A Local History Event “Ternopil – The City of Student Years” at TNMU

The Department Head opened the cultural-educational meeting. Professor Stepan Vadziuk noted, “Students of Ternopil National Medical University come from Ternopil as well as other regions of Ukraine. Feeling comfortable while studying is possible through good academic performance and understanding one’s connection to historical places and events.”

The first presentation was given by Yelyzaveta Myakhkota, who spoke on “The Historical Center of Ternopil – Valova Street,” focusing on the street’s origins and modern significance. The name “Valova” originates from the word “val” (embankment), and in the 16th century, this area was part of the city’s defensive structure. By the 18th–19th centuries, it became a significant trading artery, with one notable building being the former postal station.

Anastasiia Zaverukha introduced the audience to the invaluable contributions of Volodymyr Luchakivskyi, Ternopil’s first mayor, lawyer, local historian, and philanthropist. One of the city’s streets is named in his honor.

Sofiia Kotyk gave a fascinating presentation about the renowned singer and dedicated advocate of Ukrainian identity, Solomiya Krushelnytska, who was born in Ternopil region. One of Ternopil’s streets is named after her. The city is where she took her first professional steps, performing in the “Ruska Besida” choir, debuting at eleven.

Artem Kapshuk shared insights about Yulian Opilskyi (real name – Yulian Rudnytskyi), a notable Ukrainian writer and translator known for his significant role in developing the historical novel in Ukrainian literature.

Professor Vadziuk added that Yulian’s brother, Stepan Rudnytskyi, authored a “Geography of Ukraine” textbook at a time when discussing this was dangerous. He later emigrated to Kharkiv, where he initiated the establishment of the Geography Institute, but was later executed on November 3, 1937, due to accusations of nationalism.

Dmytro Krupa gave an exciting presentation on the Barvinskyi family.

Viktoriia Mosula discussed the historical milestones in establishing Ternopil National Medical University. She shared biographical details and the significant achievements of the university’s patron, Ivan Horbachevskyi.

Founded in 1957, Ternopil Medical Institute began under the leadership of its first rector, Petro Ohii, who guided its development until 1972.

The first day of classes took place on September 1, 1957, with three courses and an enrollment of 624 students. In 1959, the institute hosted its first scientific forum, a field conference of the Ukrainian Society of Pathophysiologists. The institute quickly became the region’s educational, scientific, healthcare, and cultural center. The academy was reorganized into I. Horbachevskyi Ternopil State Medical University by order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on November 17, 2004. On April 17, 2019, it was granted national university status.

Our university consistently ranks top among Level IV accredited medical institutions in Ukraine regarding overall performance.