![\"\"](\"https:\/\/semmelweis.hu\/english\/files\/2019\/02\/RS89971_IMG_9403-scr.jpg\")
<\/a>Dr. B\u00e9la Merkely, the rector of Semmelweis University and the outgoing president of the TDK Council, said in his opening remarks that the conference, which is being held for the eighth time this year, is probably the largest one to date, as young colleagues from 10 different European countries will take part with 68 presentations, representing 16 different universities. He added that he held the position of TDK president for 10 years, the maximum allowed, but he has other responsibilities now as rector since last July. Therefore, a new person was recently elected to the head of the TDK, Dr. Attila Szij\u00e1rt\u00f3, an associate professor at the 1st Department of Surgery.<\/p>\nA welcome lecture was also held by Dr. Igor E. Esaulenko, the rector of Russia\u2019s Voronezh State Medical University, who came to the event as part of a larger delegation from the university. He noted that their institution is a leading medical research and teaching center in Russia. In line with the country\u2019s national goals for improving public health care, the university also plans to strengthen its position in international scientific life. As part of this goal, they plan to attract more foreign students and teachers, as well as increase collaboration with international scientific players. It was under this strategy that rector Dr. B\u00e9la Merkely, as well as Hungary\u2019s Minister of Human Capacities Dr. Mikl\u00f3s K\u00e1sler visited the Voronezh university last year.<\/p>\n\r\n [slb_exclude]\r\n <\/a>In his welcome speech, Dr. Attila Szij\u00e1rt\u00f3 expressed his pleasure that this annual international congress is gaining popularity year by year and the number of presenters is growing rapidly from all over Europe. He pointed out that the initial objective of the event is to encourage the development and expansion of high quality medical profession and to promote education in this field. \u201cWe hope that participants will find new study targets in their fields, encounter new ideas and build up new collaborations, thus promoting an international exchange of experiences and building partnerships,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\r\n <\/span>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\tGallery<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/a><\/div>\r\n <\/span>\r\n \r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\r\n <\/span>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n <\/a><\/div><\/span>\r\n <\/a><\/div><\/span>\r\n <\/a><\/div><\/span>\r\n <\/a><\/div><\/span>\r\n <\/a><\/div><\/span>\r\n <\/a><\/div><\/span>