducing knowledge, Harvard primarily offered opportunities to debate and to question ideas with together with your teachers and fellow students.
That experience not only made him more critical and articulate, but also more aware of broader social issues such as migration, education, and unequal access to healthcare. “The funny thing is,” he says with a smile, “that I actually learned more about Belgian and European history at Harvard than I ever did in Belgium itself.”
Out of the Harvard bubble
De overstap naar Harvard was niet zonder uitdagingen. The transition to Harvard was not without its challenges. “Everyone here is super ambitious. It was confronting to chart my own path in such an environment. I also learned about ‘FOMO’ or fear of missing out: the feeling that you're always missing something. Harvard is a bubble: fantastic and inspiring, but not reality.” It was precisely this realization that kept him grounded.
Beyond the familiar
Why did he choose an international education at the time? Serhat didn't hesitate for a second: "In Flanders, we too often cling to the familiar. Conversations often get stuck on the same topics: long working days, buying houses, saving for retirement. That's all valuable, but there's so much more to discover. My advice to young alumni or students who are unsure: just do it. Think less, take the leap, and see where you end up."
Building bridges
In addition to his studies, Serhat teamed up with other Belgians to start the Harvard University Belgian Student Society, a network of Belgians at Harvard and other universities in Boston. That initiative also quickly became a success. It not only brought students together, but also prominent guests such as former Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. “It shows how important it is to build connections and raise Flanders' international profile,” says Serhat. For his commitment as a Fayat laureate, he received the very first Fayat Ambassador Award last summer.
Serhat: "My advice to young alumni or students who are unsure: just do it. Think less, take the leap, and see where you end up.”
With the recently launched Fayat Alumni Network, he wants to continue along these lines. The network aims to guide future students who are considering moving abroad, but also to keep alumni connected, wherever they end up. “I made it to Harvard thanks to the support of Flanders. So it feels good to give something back.”
Proud of Ghent University
Although he wants to stay in the US for a few more years, Serhat does not rule out returning to Europe. Ghent University remains an important foundation for him. His advice to students is clear: "Don't just focus on grades. Most people here at Harvard Medical School have a medical degree. What makes the difference is your personal development, the extracurricular activities you take on as a student, your motivation, and your story. Without Ghent University's flexibility to pursue my other passions and take on student commitments, I would never have made it here."
As an alumnus, Serhat sees it as his responsibility to give back and inspire others. “The best thing you can do is pass on what you have learned to students. Alumni should be proud of their university and maintain ties with it. You see that very strongly here at Harvard, and we deserve that in Ghent too."
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