TNMU Mourns the Passing of Ivan Smiyan

The Rectorate, Trade Union Committee, staff and students of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ivan Smiyan (10 January 1929 – 9 October 2026), an outstanding scholar, Academician of the Academy of Sciences of the Higher School of Ukraine, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Rector of TNMU from 1981 to 1997, and Head of the Ternopil Regional Association of Paediatricians.

Ivan Smiyan devoted his life to medicine, science and education. During his nearly 17 years at the helm of the University, he made an invaluable contribution to its development and supervised the training of 43 Doctors and Candidates of Sciences.

He was one of those remarkable individuals whose boundless energy and determination never allowed them to rest on their achievements. A leading expert in paediatric gastroenterology, nephrology and balneology, Ivan Smiyan authored and co-authored more than 700 scientific and educational publications, including 72 monographs and textbooks. His international recognition was affirmed by the inclusion of his name in the book 2000 Outstanding People of the 20th Century, published by the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge.

Until his final days, he remained a devoted patriot of Ukraine. Even on his 95th birthday, Ivan Semianovych donated all the gifts he received to provide effective support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, helping to sustain our defenders and bring victory closer.

We will remember him as a wise scholar who revealed the boundless power of knowledge to others and as a highly qualified physician who dedicated his life to safeguarding children’s health.

During these days of profound sorrow, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Ivan Smiyan’і family, loved ones, colleagues and students. We share in your pain and immeasurable grief.

We bow our heads in mourning and pray for the repose of his soul. The cherished memory of Ivan Smiyan will forever remain in our hearts.

May he rest in eternal peace.