UMW the university of dreams

- Today our community has its big celebration. We really have something to celebrate, we have something to be happy about. We have reason to celebrate, thanks to all that we have done together," said UMW Rector Professor Piotr Ponikowski during the official inauguration of the 2023/2024 academic year. UMW traditionally begins it in the Leopoldinska Auditorium of the University of Wroclaw, and this tradition was also fulfilled on October 4 this year. As every year, the ceremony was highlighted by a performance by UMW's Choir Medici Cantantes and the singing of the Gaudeamus Igitur together.

In his inaugural speech, the rector recalled the greatest successes of the university and the University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw.

- We received an A category in all three evaluated disciplines," said Prof. Piotr Ponikowski. - In the most prestigious rankings, such as the Shanghai List and THE WUR, we are among the top Polish universities. Today we have a more ambitious goal. We will apply for the status of a research university, which gives not only prestige, but also additional funds to support scientific research.

Among the successes of recent months, the UMW rector mentioned the creation of the University Center for Robotic Surgery, first place in the competition for the Regional Center for Digital Medicine project (prepared jointly with USK and the University of Economics), the establishment of a branch office in Walbrzych, the achievements of UMW-published journals, as well as the success of graduates in the Medical and Dental Final Examination (first place in Poland) and the Medical Final Examination. The rector thanked all those involved in UMW and USK projects, emphasizing their passion.

- Enthusiasm matters, because it is the missing link that allows you to push the boundaries," said Prof. Piotr Ponikowski. He also addressed the students: - We need your enthusiasm, your ideas. By choosing to study at UMW, you have chosen well. Watch over us so that we meet your expectations. You deserve to study at the university of your dreams.

In addition to the university's community, the ceremony was attended by numerous guests, including Minister of Health Katarzyna Sójka, who congratulated the UMW authorities on the establishment of a branch in Walbrzych, where a medical faculty has started this academic year. She stressed the importance of this event, not only for the university itself, but especially for health care in the southern part of the Lower Silesia region.

- The Walbrzych branch provides the opportunity to educate more doctors, and there is a need. In addition, it is important for health care in this part of the region to bind those who will graduate here and find work in the future," the health minister said.

The minister cited the construction of the Integrated Pediatric Center and the Regional Center for Digital Medicine as another project of the Wroclaw medical school that will have a colossal impact on the quality of health care in the region. The head of the health ministry presented the rector with a symbolic check for the retrofitting of teaching infrastructure worth nearly PLN 3.5 million.

Honorary doctorate for Prof. Kasprzak

During the inauguration, an honorary doctorate from the Medical University of Wroclaw was awarded to prominent vascular surgeon Prof. Dr. Piotr Kasprzak, who was affiliated with the University of Regensburg for many years.

- A person of outstanding merit for Polish and world surgery, a charismatic scientist, a great man, a friend of all surgeons, our master and teacher - this is how Prof. Dariusz Janczak, vice-rector for clinical affairs at the University of Warsaw and head of the Department of Vascular, General and Transplant Surgery, characterized the figure of the honored in his laudation. - My joy is all the greater because we share a common passion: vascular surgery.

Prof. Janczak recalled the laureate's professional path, which began with his medical studies in Lodz, and his greatest scientific achievements.

- This is primarily the introduction of new techniques for operating on the carotid arteries," said Prof. Dariusz Janczak. - His work has focused on endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms, particularly thoracoabdominal aneurysms. He is the author of dozens of scientific papers with a high impact factor, and has pioneered the use of stent grafts in patients with aortic aneurysm.

Prof. Dr. Piotr Kasprzak is also part of the community of Wroclaw Medical University: he has been working with the Department of Vascular, General and Transplant Surgery at the University Clinical Hospital for several years, training vascular surgeons and participating in procedures, including the implantation of stent grafts into the aorta.

- Planning a path to success in real life is usually impossible," Prof. Dr. Kasprzak said in his speech after accepting the title. - I myself wanted to study foreign trade, although both my parents were doctors. It was only in the penultimate year of high school that I decided to study medicine. Largely influenced by conversations with my parents, although there was never any insistence on their part. To succeed, one must follow one's own interests and not treat failure as an irreversible defeat. Let's learn from the best, strive for success by taking the easy way.

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More than a dozen UMW employees received state medals at the hands of the Minister of Health: Silver Crosses of Merit, medals "for long service" and the badge of honor "For meritorious service to health care." Lower Silesian Superintendent of Education Roman Kowalczyk presented Medals of the Commission of National Education to four people.

Prof. Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas, in her opening lecture, tried to find an answer to the question: 'How to be a good doctor today?'

During the inauguration of the academic year, representatives of students from all UMW majors, students of the Doctoral School and the University of the Third Age were matriculated.