Dr. Ágoston Szél, Rector and Dr. József Sándor, Professor of the Department of Surgical Research and Techniques participated in an official visit in Japan. The delegation visited several universities, including Saitama Medical University, Josai International University and the International University of Health and Welfare. Dr. Ágoston Szél was also conferred upon the title Doctor Honoris Causa by Josai International University.
Semmelweis University has had a relationship with Saitama Medical University (SMU) since 2002 and in honour of the delegation’s visit the university organised a scientific meeting. The meeting was attended by István Szerdahelyi, Hungarian Ambassador to Japan and Györgyi Juhász, Advisor to the Ambassador. Dr. Ágoston Szél gave a presentation on the life of Ignaz Semmelweis and the importance of his discovery, while Dr. József Sándor talked about the relationship between Semmelweis University and Saitama Medical University.
During the ceremonial part of the scientific meeting the Silver Grade Pro Universitate Award was handed over to Professor Mashami Bessho by Dr. Ágoston Szél. Professor Yoshitaka Tsuji and Professor Masako Saito were awarded with Semmelweis University’s certificate of appreciation. The meeting was concluded by the opening ceremony of an exhibition on Ignaz Semmelweis.
The delegation also participated in the opening ceremony of SMU’s academic year and the so-called White Coat Ceremony, when 4th year students received their personalised operating gowns with their names embroidered on them from the leaders of SMU and the Hungarian guests. This tradition symbolises the 4th year students’ readiness to start their clinical practice.
Semmelweis University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Faculty of Health Sciences have had a successful cooperative relationship with Josai International University for several years, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of its foundation in 2016. The opening ceremony of the university’s academic year was celebrated with the attendance of 2,800 first-year students, who were greeted by Dr. Ágoston Szél’s welcome speech. He handed over the Silver Grade Pro Universitate Award to Professor Noriko Mizutának, Chancellor of Josai International University and was also conferred upon the title Doctor Honoris Causa. The opening ceremony was followed by a short encounter with Hungarian students studying at Josai International University.
Tokyo Medical University with its hundred years of 
history was also visited by Semmelweis University’s delegation. During the meeting the two parties agreed on developing a cooperative relationship focusing on student and staff exchange, which would be similar to the bilateral agreement in effect with Saitama Medical University.
Dr. Ágoston Szél and Dr. József Sándor also met with Professor Masaki Kitajimával, Honorary Doctor of Semmelweis University and Rector of the International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) in Tokyo. They held discussions about the Japanese university’s plans to start a cooperation between the two new campuses (Medical Science Technology and Department of Nursing) and Semmelweis University.
Semmelweis University owes a debt of thanks to Dr. Mária Mernyei, a Hungarian pathologist living in Japan who organised the delegation’s visit.
Péter Pogrányi
Photo: Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
Translation: Ágnes Raubinek
