Participants arrive to Semmelweis University’s jubilee International Alumni Reunion from a dozen countries of four continents based on the current registration data. International alumni reunions are organised every five years and the 30th anniversary of the German Language Programme will also be celebrated on this occasion.
The guest of honour of the day-long event – which features an internationally accredited professional workshop as well – is Dr. Frank Ulrich Montgomery, president of the German Medical Association. He told us in an interview that over the past three decades, hundreds of students from Germany have received their basic medical training at Semmelweis University. Many alumni have subsequently returned to Germany to work in the healthcare sector. Not only has this benefited the German healthcare system, it has also become an example of a successful European cooperation. “This 30 year reunion event marks a significant milestone in the history of Semmelweis University and is an indication of the ongoing success of the programme.”
The Reunion will be officially opened by Rector Ágoston Szél and President Montgomery who will both welcome the guests on the special occasion. The programme will feature Dr. András Falus from the Department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology who will hold a presentation on Ignaz Semmelweis, the modern infectologist. Dr. József Tímár, vice-rector for educational affairs will talk about the molecular pathology and its paradigm changing effects, while Dr. Mária Judit Molnár, vice-rector for scientific affairs will hold a presentation entitled “Bridging the gap between research and patient care”. In the second half of the programme Dr. Béla Merkely, director of the Cardiovascular Centre will elaborate on the new strategies in treating acute coronary syndrome following which Dr. Edmond Girasek will inform the audience about the international mobility of doctors and finally, Prof. Dr. Hanika Heinrich will present about the EU funding opportunities for doctors and dentists.
The organisers are expecting about 400 participants. According our website’s survey, the international graduates of Semmelweis University think back positively on their academic years and they consider the attained knowledge to have provided a stable foundation for their careers. According to one of the respondents, the knowledge acquired at Semmelweis University is more comprehensive in comparison to many of his colleagues; while another respondent emphasised the determination of the University’s professors. Please see our separate post containing some of the alumni testimonials.
Semmelweis University German Language Programme was launched in 1983 which was followed by its English counterpart 6 years later. Currently almost quarter of Semmelweis University 13,000 students are international who have come from 70 countries of 5 continents to pursue their studies here.
Pálma Dobozi
Translated by: Bonifac Makkai
