On 23 July, graduates from the following programmes celebrated together: the first- and second-cycle Dietetics programmes, the second-cycle Nursing programme, the second-cycle Midwifery programme, the first-cycle Emergency Medical Services programme, and the first- and second-cycle Public Health programmes. Although they represented different fields of study, they all left the Medical University of Warsaw with much more than a diploma—they gained experience, knowledge, and values that will guide them throughout their professional lives. During the ceremony, they listened to congratulations, best wishes, and some advice to help them find their place in their future careers.
The ceremony was hosted by Prof. Robert Gałązkowski, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Words of recognition from the University authorities and the Ministry
“We are proud to be sending out another outstanding graduating class of young professionals into the world,” said Professor Marek Kuch, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education. And he added, “We wish you every success. Never forget where you came from, and always remember your dreams. As for us, we will support you in every way possible.”
The graduates were also congratulated by Katarzyna Kacperczyk, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Health.
“Today’s celebration is the result of perseverance, dedication and systematic work. It has not been an easy task, as medical studies are exceptionally demanding,” emphasised Katarzyna Kacperczyk.
The most important thing is care for others
Completing medical studies marks the beginning of a new stage, one that is inseparably linked with responsibility for the health and lives of others. Although many graduates had already gained experience working with patients, it was made clear during the ceremony that it is the patients who are the reason for, and the most important goal of, all our efforts carried out within healthcare.
“I ask you to show empathy in your approach to patients. Always remember that we are here for them; therefore, be good people,” urged Prof. Robert Gałązkowski, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
“Regardless of where you work, a human being will always remain at the centre of your actions: not a medical case, not a medical procedure, not a test result, but a person who will need your knowledge, support, and understanding, and sometimes - nothing more, yet nothing less, than - your presence,” stressed Dr hab. Patryk Rzońca, Vice-Dean for Dietetics and Emergency Medical Services.
Professionals the contemporary world needs
The development of artificial intelligence, climate change, population ageing, and medical misinformation are phenomena that are increasingly affecting our health and safety. It is therefore essential that people with the appropriate skills and competences are able to cope with the consequences.
“The modern world needs specialists with an interdisciplinary approach and knowledge, and open-minded horizons,” emphasised Dr hab. Filip Raciborski. “It needs people who not only understand the changes taking place around them, but are also able to adapt to them and propose new solutions. I am confident that the graduates leaving the walls of the Medical University of Warsaw today embody precisely these qualities.”
In his lecture, Dr Tomasz Warężak from the Department of Prevention of Environmental Hazards, Allergology and Immunology addressed the role of graduates in facing future challenges. He emphasised that the courage to take action, the search for new solutions, and collaboration are what enable us to effectively respond to genuine social needs.
“Today, I would not like to speak of you simply as people who have completed their studies, but rather as the architects of tomorrow’s health. An architect does not step in only when a structure begins to collapse. An architect thinks ahead, brings together different perspectives, anticipates risks, and creates the conditions that allow people to live safely.”
The oath-taking ceremony and awarding of diplomas
A key moment of the ceremony was the taking of the oaths. The graduates pledged, among other things, to provide professional care for human health and life, to come to the aid of others regardless of race, religion, or social and financial status, to show respect for patients and members of the healthcare team, and to continuously improve their skills. After taking the oath, they received their diplomas and letters of congratulations.
A path that transforms someone’s life for the better every day
An integral part of every graduation ceremony is the speeches delivered by students and the main protagonists of the event - the graduates themselves. During the ceremony, there was no shortage of words of gratitude addressed to families and loved ones , academic teachers, and fellow students. It was also a time for best wishes and reflection as the graduates stood on the threshold of a new chapter in their lives.
Maria Jędrzejczyk, Chair of the Student Government of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Medical University of Warsaw (WUM), congratulated the graduates, praising their determination, perseverance, and hard work.
“From today onwards, you will accompany people through the most difficult, but also the most beautiful moments of their lives. It is both a responsibility and a privilege,” she stressed. “In the medical professions, people may not always remember the names of procedures or medications, but they remember the person who stood by them when they needed support. May this awareness be not only a responsibility, but also a motivation to practise your profession to the best of your ability.”
Agnieszka Sobolewska, who spoke on behalf of the nursing graduates, reminded the audience in her speech that, while knowledge and professional competencies are indispensable in healthcare professions, it is humanity, humility, and the ability to build relationships that enable patients to place their trust in healthcare professionals.
“The greatest achievement of a healthcare professional is not simply acquiring more and more knowledge, but being able to keep their heart while gaining that knowledge,” said Agnieszka Sobolewska.
“I wish us the knowledge to take action, the courage to speak up, the humility to continue learning, and the attentiveness to always see the person, not merely the medical case. May this diploma serve as a commitment to protecting the values on which our profession is built,” emphasised Marta Przygodzka, a representative of the midwifery graduates.
Studies are about more than textbook knowledge
They are also a time of shaping character. Alma Sieklucka, a graduate of Emergency Medical Services, highlighted that the years spent at WUM allowed her and her fellow students to develop sensitivity, strength, and readiness to help others, regardless of the circumstances.
“Now, in hospital emergency departments and emergency medical teams, where we face real-life situations and human tragedies, we will prove who we truly are,” she said.
“Our studies taught us systematic approach, perseverance, and patience, and they also showed us the value of mutual support,” added Weronika Witkowska, speaking on behalf of the dietetics graduates.
She thanked the University for the opportunity to learn from distinguished specialists, pursue her passions, and strengthen the belief that, in healthcare professions, learning never truly ends.
“WUM was a place where we grew, searched for our own paths, and gradually discovered what truly matters to us,” emphasised Agata Piotrkowska, who spoke on behalf of the Public Health graduates. “Our Alma Mater also showed us what an academic community truly means.”
As Agata Piotrkowska noted, in a few years’ time, memories of difficult exams and lecture topics will fade, but the memory of the people who helped transform difficult moments into a little easier ones and good moments even better will remain.
In addition to the individuals mentioned above, the graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Health Sciences was attended by: Prof. Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk, Vice-Rector for Human Resources and Operations; Prof. Janusz Wyzgał, Deputy Chair of the Health Sciences Discipline Council; faculty deans and vice-deans: Prof. Aneta Nitsch-Osuch, Dr hab. Piotr Regulski, Prof. Olga Ciepiela, vice-deans of the Faculty of Health Sciences: Dr hab. Justyna Teliga-Czajkowska, Dr hab. Łukasz Czyżewski, Dr Marta Kijak-Bloch; and the WUM Chancellor. Representatives of the Faculty Council of Health Sciences, the Faculty's departments, and the Faculty administrative office also attended the ceremony
The invited guests included, among others: Anna Brzezińska, member of the Board of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship; Joanna Wicha, member of the Polish Parliament; Dr Barbara Mazurkiewicz, Vice-Chair of the Warsaw Regional Council of the Regional Chamber of Nurses and Midwives; Justyna Mieszalska, President of the Management Board of the WUM Medical Centre; Dr Marcin Podgórski, Director of the Polish Medical Air Rescue Service; Dr Przemysław Rzodkiewicz, Deputy President of the Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tarification; and hospital directors.
