Petro Lykhatskyi Outlined the Development Strategy of TNMU at a Ceremonial Academic Council Meeting

A ceremonial meeting of the Academic Council of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, dedicated to the appointment of Professor Petro Lykhatskyi as Rector, took place on March 17, 2026, in the university’s administrative building. It should be recalled that, according to the results of the second round of elections, he received the most votes.

The ceremony began with the TNMU choir performing the national anthem. The Head of the Academic Council, Professor Mykhailo Korda, noted that for the fifth consecutive year, Ukrainians have been living under the conditions of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“Today, students, faculty, and university staff are on the front lines, in hospitals, saving the lives and health of our defenders. Today’s celebration is made possible thanks to them. Our university community has also suffered losses—more than 20 graduates, staff members, and students of TNMU. I ask you to honor all fallen heroes who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of Ukraine with a minute of silence,” he said.

Blessings from Spiritual Leaders

Metropolitan Nestor of Ternopil and Kremenets of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine noted that this is a significant and memorable event for the university.
“This is the day when the university gathers all its friends, who unite in prayer for a better future. A new rector begins his duties, who will continue to steer this powerful ship, like a skilled captain, toward new horizons. May the Lord bless the rector, the faculty, and all students!” he added.

Archbishop and Metropolitan of Ternopil-Zboriv of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Teodor Martyniuk, wished that with God’s blessing, the newly elected Rector and the entire TNMU staff would have fruitful and successful work, wise and responsible leadership, and significant achievements in training highly qualified medical professionals and scientists.
“May your work be grounded in high moral principles, accompanied by balanced decisions, and directed toward the development of the medical university,” he said.

Petro Lykhatskyi: “We Have the Will for Change”

Mykhailo Korda announced the official order appointing the rector of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University and, to the sounds of the academic anthem Gaudeamus, placed the rector’s mantle on the newly elected leader.

Addressing the audience, Rector Petro Lykhatskyi noted:
“Ternopil National Medical University is an institution that has been shaping Ukraine’s medical elite for decades and continues to implement its strategy in an era of tremendous change and challenges. This is essentially a roadmap of what the university will look like in the next 5–10 years. Education is the path to success. We must move away from rigid frameworks in our activities. Today, we must clearly understand that every higher education student has the right to choose educational components that will shape their specialization.”

He added that TNMU has a powerful simulation training center that enables students to master practical skills in conditions that closely mimic real-life situations. According to him, this center will develop into an advanced training hub for faculty, students, practicing doctors, and civilians.

“The university must be financially independent. We view TNMU as a European institution that exports educational services by diversifying its income. This includes attracting a large number of international students, generating revenue from clinical activities, and grant funding. Our goal is to implement dual-degree programs so that our students are competitive in the medical services market both in Ukraine and abroad. The university will continue participating in major international programs and consortia. We have vast experience, great potential, and most importantly, we have the will for change. Thank you all for your daily work in promoting our university and ensuring its leadership in international rankings. I believe that together we will build and glorify Ternopil National Medical University!” he emphasized.

Petro Lykhatskyi also expressed gratitude to the previous rector, Mykhailo Korda, for his tireless work.

Greetings from the Heads of Ternopil Universities

Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TNMU, Petro Hadz, noted that TNMU is one of the best higher education institutions in Ukraine and emphasized the unity and balance of its team.
“I wish the new rector to continue the work of his predecessor and never stop at what has been achieved. Moving forward is the key to success!” he said.

Rectors and vice-rectors of Ternopil universities came to congratulate Petro Lykhatskyi.

Rector of Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University, Bohdan Buyak, conveyed greetings from his academic community:
“It is a special honor for our university to see our graduates leading such a powerful medical education institution. We remember well where your leadership character and scientific passion were formed. I wish you strong immunity to bureaucracy, high resistance to stress, and chronic success in all your endeavors!”

Rector of Ternopil Ivan Puluj National Technical University, Mykola Mytnyk, congratulated the staff on democratic and transparent elections and wished the new rector inspiration, health, and a strong team.

Vice-Rector for Research of West Ukrainian National University, Mykola Dyvak, expressed gratitude for long-standing cooperation:
“Mykhailo Korda laid a strong foundation for interdisciplinary research between our universities. I wish the new rector inspiration, respect from students, and new achievements.”

Director of Ternopil Educational Complex No. 15, Oksana Mazurenok, emphasized that this event is important for the whole city, as it concerns not only leadership change but also a new development strategy.

Director of the Arsen Richynskyi Kremenets Medical Professional College, Petro Mazur, emphasized the long-standing cooperation between the two educational institutions.
“I wish you strong health, inspiration, resilience, patience with students and faculty, and productive work for the development of medicine,” Petro Mazur added.

Director of the Chortkiv Medical Professional College, Liubomyr Bilyk, shared the joy of the TNMU community on this day. He noted that he is always ready to lend his support and implement joint projects. Liubomyr Bilyk also recited a prayer to the guardian angel for everyone present in the hall, so that all future activities would take place under God’s protection.

Congratulations from Healthcare Leaders and Trade Union Representatives

Heads of medical institutions and trade union leaders congratulated Petro Lykhatskyi on his appointment.

Chairman of the Ternopil Regional Council of Trade Unions, Andrii Prysiazhnyi, noted that countries with the highest quality of life often have strong trade union traditions:
“You have elected a trade union leader as rector. I am confident you will have a strong social dialogue benefiting both staff and students.”

Chairman of the regional healthcare workers’ union, Volodymyr Kuziv, presented Lykhatskyi with a certificate of honor and wished him success and wise decision-making.

On behalf of the TNMU student community, congratulations were delivered by Student Parliament Head Oleksandr Mihenko and Head of the Student Scientific Society Viktoriia Miroshnyk.

With faith in victory and new strategic goals, the TNMU academic community embarks on this path, united by a shared commitment to strengthening medical education and building an independent Ukraine.