A celebration of perseverance, ambition, and dedication

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A smiling woman in a graduation gown and cap raises an open diploma folder above her head. Beside her stands a man in a ceremonial rector’s robe.
They have had six difficult years and demanding medical studies, made even more exceptional by having completed the course abroad, far from family and familiar surroundings. Nevertheless, 68 English Division graduates of Class of 2026 proved that perseverance, ambition, and dedication lead to their dream goal – taking the physician’s oath and receiving a diploma. Today, they return to their home countries enriched not only with a degree, but also with knowledge, experience, and the courage to help others.

Graduates of the English Division celebrated their success on June 26 at the National Philharmonic. On this joyful day, they were accompanied by university and faculty authorities as well as their nearest and dearest, who arrived from different parts of the world to attend the ceremony.

Guests at the event were welcomed by Dr. hab. Prof.Jacek Sieńko, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine for the English Division and host of the ceremony.

“This is one of the most important moments in the life of the university, when we honor years of study, discipline, and perseverance, and we welcome our graduates into the community of physicians,” emphasized Vice Dean Sieńko while opening the ceremony.

Seeing the person, not just the disease

The day of graduating from medical school is a symbolic moment, marking the completion of one demanding stage of life and the beginning of another, equally challenging, yet one that offers a real sense of purpose and fulfillment.

“The medical profession is unlike any other. It requires not only intellectual discipline but also enormous empathy, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the good of humanity,” noted Prof. Paweł Włodarski, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. “Always remember the person behind the disease. Treat every patient with the dignity, respect, and compassion they deserve. In return, you will experience moments of great joy and deep satisfaction when you succeed in overcoming difficult illnesses.”

The Dean urged graduates that in moments of doubt, uncertainty, or failure—which are inseparable aspects of a physician’s work—they should remember the purpose that guided them in choosing medical studies: the desire to help those in need. 

Success that is born within a community

Studying abroad requires courage to leave a safe and familiar environment, as well as self-reliance, resilience, and the ability to adapt to a new international setting. It was exactly this attitude that Rector Prof. Rafał Krenke particularly acknowledged among the protagonists of the ceremony. But not only them—words of appreciation were also directed to their families and loved ones, fellow students, and academic staff—all those who supported the graduates along this challenging journey.

“I have no doubt that the success we are celebrating today is above all a testimony to your hard work, dedication, and perseverance. However, achievements of this magnitude are never accomplished alone. Throughout your medical journey, you benefited from the support, encouragement, and kindness of many people who believed in you and stood by your side tirelessly.”

The Rector also reminded everyone that it is the duty of every university to uphold high standards of conduct, mutual respect, and meaningful interpersonal relationships.

“Academic excellence is the foundation, but it is the quality of our relationships and commitment to others that build a true academic community,” he added.

He also thanked the graduates for creating a vibrant scientific community that fosters dialogue and mutual understanding.

Presentation of diplomas and awards

The graduates took an oath to, among other things, fulfill all legal obligations, uphold the dignity of the medical profession, and provide help to those suffering without discrimination. They then received their diplomas from the Rector and the Dean. Several of them were also honored with additional awards:

  • Golden Laurel of the Graduate for the highest grade average achieved during studies was awarded to Moaad Safi;
  • Distinction for high academic performance was awarded to Mays Abu Salah;
  • The “Golden Badge” of the Student Scientific Society of WUM for scientific activity was awarded to Gwan Yong Lim;
  • Award from IFMSA-Poland Warsaw Branch for outstanding contribution to the organization was given to: Karolina Lach, Wyven Kai Xu Chang, Salim Kaddura, Ananya Saha;
  • Special thanks for involvement in the student council of the English Division were given to Sylvie Marie Régine Etienne and Alexander Nicholas Steiner.

Mindfulness and kindness in the doctor–patient relationship

“It was an honor and a true pleasure to walk this path with you over the past six years,” said Moaad Safi to his colleagues. “Today I can proudly say to you all—congratulations, we are doctors!”

On this occasion, the graduate asked for one thing: that they always remember that for their patients they will be more than just specialists—they will become trusted guides who dispel anxiety and bring clarity, help fight illness, and protect patients’ privacy.

“It is precisely the weight of this responsibility that makes our profession so noble. Therefore, my dear doctors, carry this responsibility faithfully,” Safi emphasized. “Treat patients with dignity, listen attentively, and speak to them with full respect.”

At the end, Moaad Safi, on behalf of the graduates, thanked in their native language:

“We thank Poland for becoming our home. We thank all the people we met along the way for their patience, help, and kindness. Thanks to you, we felt welcome here!”

“Looking back, it is hard to believe how much we have achieved. We arrived in Warsaw full of emotions, expectations, and hope, beginning a completely new chapter of our lives. We came from different parts of the world, had different experiences, and did not fully know where this journey would take us, but we shared one common goal,” said Aleksandra Frankowska, year representative of the Class of 2026.

She recalled pre-clinical and clinical classes, exam preparations, and the many achievements of her fellow students—participation in conferences, publications, research projects, and internships in prestigious laboratories and hospitals. She emphasized that, combined with the experience of living abroad, far from home, this stands as proof of the enormous effort the graduates made to earn their long-awaited degree.

"However, among all these academic achievements, we must not lose sight of the other side of medicine—the one seen by our patients. They will not remember our grants and publications, but rather how we spoke to them, how we held their hand in difficult moments, how we protected their dignity when they were most vulnerable, and that we stayed longer at work to comfort and support them. I hope that we will always nurture these skills within ourselves, never forgetting why we chose this profession,” concluded Aleksandra Frankowska.

What makes a good doctor?

“As I am a researcher, I decided to approach this question scientifically. You know I value evidence. Naturally, I needed a dataset,” said Dr. habil. Maciej Niewada from the Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, a lecturer highly respected by the graduates and chosen by them to deliver the graduation speech.

To answer the question, the speaker asked four people—two professors, his father (a physician), and his wife—to each provide one word describing the ideal doctor. He expected that from these responses a single common adjective would emerge. However, he received four different descriptions: empathetic, respectful, wise, and effective. The attempt to reduce them to one conclusion did not succeed, but it became a valuable lesson that data alone is not enough, as it requires interpretation, experience, and humility in the face of complex reality.

Instead of presenting a single unified answer to the graduates, he advised:

“Dare to answer this question yourselves. Dare to discover what kind of doctors you want to become. Dare to take full advantage of this beautiful, inspiring, and deeply meaningful profession. But also be brave enough to accept uncertainty, risk, and even failure. And finally,” he added, “to find the right answer, you need only one guiding principle: the good of the patient.”

The graduation ceremony culminated in a violin and harp concert. The final highlight was the traditional throwing of caps and a commemorative group photo of the graduates.

At the graduation ceremony, in addition to those already mentioned, the following also took part: Prof. Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska, Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs and Investments; Dr. hab. Justyna Teliga-Czajkowska, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences; Prof. Jolanta Kostrzewa-Janicka, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences; Prof. Olga Ciepiela, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy; Prof. Bożena Werner, Vice-Dean for the English Division in 2011–2019; Dr. Agnieszka Dobrowolska and Prof. Ewa Romejko-Wolniewicz from the Faculty Committee for Education Quality at the Faculty of Medicine; Vice-Deans of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Aneta Nitsch-Osuch, Prof. Tadeusz Grochowiecki, and Prof. Renata Główczyńska; students—members of faculty student councils and student organizations; the families and friends of the graduates; as well as Dr. Łukasz Janowski, President of the Supreme Medical Council, and Dr. Artur Drobniak, President of the District Medical Council in Warsaw.

The musical accompaniment for the event featuring the hymn “Gaude Mater Polonia”, the university anthem “Medycyna”, and “Gaudeamus Igitur” was provided by the Choir of the Medical University of Warsaw under the direction of Daniel Synowiec.

A woman in a graduation gown and cap poses for a photograph while holding a diploma and a commemorative paddle. In the foreground, another woman is taking her picture.
Two men in graduation gowns and red stoles stand side by side and pose for a photograph.
A smiling woman in a graduation gown and cap stands among a group of graduates seated in an auditorium.
A man in a graduation gown and cap looks toward the camera while seated among other graduates wearing academic attire.
A university choir performs on stage. Women and men dressed in formal black and green concert attire hold music folders in their hands while a man conducts the ensemble.
Graduates in academic gowns sit in an auditorium facing a stage where university authorities are seated and a speech is being delivered.
A man in a red academic robe speaks at a lectern equipped with a microphone. A university banner and the Polish flag stand behind him.
A man in a ceremonial academic robe stands at a lectern and delivers a speech. A large floral arrangement is placed in front of the stage.
Women and men in academic robes sit on stage during a graduation ceremony.
A man in a ceremonial rector’s robe speaks at a lectern. Other members of the academic community are seated behind him.
A group of male and female graduates in academic gowns and caps stand in an auditorium during the ceremony.
A man wearing glasses and a graduation cap sits in an auditorium and looks toward the stage.
A graduate holds an open commemorative book in their hands and reads its contents while seated among other participants of the ceremony.
Three men pose for a photograph on stage. The graduate in the center holds a diploma folder and a framed certificate in his hands.
A woman in a graduation gown and cap poses with two men in ceremonial academic robes. She holds a diploma folder in one hand and a university gift bag in the other.
A man in a graduation gown and cap poses with two university officials in ceremonial robes while holding an open diploma folder in his hands.
A male graduate walks across the stage with his arms outstretched after receiving recognition during the ceremony.
A woman in a graduation gown and cap poses with two men in ceremonial academic robes. She holds an open diploma folder in her hands.
A man in a graduation gown and cap stands between two university officials in ceremonial robes and holds an open diploma folder in his hands.
A male graduate in a cap and gown stands between two university officials in ceremonial robes and holds an open diploma folder in his hands while posing for a photograph.
A smiling woman in a graduation cap and gown receives a diploma folder from a university official. Another official in a ceremonial robe stands behind her.
A woman in a graduation cap and gown poses between two university officials in ceremonial robes while holding an open diploma folder and a diploma certificate in her hands.
A male graduate in a cap and gown raises a diploma folder above his head as he celebrates receiving his diploma. University officials stand beside him.
A smiling woman in a graduation cap and gown receives a diploma folder from a university official in a ceremonial robe.
A woman in a graduation cap and gown shakes hands with a university official in a ceremonial robe. A diploma certificate is visible in the foreground.
A male graduate in a cap and gown poses between two university officials in ceremonial robes while holding an open diploma folder and a diploma certificate in his hands.
A woman in a graduation cap and gown receives a diploma folder from a university official. Another official in a ceremonial robe watches the ceremony.
A smiling woman in a graduation cap and gown poses between two university officials in ceremonial robes while holding an open diploma folder and a diploma certificate in her hands.
A smiling woman in a graduation cap and gown poses between two university officials in ceremonial robes while holding an open diploma folder and a diploma certificate in her hands.
A woman in a graduation cap and gown shakes hands with a university official in a ceremonial robe while receiving her diploma.
A woman in a graduation cap and gown shakes hands with a university official in a ceremonial robe while holding a diploma folder.
A male graduate in a cap and gown stands with two university officials in ceremonial robes and a woman in a blue dress. He holds a diploma and a gift bag in his hands.
A woman in a graduation cap and gown receives a red rose from another woman. She holds a diploma folder in one hand and looks surprised and happy.
A man in an academic gown stands at a lectern and delivers a speech. A large floral arrangement and the faculty banner are placed nearby.
Three graduates in caps and gowns pose with two women and two university officials. The graduates hold diploma covers, flowers and gift bags in their hands.
Two graduates stand with university officials and academic staff. The man holds a certificate and a gift bag, while the woman holds a bouquet of flowers, a certificate and a gift bag.
A close-up of a graduate’s hands resting on their lap. A red stole embroidered with the words “Class of 2026” and “Graduate” is draped over the academic gown.
A male graduate in a cap and gown stands at a lectern and delivers a speech during the graduation ceremony.
A wide view of the graduation ceremony in a concert hall. Graduates and university officials sit on stage while a speaker addresses a large audience.
Male and female graduates in academic gowns, caps and red stoles sit in an auditorium and applaud during the graduation ceremony.
A woman in a graduation gown, cap and glasses stands at a lectern and delivers a speech. A faculty banner is displayed behind her.
Two female musicians perform on stage. One woman plays the violin and the other plays the harp while university officials and graduates sit behind them.
A large group of graduates and university officials pose for a commemorative photograph on stage. Many of them hold white roses in their hands.
Family members and guests stand in the auditorium and take photographs with their mobile phones during the graduation ceremony.
Graduates, university officials and guests gather in a hall. Several graduates throw their caps into the air while celebrating the completion of their studies.
Four women in graduation gowns and caps pose for a photograph near a marble staircase. Two people hold mobile phones in their hands while taking their picture.
Three women pose with a female graduate in a graduation cap and gown. The graduate holds bouquets of flowers in her arms, and pink balloons float above the group.
A female graduate in a graduation gown and cap poses with three family members in front of a university backdrop. She holds a red rose in her hand, while two women hold bouquets of flowers.