They come from different corners of the world, speak different languages, represent different cultures, and traditions. But six years ago, they all made the same decision — to study medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw. That choice brought them together. On Friday, June 27, their shared journey came to an end. On that day, 119 graduates of the English Division Class of 2025 received their diplomas from the hands of the university's deans and rectoral authorities during a ceremony at the National Philharmonic in Warsaw.

During the graduation ceremony, many beautiful words were spoken — wise advice, heartfelt wishes, and sincere congratulations. The guests were welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Professor Paweł Włodarski, MD, PhD who was the host of the event. He then gave the floor to the University's Rector, Professor Rafał Krenke.

"Your presence here has been a wonderful experience and an enriching element for our university. That is why I want to thank you for making the decision, several years ago, to come to Poland and pursue your studies at the Medical University of Warsaw," said the Rector as he began his address to the graduates.

As the Rector noted, the years spent studying are not only a time for acquiring knowledge and skills, but also a school of adult life — a time for building relationships and discovering oneself and others. Professor Rafał Krenke emphasized, however, that the challenges awaiting the graduates will be more complex and demanding than those faced during their studies. This is because they are tied to one of the most important aspects of a physician’s work: responsibility. Responsibility not only for patients, but also for their families and for members of the medical team, including younger colleagues.

“Fortunately, the responsibility and the significant mental and physical effort can be easily outweighed by the satisfaction of helping others and saving lives. Soon, you will see for yourselves how rewarding and motivating that feeling truly is,” said the Rector.

He also urged the graduates to never stop learning and asking questions, and to always remember that medicine is both a science and an art. To conclude, he congratulated the graduates and wished them success on the new path ahead.

"The path you have chosen is unlike any other. It demands intellectual rigor, deep empathy, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of others," emphasized Dean Professor Paweł Włodarski.

He reminded the graduates that their future profession carries immense responsibility, as their patients will entrust them with their lives, their trust, and their hopes.

"You must earn that trust with every decision you make, every word you speak, and every action you take. You must treat every patient with dignity, respect, and compassion," the Dean stressed.

Finally, he expressed pride in the graduates’ accomplishments, congratulated them on receiving their diplomas, and added:

"Go forth and heal, innovate, support. Be the change you wish to see in healthcare. Be the doctors who inspire trust, who bring comfort, and who work with dedication to improve the lives of others."

The Deputy Dean for Student Affairs of the English Division, Assoc. Prof. Jacek Sieńko, MD, PhD, also addressed the graduates. He emphasized that the diplomas they were receiving that day were not a matter of chance, but the result of hard work, dedication, and a deep sense of purpose.

"Six years ago, you arrived as curious and hopeful students. Today, you leave these walls as doctors — ready to care, to lead, and to serve," said the Deputy Dean, adding: "A diploma is not the end; it is only the beginning. Use it not merely to build a career, but to shape a life that reflects your values and aspirations. Let it be a source of inspiration for all that you are yet to achieve."

Presentation of Diplomas and Acknowledgments

The graduates took an oath to fulfill all legally imposed duties, to uphold the dignity of the medical profession, and to help those who suffer without discrimination. They then received their diplomas from the hands of the Rector and the Dean. Several of them were honored with additional distinctions.

• The Golden Graduate Laurel for the highest academic average during studies was awarded to Mohammed Waleed Metwally;
• A Distinction for Outstanding Academic Achievement was given to Sarhan Musaeed Ali Saleh;
• The “Golden Badge” of the Medical University of Warsaw Student Scientific Society for scientific activity was awarded to Michail Koutentakis;
• The IFMSA-Poland Warsaw Branch Award for exceptional contribution to the organization was presented to Mohamed Sameh, Fatima Abubakar, and Michail Koutentakis;

Special thanks for their involvement in the English Division student government (EDSG) were given to Michail Koutentakis.

After the diplomas were handed out and the most intense emotions had settled, it was time to hear from the heroes of the ceremony. This time, we listened to three touching stories.

Mohammed Waleed Metwally, who achieved the highest academic results, admitted that studying medicine was his mother’s choice, and he pursued it to make her proud. He came to Warsaw at just 17 years old. Being the youngest in the group and far from home, he didn’t know what to expect.

“There were nights of doubt when I thought about giving it all up, but what kept me going were the people,” he said.

He thanked his parents, friends, and the university. To his fellow graduates of the Class of 2025, he urged them to be doctors who not only treat diseases but show up where they are needed most.

Alexandra Pissa, who served as the class representative for the English Division, also expressed her gratitude to families, friends, and the university. She emphasized that six years ago, when she and her classmates arrived at the Medical University of Warsaw, they had concerns about the new country, language, and culture, but over time, the university became their second home.

“Although there were moments when we felt these were the longest six years of our lives, standing here now, I feel how quickly time has passed. What an adventure it has been!” Alexandra said. “As we reach the end of this chapter and each of us prepares for the road ahead, I hope we take a moment to appreciate all we have been through and who we have become. We will carry with us not only the knowledge we gained but also the laughter from our group chats, the empathy for our patients, and the friendships that have turned into family.”

“We are at the finish line of one of the longest, most demanding, but also most life-changing journeys. And what a journey it has been!” said Michail Koutentakis, recipient of, among others, the Interstudent 2025 Award.

Michail thanked the university for being his second home—a place that not only taught him medicine but also gave him the life he dreamed of, a space for growth, purpose, and friendships that turned into family.

“This is where we stumbled, and this is where we rose. Here, we learned that excellence is not perfection, but the courage to keep going every day, especially when no one is watching,” Michail said. He also mentioned one more valuable lesson he took from the Medical University of Warsaw: “The university taught me how to be myself. Because in the end, you have to live life your own way—for only then does it all truly mean something.”

Speeches were also delivered by Dr. Michał Macech, an academic teacher from the Department and Clinic of General, Vascular, Endocrine, and Transplant Surgery at the University Clinical Centre of the Medical University of Warsaw (UCK WUM). He encouraged the young graduates not to seek immediate pleasure in their future lives, but rather long-term satisfaction—satisfaction that often comes with effort and hardship but holds true value. He also urged them to embrace responsibility, as caring for human life is priceless. Additionally, he advised them to always remember and take care of their families.

“Set sail on open waters, for a vast ocean awaits you,” he said in closing to his protégés.