Matriculation of Ternopil State Medical University students

A ceremonial meeting of the Academic Council of Ternopil State Medical University took place on August 31, 2016. The event was dedicated to matriculation of students of medical, dental, and pharmaceutical faculties, faculty of international students and of the research institute of nursing. To share this moment with the  future doctors came their parents, friends and loved ones. Representatives of the clergy, Ternopil city mayor Sergiy Nadal, the head of Ternopil regional council Viktor Ovcharuk and the head of Health Department of Ternopil Regional State Administration Volodymyr Bohaychuk wished the freshmen successful studies.

Matriculation ceremonies started with a joint prayer and blessings from Reverend Fathers.

“Today, you do not just choose an occupation, but commit to an honorable vocation to serve others. Every day your work will be dedicated to saving health and lives of our countrymen. May your work be strengthened by blessings and prayers; may it receive the grace of the Lord’s hands so you too can work wonders. Let this day will be a memorable one, as you indeed assume an important responsibility. Let your future life and work be a conscientious service to others and merciful Lord will gift you with bounties and save you from evil”- addressed the freshmen Nestor, the Archbishop of Ternopil, Kremenets and Buchats of UOC KP.

The welcoming remarks from the Archbishop and Metropolitan of Ternopil and Zboriv of UGCC Vasyl Semeniuk, which were read by Bishop Theodore, stressed that the medical service has always been an honorable and respected profession.

TSMU rector, Mykhaylo Korda addressed the freshmen with these words: “Today is a special occasion for you, as you have taken the first step into adulthood. You are joining the cohort of Ternopil State Medical University students, one of the best medical universities of Ukraine. I say this with confidence and pride, because this year our institution of higher education once again has ranked first among the medical universities of Ukraine in the national sector ranking form the Ministry of Health. A month ago, the International Educational Portal “4 International Colleges & Universities” placed our University 13th among 148 universities of Ukraine, and the first among Ukrainian medical schools.

But I have to warn you, studying here will not be easy. This is a difficult and yet exciting and rewarding path. In any country in the world medical students learn much more and study harder than students of other specialties. Human health is an area that cannot be measured using conventional yardsticks, because it is wellbeing and happiness of every person. That is why the professions of doctor, dentist, pharmacist, nurse, and physical rehabilitation specialist  will always be among the most needed and respected.

Treating patients requires deep knowledge you will get in our university. We have created all conditions necessary for productive studies. Starting on the first day of your training you will begin gaining knowledge and experience indispensable for your medical career. I encourage you to pay especial attention to mastering practical skills. Many of our instructors have trained abroad, and in this university we strive to adopt best practices of leading European and American universities. Today we train more than fifteen hundred international students. You will become friends with many of them. This intercultural experience will broaden your horizons and extend your worldview “, – continued Mykhaylo Korda.

He also noted that TSMU students will not only have intensive training, but also have a chance to participate in interesting, rich and active student life. Ternopil State Medical University is a member of many academic exchange programs, so given successful study and excellent language skills, young people have the opportunity to study at universities in Europe for a semester or two, or train in clinical institutions abroad. Much attention is paid to involving students in research activities, so the Rector advised the freshmen decide on their specialization early on and start their research activities in any scientific group run by the departments.

“I also would like to mention our International Summer School, which we invite to attend the best medical students of Ukraine, Europe, USA and Canada. In addition, there are numerous performance art groups and athletic teams where you can develop all your talents. The administration will do everything it can to support each one of you and assist in fulfilling your potential”.

“You have the entire world open to you.  You are talented, young, smart, and full of promise. This country and this nation need you. I am sure you that you will become a new generation of national experts, proud citizens, highly educated and highly cultured. The health of the Ukrainian people and quality of medical services in this country will benefit from your diligent learning and continuous improvement of practical skills. We, as your mentors and teachers, will do everything we can to help you become highly qualified specialists”.

“It is important that you always remember that you have chosen the best and the most noble profession in the world. You need to have bright mind, sensitive heart and skillful hands. Be persistent, work hard and learn to use every moment to improve yourselves, compete with your colleagues and you are will certainly succeed in life and career. I wish you all the best! “- concluded Professor Mykhaylo Korda.

More than one hundred first-year students from other countries were among those starting new academic year. Mykhaylo Korda addressed them in English. In in this speech the rector stressed the importance of starting to study straightaway, on the first day, to be able to fully develop one’s skills and potential.

Greeting the freshmen, the Mayor Sergiy Nadal said that for everyone present in the audience today is a special occasion filled with dreams and hopes. He also noted that in addition to training professional medical staff, Ternopil State Medical University and its activities greatly contribute many aspects of life in the city, its  development and improve well-being of its population.

“May you always be persistent and find success. Take all you can from your teachers. When you become successful, so will the city and country. I urge you to be active participants in Ternopil public life, because civic activity contributes to positive changes happening in the city. I look forward to your suggestions how to make our city more comfortable. I would also like to congratulate the parents; this is a significant occasion for you. You can now proudly say that your children are students. They want to be more independent and mature, please do not restrain this desire. Give them the opportunity to realize their dreams while supporting if they tumble.

Dear Rector and the lecturers, it is also a special day for you. As such a large number of students have chosen your university; this once again confirms the high level of your institution. I wish you all a successful academic year; keep your enthusiasm, perseverance and faith! “- said Sergiy Nadal.

The head of Ternopil Regional Council Viktor Ovcharuk wished all students to be proud that they now study at Ternopil State Medical University. He stressed the importance of the medical profession and a great responsibility of those who commit to it.

The head of Health Department of Ternopil Regional State Administration Volodymyr Bohaychuk conveyed the greetings from RSA chairman Stepan Barna. In his speech, he noted that he is proud to be a TSMU alumnus.  “I am happy to see in this hall my teachers and fellow students. I am confident that you, dear freshmen, made the right choice, because this University will train you to become highly qualified specialists. It is a pleasure to greet you on this special occasion. You should recognize that it is up to you to steer the future of public health in this country “- said Volodymyr Bohaychuk.

Ternopil State Medical University faculty Deans also greeted the freshmen. Students interact and communicate with academic faculty daily and on August 31 the freshmen had an opportunity to become better acquainted with some of the professors and deans, and listen to the words of help, wisdom and support.

“I wish you peaceful skies, comforting family life, health, success and God’s blessing. May this be an easy journey, dear freshmen! “- said Dean of the Medical Faculty, Associate Professor Halyna Krytska.

Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, associate professor Dmytro Korobko recited the words of ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, who said, “Learn, and when the time comes apply what you’ve learned”. Dmytro Korobko said that the freshmen are only in the beginning of the learning path. “Time passes quickly, everything will come true. The more invest in the future now, the more benefits you will reap. Remember, people will rely on your helping them. Your knowledge, skills and humanity will allow the people of Ukraine face tomorrow with confidence. Remember, that helping people is our main goal, “- said Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Associate Professor Svitlana Boytsanyuk said that she is confident that all freshmen present here will  successfully master all nuances of the chosen specialty and become professionals. “Our university will foster your development. I wish all persistence, optimism, and good health, which is a foundation happy life and peaceful prosperity ,”- said Svitlana Boytsanyuk.

Dean of international students, Professor Petro Selskyi in English addressed the students from foreign countries. He said that studying at Ternopil State Medical University each of them will meet new friends and find experienced mentors, and that he is confident in their success and cloudless future.

“We are glad you’ve become a part of the extended friendly family of our alma mater. Your chosen profession comes with great responsibility, so every day of your training is particularly valuable. Today highly skilled nurses are in demand in the labor market, so you need to use every minute of your student life for self and professional development. Remember that luck favors those who persist and success those who are active “- said the director of the research institute of Nursing, Associate Professor Svitlana Yastremska.

After the words of contraptions and well wishes the students took an oath, read by Assistant Professor Hrygorii Zahrychuk.

Students with the highest GIE scores received their student IDs from Ternopil State Medical University Rector, Professor Mykhaylo Korda.

The celebratory event concluded with a performance by the student of medical faculty Ksenia Oliynyk, who  sung the song “Save a man”.