The conference featured a screening of the Oscar-nominated film Semmelweis by Lajos Koltai, organized by the Hungarian Medical Association of America, the Liszt Institute New York, and Semmelweis University. The screening was preceded by an introduction by Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector of Semmelweis University; Dr. Péter Gloviczki, MD, Mayo Clinic, Honorary Doctor of Semmelweis University; and Dr. Csenge Palotai, Director of the Liszt Institute Hungarian Cultural Center New York. As Dr. Béla Merkely said in his welcome speech:
This film reminds us that the legacy of Ignác Semmelweis is still a living reality. We can all learn from him: curiosity, determination, and respect for human life.
The rector recalled that the most-watched Hungarian movie of 2023 was shot in the buildings of the university named after Semmelweis, and that the Hungarian premiere was held there as well. He stressed that the figure of Semmelweis was significant because he was not just a scientist, but a doctor whose work still defined medicine and the fight to protect human life.
Ignác Semmelweis is one of the world’s best-known doctors and the savior of mothers. He proved his fundamental hypothesis by introducing hand hygiene, i.e. handwashing in a solution of chlorinated lime. For more than 170 years, his discovery of how to prevent infection has been the first important step in delivery rooms and before surgery. Dr. Béla Merkely pointed out that there was no curriculum that did not teach his method of handwashing with chlorinated lime, no surgery today that did not begin with this procedure.
The film by Lajos Koltai carries a fundamental message for doctors today and in the future. It depicts the legacy of Ignác Semmelweis as he earned himself a prominent position in the international recognition of medicine in Hungary, said Dr. Béla Merkely in his welcome speech. The main task of Semmelweis University, which is one of the best medical and health science universities in Europe, is to cultivate and promote this Hungarian intellectual heritage.
Gallery
The screening of the film about Ignác Semmelweis – a pioneering figure in Hungarian medicine, who despite the obstacles was committed to the end to the improvement of patient care and the interests of patients – was of particular relevance to the theme and scientific program of the 55th Annual Meeting.
The Hungarian Medical Association of America is a voluntary organization of physicians and scientists of Hungarian heritage. Its mission is to unite physicians and scientists in North America and Hungary and to build professional relationships with medical societies, universities, and institutions, promoting the advancement of medical education through scholarships and exchange programs. The partnership has provided over 300 Hungarian medical students with the opportunity to spend their internship in the United States. Semmelweis University joined the cooperation in 2015.
The scientific program of the conference covered topics such as obstetrics and gynecology, medical education, cardiology and vascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, and neurology. Dr. Marcel Pop, Director of International Relations, gave a presentation in the session on medical education, discussing the participation of Semmelweis University in the European Universities initiative, as well as the results of the EUniWell #Research Project. He explained that the aim of the project was to build a common Research & Innovation (R&I) Strategic Framework to address Europe’s well-being challenges through a research ecosystem at the level of the alliance of European universities. He stressed that cooperation between the HMAA and EUniWell could yield substantial benefits in the field of education, research, and healthcare. By partnering in research and innovation, the HMAA would gain access to EUniWell’s expertise in well-being and health sciences, creating opportunities for joint medical research projects, especially in areas like public health, mental health, and healthcare technology.
Eszter Keresztes
Translation: Dr. Balázs Csizmadia
Photos by Dóra Szepesi – Semmelweis University
