At the Opening Ceremony of Semmelweis University’s 254th academic year in the MVM Dome, after the screening of short films about this year’s freshman camp and the university, Rector Dr. Béla Merkely welcomed the guests, his colleagues, and the first-year students:
You, our newly admitted students, are here today because you are talented and determined, and you had the strongest willpower.
The rector emphasized that the freshmen have not only been accepted to a university, not only chosen a profession, but have earned the right to study and pursue the most beautiful and one of the most difficult, yet lifelong professions in the world.
You have gained the opportunity to acquire the necessary knowledge at Semmelweis University, the most distinguished university in Hungary and the region, which is unique in the world as a medical and health sciences university. – Dr. Béla Merkely
He pointed out that Semmelweis is the most difficult to get admitted to, as it has the highest admission scores and the lowest acceptance rate. The rector also added that the current first-year students had to prove their aptitude, empathy, and motivation in the newly introduced admission process. He also underlined that since the body of knowledge in medicine and health sciences doubled every two years, learning in this field was a lifelong process.
This academic year, some 3,900 freshmen and 300 PhD students from 119 countries around the world will join the Semmelweis Citizens and become part of the Semmelweis Family. A total of 2,700 students will start their studies in Hungarian-language programs at Semmelweis University’s six faculties, while the number of international students in the English- and German-language programs has increased to 1,200 compared to last year, the rector noted.
Dr. Béla Merkely expressed his appreciation to McDaniel College for its close cooperation from the very beginning, having partnered with Semmelweis University for decades to prepare thousands of international students for their medical studies. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the university’s foreign language training, McDaniel College has now decided to establish the Dr. Attila Fonyó Award under the “Vorbereitungsjahr Program” and the Dr. Andor Szécsény Award under the “Pre Medical Program”, which come with a prize of USD 10,000 each. The awards will be presented to one student each who has participated in one of the above-mentioned programs and will complete their first year at Semmelweis University with outstanding results, the rector added.
Dr. Béla Merkely emphasized that the current freshmen are the first cohort to start their studies under Curriculum 2.0, adding:
Our curriculum reform has entered a higher gear, the second phase of which incorporates the experience we have gained so far to provide even more practice-oriented and relevant knowledge.
Commemorating the university’s namesake and other role models, he said:
Our common duty and responsibility is no less than to continue steadfastly and consistently on the path chosen by our predecessors.
In his words, by following this path, “we have already been able to reach new horizons that no Hungarian university has ever reached before. We have now entered the world elite. Semmelweis is listed among the top 300 universities in the world by Times Higher Education. In some fields, we are ranked even higher. In cardiovascular medicine, we are now the 31st best in the world, according to a recent analysis by US News. Our ambition should be nothing less than to enter the top 100 at the global university level,” the rector continued.
“Today you have officially joined the Semmelweis Family,” the rector told the first-year students, asking them to be as determined and persistent during their years at the university as they have been on their way to this point. He stressed that the period ahead was difficult and challenging, but they were in the best place to become good professionals.
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Gábor Orbán, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Foundation for National Health Care and Medical Education (NEOA), congratulated the newly admitted students and wished them success. As he said:
You will start your studies at an institution that, in addition to being the leading health sciences university in the region, is ranked in the top 300 universities in the world and among the most international universities globally. More than a third of our students are foreign nationals and come from over a hundred countries around the world. Our university also maintains close international partnerships with institutions such as Harvard Medical School.
He pointed out that obtaining a degree from Semmelweis University was not the easiest task but encouraged the freshmen that with hard work and perseverance, they could earn a degree from a world-class institution, and as a result, any healthcare institution would be glad to employ them. He also stressed that it was the duty and responsibility of the university’s management and the National Foundation for Health and Medical Education as the maintainer of the university to create an environment for teachers, researchers, and students to further boost this exceptional performance.
However, in Gábor Orbán’s words, this achievement was meaningless if the purpose and the main asset of medicine, the human being, the patient, was not treated in the right way. “Therefore, in addition to providing the necessary conditions for professional development, we pay particular attention to strengthening a patient-centric approach. Our goal is to train outstanding graduates from Semmelweis University who are not only among the best in the world in terms of their professional skills, but who are also able to treat their patients with compassion and patience and do their best to help others with their best knowledge,” said the chairman of the NEOA.
The ceremony continued with a short film about Dr. István Körmendi, Hungary’s oldest practicing family doctor. This was followed by the solemn oath ceremony of first-year students in three languages. Following a performance by the Semmelweis University Choir, university awards were presented.
After the screening of the short film ‘My Semmelweis – Study at Semmelweis University and live in Hungary’s vibrant capital, Budapest’, Csenge Gecsey, President of the Students’ Union (HÖK) of Semmelweis University, greeted the attendees. She addressed the freshmen by saying:
You are about to embark on an adventure that will be one of the most defining periods of your lives. You can be proud to be students at one of Europe’s most prestigious universities, where practice-oriented education is delivered at a level that only a few institutions can equal.
“University life is primarily about studying and growing, but it is equally important to maintain your other interests,” underlined Csenge Réka Gecsey, highlighting the opportunities offered by the Students’ Scientific Association (TDK). She reminded the audience that the health profession comes with huge responsibilities, but that was what made it so special and prestigious. “Be proud of becoming a doctor, a dentist, a pharmacist, or a health professional, because changing the world for the better will be in your hands,” said the president of HÖK.
She encouraged the first-year students to get involved in the social life of the university, to participate in as many events and gatherings as possible, to join clubs, organizations, sports departments, the Semmelweis University Choir, and the Medic Orchestra, as the aim was to make the students’ community life rich and colorful.
Always focus on your goals… Be persistent and never give up, because by the end of the academic journey, you will have gained knowledge and experience that will affect your entire life. – Csenge Gecsey
She added that the university leadership and the Students’ Union will accompany and support them all along the way. In her words:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because we aim to be there for you and support you in the tough times.
She also stressed that every effort will be made to ensure that international students find a home at Semmelweis University and become integral members of the community.
“Today is one of the most important days of your lives, because today you have become valued members of the Semmelweis Family. Be proud of being part of this exceptional community,” said Csenge Réka Gecsey, wishing the freshmen perseverance, strength, and a never-ending ‘Semmelweis Spirit’ in their hearts.
The event closed with a performance by the Medic Orchestra, conducted by Gergely Dubóczky.
Anita Szepesi
Translation: Judit Szabados-Dőtsch
Photos by Bálint Barta, Boglárka Zellei – Semmelweis University
