The project “MERIT – because competences have no borders” is implemented under the European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027 programme. It aims at improving practical clinical, technological and managerial skills and at the effective transfer of knowledge and solutions developed in renowned foreign centers to Poland.
“This project did not accidentally appear at our ministry. Based on my many years of experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and work at university, I know perfectly well how important international contacts are for the development of science,” said Katarzyna A. Kacperczyk, the Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Health, during the meeting. “It is relatively easier to obtain project funds for international student activity than for scientific exchange and research cooperation. That's why I've been thinking about an initiative like MERIT for a long time,” she added.
As she emphasized, a discussion with Michał Grąt, the Vice Rector of WUM for International Relations, Promotion and Development, constituted an important impulse for the implementation of this idea.
“Some time ago, I had the opportunity to meet Professor Grąt during an event in the European Parliament. He then told me how necessary and valuable this kind of undertaking would be for the university. I would like to thank him very much for this conversation, because if it were not for it, this effect might not have been possible today.”
Strong role of WUM in the nationwide project
“The unprecedented scale of funding for WUM confirms the special position of our university in the initiative. However, we are not merely recipients of support, but one of the key partners responsible for translating the objectives of the project into specific development activities,” admitted Rafał Krenke, the Rector.
The project is very flexible. WUM will be responsible for such areas as identifying training needs, preparing programs and schedules, recruiting participants, selecting foreign centers and experts, organizing visits and monitoring the quality and results of education. Therefore, the university co-creates the entire process – from defining the needs to using the acquired knowledge in everyday practice.
Benefits for the entire academic community
Support will be provided to physicians, nurses, midwives, other medical personnel, as well as the managerial staff from our departments operating in the public healthcare system. The participants will gain the opportunity to improve their clinical and technological skills and prepare for the implementation of modern, organizationally effective solutions.
For WUM, this means strengthening the clinical and educational potential, because the program will also benefit those involved in student education. In addition, the program offers an opportunity to expand the network of international contacts and facilitates access to the latest achievements in medicine. In the long term, this may yield lasting partnerships with foreign universities, hospitals and training centers.
From visits to permanent change
The participants will be able to participate in short training visits, longer internships abroad and benefit from the knowledge of experts invited by WUM. Participation is free of charge and the costs of travel, accommodation, per diem and training fees will be covered by the project funds.
However, the most important value of MERIT is not the trip itself. The imported experience will serve the entire teams and be used in teaching, work organization and clinical practice.
Therefore, a single training can initiate a wider change – from the dissemination of new methods to solutions improving the quality and safety of care.
“MERIT means Medical Excellence through Research and International Training,” explained Katarzyna Drążek-Laskowska, the Director of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Health. “The project is based on improving the practical, clinical and managerial competences of persons providing services in the public healthcare system. Its main objective is to support various forms of activities related to visits abroad to hospitals, institutes and departments.”
“We have received unprecedented funding. It's oxygen for the university and teaching hospitals. Those who leave will come back with new ideas, experiences and skills,” said Prof. Michał Grąt, the Head of the Department of Transplantation, General and Liver Surgery, the Vice Rector for International Relations, Promotion and Development.
Investment, the effects of which will also reach patients
MERIT combines individual professional development with the ambition to introduce changes in entire teams and facilities. The diagnostic and therapeutic methods and good organizational practices are supposed to support modern education of medical staff and translate into higher quality of services.
The involvement in MERIT strengthens the position of the University as a place where international experience becomes an impulse for the development of Polish medicine – for the benefit of students, employees, clinical partners and, above all, the patients.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health and the Medical University of Warsaw: Małgorzata Iwanicka-Michałowicz, Deputy Director of the Investment Assessment Department; Marta Sadowska from the International Project Coordination Department, responsible for the substantive coordination of MERIT; Katarzyna Koczkodaj, the financial supervisor of the project; Prof. Marcin Sobczak, the Vice Rector for Science and Technology Transfer; Prof. Marta Struga, the Chair of the Medical Sciences Discipline Council; Prof. Paweł Włodarski, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Prof. Agnieszka Mielczarek, the Dean of the Faculty of Dental Medicine; Prof. Piotr Luliński, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy; Dr Justyna Teliga-Czajkowska, the Vice Dean for Obstetrics at the Faculty of Health Sciences; Dorota Szubstarska, the Director of Scientific and Didactic Projects; Marzena Kowalczyk, the Director of the UCC WUM hospital, as well as heads of departments.
Information about the project and applications
