This academic year, 865 new students have joined the community of the Faculty of Medicine and our University.

“Your choice to study at our university in order to pursue your dream of becoming a doctor is a great responsibility for us. I promise that we will not let you down — we will support you and work together for your success,” said Professor Paweł Włodarski, Dean of the Medical Faculty, as he opened the ceremony.

The matriculation ceremony, during which students recite the words of their oath, took place on October 8 in the Auditorium of the Didactic Center.

Medical Studies as an Investment

“During your studies, you will face hard and demanding work — challenging even for the most talented students. It is a great investment — of time and effort. An investment in yourself, which will return many times over,” assured Dean Włodarski.

Six years from now, when the newly admitted students graduate and become doctors, they will begin practicing the most beautiful profession in the world — one that brings relief to suffering, saves health and life.

“The words of gratitude you will hear from your patients, their families, and loved ones will bring satisfaction and a deep sense that your work truly matters. There are few professions that offer such a profound sense of purpose,” emphasized the Dean.

A Good Doctor or an Excellent One?

This will depend not only on the knowledge and skills acquired during and after studies, but also on the ethical principles and personal values the future graduates will follow in their professional lives.

“I want to stress that the humanistic, compassionate dimension of medicine is easy to overlook while preparing for exams or assessments,” said the Dean. “For successful treatment, the doctor–patient relationship is just as important as the doctor’s knowledge.”

Patients often evaluate doctors not only by their professional competence but also by how they are treated during visits. For this reason, the curriculum of the medical program has been further enriched with courses dedicated to communication with patients.

“I believe these classes will be well received and that their outcomes will be reflected in the future by high appreciation from your patients,” added Professor Włodarski.

Time for More Than Just Study

“Our observations show that medical students are excellent time managers — they can balance their studies and still find time for extracurricular activities,” said the Dean.

He encouraged students to take advantage of the university’s wide range of sports, cultural, and artistic activities, and reminded them that university life is also about making friendships and connections — many of which last a lifetime and provide valuable support during the years of study.

At the end of his speech, the Dean said:

“We all envy you this moment, but we also know how much lies ahead. Nevertheless, we wish you all the best and every success!”

Greetings from the University Authorities

A few words of welcome were also addressed to the new students by Professor Marek Kuch, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education. He emphasized that studying medicine is demanding — not only because it requires years of learning, but also because it involves confronting illness and human suffering, which always leaves a mark.

He encouraged the new students not to be discouraged, but to follow the example of their senior colleagues who have overcome all challenges. The Vice-Rector also urged them to study systematically and to actively participate in student life. He concluded by congratulating all first-year students and wishing them good luck.

Taking the Oath

The oath was received by Professor Renata Główczyńska, Vice-Dean for 1st and 2nd Year Students, and Associate Professor Jacek Sieńko MD, PhD , Vice-Dean for the English Division.

Students pledged to diligently pursue knowledge and personal development, to act according to ethical principles, to keep confidential everything learned about patients during their studies, to show respect toward the university authorities and all members of the WUM community, to honor academic traditions, and to uphold the dignity and honor of a WUM student through their actions. Afterwards, they were presented with pins bearing the Medical Faculty logo.

“To Be Like Dr. Quinn, Dr. Ross, or Dr. House? …

…In Search of the Medical Ideal”

The matriculation lecture with this intriguing title was delivered by Professor Leszek Czupryniak, Head of the Department of Diabetology and Internal Diseases, a distinguished physician who for years has been among the top-ranked Polish scientists worldwide.

It is difficult to summarize Professor Czupryniak’s lecture in just a few sentences — it was educational, humorous, inspiring, and full of emotion. The best review came in the form of a standing ovation from the audience.

Did the professor indicate which of the three fictional doctors represents the true “medical ideal”?

“I believe choosing just one would be a mistake,” he said. “You should rather look for your role models among the people you meet — whether they are senior professors or young assistants — those who treat their patients with compassion and for whom medicine is a true passion.”

Students to Students

Being admitted to medical studies is not only a great achievement but also proof of commitment, determination, and passion — said Emilia Figura, Chair of the Medical Faculty Student Council.

Although she also stressed that studying medicine is difficult, she assured the audience that a student can overcome fatigue and doubt, pass even the toughest exams, and survive demanding shifts — as long as the decision to become a doctor comes from the heart.

“Remember, there will also be moments of great satisfaction — your first class with a patient, the first heartbeat you hear through a stethoscope, or the first words of gratitude,” added Emilia Figura.

Alexis Vourtsis, President of the English Division Student Government (EDSG), quoted Hippocrates: “Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also love of humanity.” He reminded everyone that the main goal of medicine is to help — not only patients but also oneself, one’s fellow students, and people around.

“This must always be the goal. No matter how distant it may seem, every small step you take is made for that very reason,” said Alexis.

He urged the new students to treat this commitment — to help others — as a source of positive motivation, not fear, and to remember that they will impact the lives of many people.

The ceremony concluded with a mini-concert by the WUM Choir conducted by Daniel Synowiec.

Among the attendees were, in addition to the speakers, Vice-Deans of the Faculty — Professor Aleksandra Banaszkiewicz, Professor Tadeusz Grochowiecki, and Professor Aneta Nitsch-Osuch — as well as academic teachers representing the Faculty’s departments, administrative staff, members of the Faculty Council, and representatives of the Medical Faculty Student Government including members of EDSG.