Participants from Japan and the United Arab Emirates, based on earlier signed agreements, took part in the summer training programmes organized at Semmelweis University.
Four Japanese pathologists participated in a one-week special training programme entitled Post Mortem in Practice based on the cooperation with the Japanese Society of Pathology. The programme organized by the 2nd Department of Pathology and led by Dr. Tibor Glasz, provided the opportunity for Japanese specialists to extend their knowledge in the field of post mortem pathological diagnostics. The training programme focused on the practical implementation, which was highly appreciated by the participants, since Japanese pathologists do not have enough opportunities to do autopsies in Japan. The training was held during the first week of August, and it consisted of the following parts: histology, consultation in citology and making reports. The professional recognition of the training programme is proven by the fact that the Japanese Society of Pathology provides all participants with 5 credits, which can be validated during their specialization. Besides the professional training, Hungarian culture was also introduced to the guests with the help of the cultural events organized by the Directorate of International Relations.
On the basis of a cooperation started in 2011, altogether 12 medical students arrived from Gulf Medical University from the United Arab Emirates to take part in the summer training programme offered by Semmelweis University. During the one-month training the participating students had the opportunity to get acquainted with the various research fields at the Faculty of Health Sciences such as rheumatology, neurology, hydrotherapy, ergotherapy, sport therapy; as well as with the everyday life of several departments at the Faculty of Dentistry: the Department of Conservative Dentistry, the Department of Prosthodontics, the Department of Oral Diagnostics, the Department of Periodontology, the Department of Paedodontics and Orthodontics and the Department of Oro-Maxillofacial Surgery and Stomatology. In their feedback the participating students highlighted the opportunity to be able to take part in the daily life of the institutes. The two coordinators at the two faculties were Dr. Mónika Horváth and Dr. Mónika Balázs.
Semmelweis University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saitama Medical University in 2002, and this agreement related to student exchange was extended in 2013 for an indefinite period. In the framework of the agreement, this year again two Hungarian medical students spent their one-month surgical training in Saitama in July. They returned from Japan accompanied by two Japanese medical students who participated in the one-month training programme organized by Semmelweis University. The Japanese students both spent two weeks at the Heart and Vascular Centre, after which one of them continued the training at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, while the other participant did so at the 2nd Department of Internal Medicine.
In their positive feedback the Japanese students expressed that the programme exceeded their expectations both professionally and personally. They were truly fascinated by the wonderful architecture and the historical sites of Budapest, especially by Gellért Hill and Andrássy Avenue. As regards Semmelweis University, they expressed their appreciation about the preparedness and helpful attitude of medical doctors, about their good relationship with employees of the clinics and about the friendliness of Hungarian and foreign medical students. They highlighted that besides the gained professional experience, the clinical training was greatly efficient in practising the English language as well.
Marianna Kovács, Györgyi Makádi – Directorate of International Relations
Translation: Katalin Romhányi
