Among our academic community
Professor Argenziano received the honorary title, the highest distinction awarded by the university, on the recommendation of the Faculty of Medicine and with the unanimous support of the senate. He accepted it during the ceremonial meeting of the WUM Senate on May 25.
“The Medical University of Warsaw recognizes outstanding researchers from Poland and abroad with the title of doctor honoris causa, whose collaboration with our university permanently and significantly enriches its achievements and is of key importance for the development of global medicine,” emphasized Prof. Rafał Krenke, Rector of WUM. “Dear Professor, we are honored to welcome you into our academic community.”
Creator of modern standards in skin cancer diagnosis
“Professor Giuseppe Argenziano belongs to a small group of physicians who change the way of thinking of entire generations of clinicians,” said Prof. Lidia Rudnicka, head of the Chair and Department of Dermatology at WUM, while reading the laudation she prepared.
She initiated and spearheaded the nomination process to award Professor Argenziano the title of doctor honoris causa. One of his most important achievements, highlighted in the laudation, is the development and dissemination of simplified melanoma dermoscopy. This method, thanks to its clarity, clinical usefulness, and high diagnostic value, has become a recognized standard in everyday medical practice worldwide and has improved the prognosis for many patients.
“Professor Argenziano made dermatologists around the world start photographing skin lesions with enthusiasm worthy of National Geographic photographers. Dermoscopic images often enable early detection of lesions, saving patients’ lives,” Prof. Rudnicka noted.
The professor’s scientific output includes over 1,000 articles with a Hirsch index above 100, published in renowned journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine and Nature Medicine, and cited more than 30,000 times. His work has repeatedly set new directions in the development of non-invasive diagnostic methods in dermatology. He is also a co-founder of the International Dermoscopy Society, which currently brings together 16,000 physicians worldwide. The organization has played a key role in disseminating and standardizing modern skin cancer diagnostics.
Friend of our university
An important aspect of Professor Argenziano’s scientific activity is his long-standing collaboration with the Polish academic community, especially with the Medical University of Warsaw.
“Thanks to Professor Argenziano, his inspiring lectures, discussions, and opportunities for academic exchange, we have developed research on modern skin diagnostic methods in our clinic,” Prof. Rudnicka emphasized.
WUM physicians have been able to train the clinic he leads, resulting in more than 50 scientific publications. All these activities have significantly strengthened the university’s position as one of the leading centers for research on modern skin imaging.
Words of recognition in the honorary diploma
The act awarding the title of doctor honoris causa emphasized the professor’s role as a promoter of dermoscopy, a master of teaching, and a visionary and creator of new directions in modern medicine. The Latin text of the document was read by Prof. Paweł Włodarski, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and then, together with Rector Prof. Rafał Krenke, he presented the diploma to Professor Giuseppe Argenziano.
From a passion for drumming to a love of medicine
“I am deeply moved. This distinction is the highest honor I have received in my entire career,” said Prof. Giuseppe Argenziano, honorary doctor of WUM.
Speaking with remarkable humility and humor about his life journey, the professor emphasized that although medicine had been present in his family for generations, with his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all being physicians, between the ages of 15 and 25, he dreamed of becoming a drummer and devoted himself passionately to music. His perspective changed when he became a father. It was then that he decided to pursue medicine.
“It was the happiest decision of my life,” said Prof. Argenziano. “I love my work because I can help people and solve their problems.”
He added that early in his career, he realized that only scientific advancement, publications, and research would allow him to permanently influence, improve, and change clinical practice standards, and thus save the lives of many more patients.
However, drumming remains one of his great passions, and he has achieved a high level of skill in it as well, as noted by Prof. Lidia Rudnicka.
“The concerts he organized together with fellow dermoscopists have already become legendary at dermoscopy conferences,” she revealed during her speech.
The ceremony was attended by, among others: Dr. Giada Sapienza, Luigi Ripamonti, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Italy in Warsaw, WUM vice rectors: Prof. Marcin Sobczak and Prof. Marek Kuch, Prof. Marta Struga, Chair of the Council of Medical Sciences Discipline, Prof. Sebastian Granica, Chair of the Council of Pharmaceutical Sciences Discipline, former WUM rectors: Prof. Marek Krawczyk and Prof. Zbigniew Gaciong, Prof. Marek Kulus, Chair of the Rector’s Committee for awarding honorary doctorates, Prof. Adam Liebert, Chair of the University Council, deans and vice deans of faculties, and members of the Senate.
