A unique event took place in Zabrze's Rokitnica on Friday, September 22. Doctors and dentists who left the walls of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice (the former Silesian Medical Academy) in 1973, met after 50 years to renew their diplomas and once again uttered the words of the Hippocratic oath. The ceremony was not only a recognition of their work, but also an opportunity to renew old friendships. There was also plenty of emotion, which brought back memories of years ago.
– The golden diplomacy is an extremely important event in your personal life, as it marks a certain symbolic moment. It is also an extremely important event in the history of the Silesian Medical University. Here we can honor people who have had such a tremendous impact on the scientific development of the University, people who, in the dimension of professional everyday life, have treated their patients with the greatest devotion for five decades. The last 50 years in the history of medicine, not only that of the world, but also that of Poland, have been a period of many breakthroughs, pioneering research and treatments. Many of you have contributed to them," said Prof. Jerzy Stojko, MD, Vice Rector for Student Affairs.
The Chancellor's and Dean's authorities were also represented by Prof. Oskar Kowalski, MD, PhD, Professor of SUM, Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Education and University Promotion; Prof. Alicja Grzanka, MD, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze; and Prof. Tomasz Francuz, MD, PhD. o zdr. Tomasz Francuz, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice.
The ceremony was led by Dr. Józef Kurek, M.D., president of the Alumni Association of the Silesian Medical University, who, as part of the event, not only emphasized what a huge role in the development of Polish medicine was played by the people gathered in the hall, but also recalled the most important event related to the 75-year history of our Alma Mater.
– We take pride and pride in all the alumni of our University, which has educated many outstanding scientists who are successful both nationally and internationally," said Dr. Kurek, who also added:
– You started your work in very difficult times, where no one asked you about working hours, the number of on-call duties or salary. However, you were taught a work ethos. I have no doubt that it is with your work and attitude that you have developed the current position of Polish medicine. It is your generation that is the author of many revolutions that have prolonged the life of the patient by almost 20 years. You are also the witnesses of tremendous transformations. It was in your time that molecular medicine or modern oncology and cardiology, among others, appeared.
The event was attended by many distinguished doctors of various specialties.Among them were:
- Prof. Barbara Blonska-Fajfrowska, MD, PhD.
- prof. dr hab. n. med. Andrzej Bochenek
- prof. dr hab. n. med. Andrzej Kleinrok
- Prof. Antoni Stadnicki, MD, PhD
- Prof. dr. hab. n. med. Zbigniew Wszołek, honored with the title of doctor honoris causa SUM in 2015.
The event was also attended by Dr. Tadeusz Urban, President of the Regional Medical Council in Katowice, who in his speech emphasized that some of the doctors and dentists gathered at the ceremony are still working, being a huge support to the health care system. Presenting a symbolic rose to each of the SUM graduates, he thanked them for this tremendous commitment and support.
The golden graduation culminated with a lecture entitled "The heart a special organ" delivered by Prof. Andrzej Kleinrok, MD.
Congratulations to all the doctors and dentists once again!
