Six demanding years of medical education lay behind them—made even more challenging by the fact that they pursued their studies abroad, far from their families and everything familiar. Yet the 68 graduates of the English Division Class of 2026 proved that perseverance, ambition, and dedication lead to the realization of even the most ambitious dreams.
Having taken the Physician's Oath and received their medical diplomas, they now return to their home countries enriched not only with academic knowledge but also with invaluable experience and the courage to serve others.
The graduates celebrated this remarkable milestone on June 26 at the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, surrounded by university authorities, faculty members, and loved ones who had travelled from across the globe to share this special occasion.
The ceremony was opened by Assoc. Prof.Jacek Sieńko, MD, PhD, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine for the English Division and host of the event.
"This is one of the most important moments in the life of our University—a time when we honour years of learning, discipline and perseverance, and welcome our graduates into the medical profession," he said in his opening remarks.
Seeing the Person Behind the Disease
Graduation from medical school marks the end of one demanding chapter and the beginning of another—equally challenging, yet profoundly meaningful and rewarding.
Addressing the graduates, Professor Paweł Włodarski, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, reminded them that medicine requires far more than scientific excellence.
"The medical profession is unlike any other. It demands not only intellectual discipline, but also compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others."
He encouraged the graduates never to lose sight of the human being behind every diagnosis.
"Always remember the person behind the disease. Treat every patient with dignity, respect, and compassion. In return, you will experience moments of profound joy and fulfilment when you help them overcome illness."
The Dean also urged the graduates to remember, during moments of uncertainty or professional setbacks, the reason they had chosen medicine in the first place—the desire to help those in need.
Success Built Together
Studying medicine abroad requires courage: the courage to leave home, adapt to a new environment, and thrive within an international academic community. Professor Rafał Krenke, Rector of the Medical University of Warsaw, praised the graduates for meeting these challenges while also expressing his gratitude to their families, friends, fellow students, and academic mentors who had supported them throughout the journey.
"There is no doubt that today's achievement is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Yet accomplishments of this magnitude are never achieved alone. Throughout your medical journey, many people believed in you, encouraged you, and stood by your side."
The Rector also reminded the audience that universities have a responsibility not only to pursue academic excellence but also to foster mutual respect, integrity, and meaningful human relationships.
"Academic excellence is our foundation, but it is the quality of our relationships and our commitment to others that create a true academic community."
He thanked the graduates for contributing to a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive academic environment that promoted dialogue and mutual understanding.
Diplomas and Awards
Following the Physician's Oath, in which graduates pledged to uphold the dignity of the medical profession, fulfil their professional responsibilities, and provide care to all patients without discrimination, diplomas were conferred by the Rector and the Dean.
Several graduates also received special distinctions:
Golden Graduate Laurel, awarded for the highest cumulative GPA: Moaad Safi
Academic Excellence Award: Mays Abu Salah
Student Scientific Society Golden Badge for outstanding research activity: Gwan Yong Lim
IFMSA-Poland Warsaw Branch Award for exceptional contribution to the organisation: Karolina Lach, Wyven Kai Xu Chang, Salim Kaddura, and Ananya Saha
Special recognition for service to the English Division Student Government: Sylvie Marie Régine Etienne and Alexander Nicholas Steiner
Compassion at the Heart of Medicine
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Moaad Safi, recipient of the Golden Graduate Laurel, reflected on the shared journey of the Class of 2026.
"It has been an honour and a privilege to walk this path together over the past six years. Today, I can proudly say to all of you: congratulations—we are doctors."
He reminded his fellow graduates that patients would see them as far more than medical experts.
"You will become trusted guides, helping patients navigate uncertainty, protecting their dignity and privacy, and standing beside them through some of life's most difficult moments."
He concluded by encouraging his colleagues to carry the responsibilities of the profession with humility and to always treat patients with dignity, listen attentively, and speak with kindness and respect.
In a heartfelt gesture, he ended his speech in Polish:
"Thank you, Poland, for becoming our home. Thank you to everyone who welcomed us with patience, kindness, and generosity. You made us feel that we truly belonged."
Never Forget Why You Chose Medicine
Class representative Aleksandra Frankowska reflected on the extraordinary journey shared by the graduates.
She recalled pre-clinical and clinical training, demanding examinations, scientific conferences, research projects, publications, and internships at renowned hospitals and laboratories. Combined with the experience of living far from home, these accomplishments demonstrated the determination and resilience required to earn a medical degree.
She reminded her classmates that, despite their academic achievements, they should never lose sight of what truly matters.
"Our patients will not remember our publications or research grants. They will remember how we spoke to them, how we held their hand during difficult moments, how we protected their dignity when they felt most vulnerable, and how we stayed a little longer simply to comfort them. I hope we never lose these qualities or forget why we chose this profession."
What Makes a Good Doctor?
In one of the ceremony's most memorable speeches, Maciej Niewada, MD, PhD, from the Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, challenged graduates with a seemingly simple question: What makes a good doctor?
Approaching the issue as a researcher, he asked four people—two professors, his physician father, and his wife—to describe the ideal doctor using a single word. Instead of finding one definitive answer, he received four different responses: empathetic, respectful, wise, and effective.
The exercise became a reminder that evidence alone is never enough; it must always be interpreted with experience, judgement, and humility.
Rather than providing a final answer, he encouraged the graduates:
"Have the courage to answer this question for yourselves. Have the courage to discover what kind of doctors you want to become. Embrace everything this beautiful and meaningful profession has to offer. But also have the courage to accept uncertainty, risk, and even failure."
He concluded with one final piece of advice:
"You need only one compass to guide you—the best interest of your patient."
A Memorable Finale
The graduation ceremony concluded with a violin and harp recital performed by Sylwia Knap and Agata Galik-Sosnowska followed by the traditional cap toss and a commemorative class photograph.
Among the distinguished guests were Professor Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska, Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs and Investments; Justyna Teliga-Czajkowska, MD, PhD, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences; Professor Jolanta Kostrzewa-Janicka, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Dental Medicine; Professor Olga Ciepiela, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy; Professor Bożena Werner, former Vice-Dean for the English Division (2011–2019); representatives of the Faculty of Medicine Quality Assurance Committee; Vice-Deans of the Faculty of Medicine; student government representatives; student organisations; graduates' families and friends; Łukasz Jankowski, MD, President of the Supreme Medical Council; and Artur Drobniak, MD, President of the Warsaw Regional Medical Chamber.
The musical setting of the ceremony featured Gaude Mater Polonia, the University anthem Medicine, and Gaudeamus Igitur, performed by the Medical University of Warsaw Choir under the direction of Daniel Synowiec.
The Graduation Ceremony 2026 was broadcasted live at this link.
