The solemn diploma award ceremony of Class of 2023 of the Medical Faculty – Sofia was held on 20th February 2024 in Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture.
In the presence of the academic management and staff of the Medical University – Sofia, as well as of many official guests, relatives and friends of the graduates, 596 young doctors (239 Bulgarian graduates and 357 foreign graduates from 31 countries) received their diplomas for completed higher medical education.
Among the guests of the ceremony were the Minister of Innovation and Growth Mrs. Milena Stoycheva, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science Prof. Genka Petrova-Tashkova, the Deputy Minister of Health Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petko Stefanovski, the Deans of faculties at the Medical University- Sofia, representatives of embassies and other official guests.
Congratulatory addresses were received from the Deans of the Medical faculties of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and Trakia University- Stara Zagora, as well as from the Rectors of the Medical Universities in Varna, Pleven and Plovdiv, the academic management of the Faculty of Dental Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Medical University – Sofia, the academic management of the Department of Language Education and Sports, the academic management of the Medical College “Yordanka Filaretova” and the branch “Prof. Dr. Ivan Mitev” – Vratsa. The National Council of the Bulgarian Red Cross, the Chairman of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Medical Association Dr. Ivan Madzharov, the Governor of the National Health Insurance Fund Mr. Stanimir Mihaylov, the Embassies of Greece, United Kingdom, Germany, etc., also sent their congratulations on the occasion of the graduation of Class of 2023 of the Medical faculty- Sofia.
For another year the official event was hosted by Mrs. Evelina Pavlova, and the performances of the “Tenors” trio contributed to the solemn mood of the ceremony.
The solemn ceremony began with the sounds of the national and European anthem.
In his welcome speech Prof. Dr. Boycho Landzhov emphasized the fact that the Medical University – Sofia is a higher medical school with centuries-old traditions, with proven authority and with a view to the future. He wished the graduates a successful realization on the path of the noblest and most humane profession: “I sincerely hope that your professional path will be marked by many successes and satisfaction with what has been achieved. Show irreconcilability to all injustices, and always follow the ethical values and norms of behavior conveyed to us by the father of Medicine Hippocrates. Be an example for our society and protect human health and dignity. The Medical University of Sofia is a territory of spirit and knowledge, common principles, shared values, dreams and high morals, built over a century by our predecessors. Following tradition and drawing new horizons for higher medical education, I believe that we have given you the best and most valuable one can learn during the period of professional training.”
The Dean of the Medical Faculty Prof. Dr. Dimitar Bulanov wished young doctors to keep learning and to develop their professional skills, intellect, spirituality and humanity, as well as to be guided by the universal ethical principles – legality, honesty, mutual respect, loyalty and tolerance.
In his congratulatory speech to the graduates Prof. Dr. Dimitar Bulanov paid special attention to the fact that many students from Class of 2023 were volunteers in the COVID units: “Now is the time to express my admiration for you and pride that you were part of the real battle for life in this difficult and critical period for our country and our people, and you have demonstrated courage, knowledge, strong spirit and responsibility long before the Hippocratic Oath.”
Prof. Dr. Dimitar Bulanov also addressed the academic lecturers of the Medical Faculty and expressed his gratitude for their professionalism and hard work: “With great satisfaction and pride, I congratulate you on your successes in science, in healing as well as in teaching. Thank you for your dedication, professionalism and patience with which you convey your experience and knowledge to our students. You educate them, introduce them to the specifics of our art, show them the importance of traditions and the power of modern knowledge as well as keep in them the ambition and skills to work and be prepared for the challenges of the medical profession.”
Dr. Elitsa Zafirova and Dr. Teodora Alexandrova graduated with honors.
They received the award “Golden Hippocrates” as well as prizes from the Sofia Medical Union.
Dr. Blagomir Zdravkov, the Executive Director of the Specialized Children’s Hospital “Prof. Ivan Mitev” in Sofia, received a donation “Check for the Children’s Hospital” from the graduates of Class of 2023.
The ceremony ended with a photo of all graduates and the applauses of the academic management and staff, guests, relatives and friends of Class 2023.
Photos of the diploma award ceremony can be viewed here.