A New Rector was Appointed at I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University

Ukraine’s Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko, has appointed a new rector of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University. The position has been taken by Petro Lykhatskyi. In doing so, the Ministry of Health supported the university community’s choice: on December 5, 2025, nearly 60% of voters (440 votes) supported Petro Lykhatskyi in the rectoral election.

Petro Lykhatskyi is 46 years old and has 23 years of teaching and research experience at TNMU. He previously served as an Associate Professor and later as a Professor at the Department of Medical Biochemistry. From 2014 to 2015, he headed the university’s Academic Affairs Office, chaired the primary trade union organization, and, for more than the past six years, has served as Dean of the Medical Faculty. He is the author and co-author of more than 250 scientific publications.

Since 2020, Petro Lykhatskyi has been a member of the expert commission of the Education Quality Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine in the field of “Biochemistry.” Since 2024, he has headed the working group of the same center responsible for developing, writing, and reviewing test items in the field of “Medicine” (Unified State Qualification Exam, Krok 2).

The new rector envisions TNMU as a modern European-level medical higher education institution focused on high-quality education, research, and clinical training, with digital transformation of the educational process and strong integration with the healthcare system. Key priorities include modernizing educational programs, training specialists in shortage fields, developing postgraduate education, conducting scientific research, fostering international partnerships, and supporting young scientists.

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine congratulates Professor Lykhatskyi on his appointment to this responsible position and wishes him success in implementing his plans for the university’s development.

Background Information:
I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University was founded in 1957. The university has 58 departments, including 36 clinical departments based at 25 healthcare institutions of regional and municipal subordination, as well as in Rivne and Zhytomyr. Most of these clinical sites are specialized centers providing highly specialized medical care.

TNMU includes a Department of Disaster Medicine and Military Medicine, where students and medical interns can complete a two-year training program to become reserve medical service officers and receive a military rank.

The university also operates and continues to develop a simulation training center, where students acquire professional competencies in accordance with professional standards.

Under key programs of the National Health Service of Ukraine, TNMU runs a dental department, a mental health center, and a primary healthcare center.