Prof. Michael Tong from the Chinese University of Hong Kong Delivered a Public Lecture Titled “Health, Wealth and Happiness” at MU–Varna
 Prof.
Michael Tong from the Chinese University of Hong Kong delivered a public
lecture on “Health, Wealth and Happiness" at MU–Varna. He
is a clinical professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head
and Neck Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of
Hong Kong. He served as head of the Otorhinolaryngology Division within
the Department of Surgery from 2003 to 2007, director of the
Department's academic divisions from 2007 to 2015, and chairperson of
the Department from 2015 to 2024. The
scientist is a pioneer in the development of advanced techniques for
endoscopic ear surgery, in the field of medical robotics, the
application of artificial intelligence in medicine, as well as
technological tools for neuroscience. The scope of his professional interests also covers the fields of Epidemiology, Public Health, and Adult Healthcare. Prof.
Tong is also a key member of the Brain and Mind Institute, the Gerald
Choa Institute of Neurology, INNOHK Centre for Multi-Scale Medical
Robotics, and the T-Stone Robotics Institute at the Chinese University
of Hong Kong. As a prominent surgeon
and otologist, he has secured numerous successful grants and authored
more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, contributing to his national
and international reputation in the field of General Otology, Cochlear
Implantation, Auditory Brainstem Implantation, and Nasopharyngeal Cancer
research. Prof. Tong's scientific interests also extend to
technological innovations for Minimally Invasive Surgery in
Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.  
The
lecture was organised under the project “MU-Varna: Enhancement of
Translational Excellence Achievement in Medicine (MUVE-TEAM)".
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The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov Welcomed at MU-Varna the President of Komatsu University in Japan Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Yamamoto
 The
Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov welcomed at MU-Varna the long-standing
partner and friend of the University, Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Yamamoto –
President of Komatsu University, a key figure at Kanazawa University in
Japan and an established scientist in the field of Biochemistry and
Molecular Vascular Biology. During the meeting between Prof. Raykov and
Prof. Yamamoto, opportunities for strengthening the cooperation were
discussed, with a focus on translational science and the effective
application of fundamental scientific discoveries in clinical practice. Prof.
Dr. Anton Tonchev, Director of the Research Institute at MU–Varna;
Prof. Dr. Mario Milkov, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation; and
Assoc. Prof. Aneta Dokova, Head of the International Cooperation
Department also participated in the meeting. The parties confirmed their
readiness to build upon their successful partnership, which dates back
to 2009. Prof. Yamamoto's research is
focused on studying the mechanisms of vascular damage in diabetes, and
the occasion for his visit to Varna is his participation at the Sixth
International Symposium on Adipobiology and Adipopharmacology. The
forum, organised by MU–Varna, is being held from 27 to 29 March and
brings together leading researchers from Europe, Asia, and America. The
discussions focus on metabolic diseases, adipose tissue, and modern
therapeutic approaches to obesity.
Within
the framework of the Symposium, Prof. Yamamoto will deliver a lecture
titled “Odyssey for Islets of Langerhans, Blood Vessels and Evolution",
in which he will present contemporary scientific advances shedding new
light on the mechanisms of diabetes and vascular pathology.
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Online meeting between the international departments of Medical University – Varna and Medical University – Innsbruck marked the beginning of a new academic collaboration
 Representatives
of the international departments of the Medical University of Varna and
the Medical University of Innsbruck held an online working meeting
dedicated to initiating a partnership between the two higher education
institutions. The meeting was
initiated by the Vice Rector for International Cooperation Prof. Dr.
Mario Milkov, who visited the Austrian university in January 2026 and
introduced the colleagues to MU – Varna. During
the talks, the possibilities for signing an inter-institutional
agreement under the Erasmus+ program, which would enable the exchange of
students, teachers and administrative staff, were discussed. Emphasis
was placed on mobility in the field of medicine, as well as on the
development of joint educational and research initiatives. The
two sides expressed their willingness to prepare and sign a Memorandum
of Cooperation that would outline the framework for future joint
activities - including participation in international projects,
organizing joint scientific forums, and exchanging good practices in the
management of international activities. The
meeting was held in a spirit of constructive dialogue and mutual trust,
emphasizing the common aspiration for internationalization and
sustainable development of the academic partnership. It is expected that
the agreements will be finalized in the coming months and the first
joint initiatives will be launched.
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The Rector of MU-Varna Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raikov Welcomed the Ambassador of India to Bulgaria H.E. Arun Kumar Sahu
 The
Ambassador of India to Bulgaria H.E. Arun Kumar Sahu paid an official
visit to Medical University - Varna. The guest was welcomed by the
Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raikov. The meeting was attended by members of
the academic management, representatives of the Dean's Office of
Medicine and the International Cooperation Department. At
present, more than 2 000 international students are studying in the
English-Language Training Programmes of Medicine and Dental Medicine at
MU-Varna. 246 of them come from India. Prof. Dr. Albena Kerakovska,
Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs emphasised that they constitute the
third largest international community at the University, and their
number is steadily growing. This academic year, there are 61 first-year
students from this country.
 
The
Dean and the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Yoto Yotov
and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Dimova also attended the meeting. They noted
that among the new class of young doctors who graduated at the end of
2025, there were also 17 graduates with Indian passports. One of them
has remained in Bulgaria and is currently specialising in Veliko
Tarnovo. The Dean's Office of Medicine also maintains contacts with
graduates from India from the previous classes who have been working
abroad. In the framework of
international cooperation, the Vice Rector in this sector Prof. Dr.
Mario Milkov emphasised that MU-Varna has long-standing fruitful
contacts with the universities of Delhi and Mumbai, with lecturers from
India attending numerous scientific conferences and forums organised by
the University. At the meeting H.E.
Kumar Sahu underlined that MU-Varna has an excellent reputation. He
pointed out that in the coming years, Varna was expected to see an
increase in Indian students interested in studying Medicine, Technical
Sciences, Economics, and Business. The Ambassador highlighted that for
Indian citizens residing in Bulgaria, our country is a good place to
study and live. The Ambassador referred to meetings with his compatriots
throughout the country, including doctors who have found professional
fulfilment in our medical institutions. As
part of his visit, His Excellency met with Indian students studying
Medicine, who shared their impressions of Varna and their studies at the
Medical University.
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The Ambassador of Ireland Paid a Visit to Medical University – Varna
.JPG) Video
The
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ireland to Bulgaria,
H.E. Catherine Bannon, visited Medical University – Varna. New
opportunities for partnership with the medical universities in Ireland,
both under the Erasmus+ programme and through bilateral agreements, were
on the agenda during the official meeting with the Rector Prof. Dr.
Dimitar Raykov, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs – Prof. Dr. Albena
Kerekovska, the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation – Prof. Dr.
Mario Milkov, and the Head of International Cooperation Department
– Assoc. Prof. Aneta Dokova. During
the discussion, it was highlighted that Irish citizens have a sustained
interest in MU-Varna. Currently, approximately 150 students from Ireland
are being educated at the University, and the number of new admissions
has doubled compared to last year. Following the meeting, H. E.
Catherine Bannon visited the University Library and the MU-Vi.tv studio.
.JPG) .JPG)
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Prof. Wu Xiao from Southwest Medical University, Luzhou – Guest Lecturer at MU–Varna
 Between
26–27 October 2025, the Medical University of Varna welcomed Prof. Wu
Xiao, a distinguished lecturer and clinician from Southwest Medical
University in Luzhou, China. The visit took place within the framework
of the academic cooperation agreement between the two institutions,
signed in 2025 with the support of the Embassy of the People's Republic
of China in Bulgaria. Dr. Wu Xiao is a
Professor and Chief Physician of Traditional Chinese Medicine, academic
supervisor of master's programs, and a holder of the honorary title
“Elite Scholar of Sichuan", awarded by the local government for
outstanding achievements in medical science and education.
On
27 October 2025, in Hall A of the Medical College – Varna, Prof. Xiao
delivered a public lecture entitled “Clinical and Scientific Research
Practice Based on the Preventive Traditional Chinese Medicine." The
lecture generated great interest among students, PhD students,
lecturers, and professionals from the academic community. In
her presentation, Prof. Xiao shared her extensive experience in
clinical practice, teaching, and scientific research in the field of
acupuncture and preventive medicine. She introduced innovative
approaches to the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the
prevention and treatment of diseases of the nervous, immune, and
endocrine systems.
 
During
her visit to Varna, Prof. Xiao also visited the University Center for
Eastern Medicine, headed by Prof. Dr. Paraskeva Mancheva. She met with
the Vice-Rector for International Relations of MU–Varna, Prof. Dr. Mario
Milkov, and his team, where they discussed opportunities for expanding
bilateral partnership and strengthening future academic collaboration. The
academic management of MU–Varna expressed their sincere gratitude to
Prof. Wu Xiao for her valuable contribution and shared expertise, which
enhance international cooperation, enrich academic exchange, and
contribute to the continuous improvement of the quality of medical
education at the university.
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MU-Varna initiates partnership with one of the oldest universities in Europe – the University of Catania
 Medical University – Varna is taking a significant step towards expanding its international academic cooperation by establishing relations with one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe – the University of Catania, Italy. The initiative was inspired by Prof. Isidorio Di Carlo after his meeting with the Rector of MU-Varna, Prof. Dimitar Raikov, during his visit to Varna on the occasion of the XIX International Congress on Coloproctology.
The initial discussions laid a solid foundation for future academic and scientific partnership between the two institutions. Interest in cooperation was further strengthened in November 2025, when Prof. Mario Milkov, Vice-Rector for International Relations at MU-Varna, participated as a lecturer in the 47th Congress of the Conventus Societas ORL Latina, held in Catania. During his visit, Prof. Milkov held a working meeting with the newly elected Rector of the University of Catania, Prof. Enrico Foti. They discussed future exchange programs, joint scientific forums, and opportunities for expanding academic initiatives between the universities. The new collaboration is expected to create new prospects for students, academic staff and scientific teams from both countries.
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The academic collaboration between MU–Varna and Bezmialem Vakıf University in Istanbul has been developing successfully
The academic collaboration between the Medical University of Varna and Bezmialem Vakıf University in Istanbul, officially established in June 2024 through the signing of a bilateral agreement, has been developing successfully and is already demonstrating its first significant results.
At the invitation of Prof. Dr. Svetlana Georgieva, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at MU–Varna, Assoc. Prof. Halil Şenol – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and lecturer at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Bezmialem Vakıf University – visited Bulgaria in November 2024. He participated in the Tenth Pharmaceutical Business Forum and the scientific-practical conference “New Horizons Between Science and Business,” held at the “Sunny Day” resort. During the forum, Assoc. Prof. Şenol presented the structure, research areas, and scientific infrastructure of the Faculty of Pharmacy in Istanbul, as well as opportunities for joint scientific projects.
In February 2025, the Medical University of Varna welcomed the Rector of Bezmialem Vakıf University, Prof. Rumeyza Kazancıoğlu. She visited University Hospital “St. Marina” and delivered a public lecture at MU–Varna titled “New KDIGO Guideline on Chronic Kidney Disease Management: What is New?”.
Later in 2025, Assoc. Prof. Halil Şenol visited the Faculty of Pharmacy once again, this time as a speaker at the scientific conference “New Horizons in Technology Transfer in Pharmacy,” held in Varna. His presentation focused on “Bioisosteric Design of Bicalutamide Analogues Targeting Prostate Cancer: Synthesis, Molecular Modeling and Biological Evaluations.”
In 2026, the partnership between the two institutions is expected to deepen through a long-term training mobility under the Erasmus+ programme. The collaboration will focus on developing expertise in computer modelling of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drug molecules. Planned training activities include work with advanced software such as Schrödinger Suite and integrated in silico platforms for ADME/Tox evaluation, QSAR modelling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations.
Assoc. Prof. Şenol has significant experience in the synthesis of new biologically active compounds and the application of computational methods to analyse their mechanisms of action. His expertise will support the training and professional development of the team at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at MU–Varna and will contribute to the implementation of modern standards in drug design.
The partnership between the two universities is expected to expand opportunities for joint scientific publications, project initiatives, and the development of a sustainable network for scientific and methodological collaboration.
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 MU-Varna participates in the celebrations of the Day of German Unity
Prof. Dr. Mario Milkov – Vice Rector for International Relations of the Medical University – Varna took part in an official reception on the occasion of the National Day of the Federal Republic of Germany – October 3rd.
In the presence of H.E. the Ambassador of Germany, Mrs. Irene Maria Plank, and the Honorary Consul, Mr. Nedyalko Nedelchev, Prof. Milkov offered congratulations on behalf of the Academic Management of MU-Varna and shared: "October 3 is a date of historical and spiritual significance - a symbol of the aspiration for freedom, democracy and unity. It embodies values that are the basis of a stable, peaceful and prosperous Europe. Germany is our long-standing partner and friend, with whom we are connected by traditions of mutual respect and fruitful cooperation. We particularly appreciate the support and interaction in the fields of medicine, science and education - areas that are of key importance for the future of our societies. I am convinced that our joint work will continue to strengthen the bridges between the young generations of doctors, researchers and specialists from Bulgaria and Germany."
During the solemn event, H.E. Plank expressed her gratitude to Mr. Nedelchev for his hard work and commitment to deepening bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Germany. |
 The Vice-Rector of MU-Varna Prof. Mario Milkov on a working visit to Timisoara, Romania
The Vice-Rector for International Relations at Medical University – Varna, Prof. Mario Milkov, participated in the 8th Congress of the Romanian Rhinologic Society with International Participation, which took place in Timisoara, Romania, from September 10-13, 2025.
During the event, Prof. Milkov held a working meeting with the Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara, Prof. Dr. Nicolae Constantin Balica. The meeting focused on opportunities for joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges and the organization of joint scientific events and publications.
The Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara is one of the most prestigious medical universities in Romania. It was founded in 1945 and offers high-quality education in the fields of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. The university is known for its research achievements and active international activities. |
 30 years of sustainable and fruitful cooperation with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece)
Medical University "Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov" - Varna and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) have maintained excellent academic ties for more than 30 years. The first bilateral academic cooperation agreement, signed on September 16, 1994, has been periodically renewed throughout the years of successful cooperation.
The initial connection was made through the collaboration of the Departments of Anatomy and Biology. The two departments had joint developments and publications. Later, after the meeting of the then Rector of MU – Varna, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Kamburov, with Prof. Dr. Achileas Turkantonis (Rector of the University of Thessaloniki), the idea of signing an agreement for bilateral academic cooperation was born, and the first such agreement signed at MU – Varna in 1994. Years of very intensive collaboration in the field of teaching and research followed between many different departments, as well as between our university hospitals. Three bilateral scientific meetings were organized between MU – Varna and the University of Thessaloniki. In 1996, 28 lecturers and habilitated persons, representatives of over 20 departments from MU – Varna participated in a bilateral scientific conference in Thessaloniki.
Prof. Dr. Achilleas Tourkantonis became an honorary doctor (doctor honoris causa) of MU - Varna at the first official ceremony for the awarding of this highest university title.
At that time, the joint project for the creation of a university computer network began, which was initiated with the active participation of Prof. Dr. George Anogianakis. Thanks to this project, the Information Center (IC) at MU - Varna was equipped with computers. The first telecommunication connection was also made - a teleconference between Prof. Dr. T. Temelkov and his colleague from Aristotle University.
At the initiative and invitation of Prof. George Anoyanakis, Medical University - Varna also participated in other joint projects under the INTERREG interregional cooperation program. Throughout the partnership, visits and exchanges of guest lecturers and specialists took place.
Later, Prof. Dr. Anelia Klisarova twice re-signed the academic cooperation agreement, which expanded to include lecturers from the University of Thessaloniki in the English language medical programme since 2004 and to the opportunity for students of MU - Varna to conduct their clinical internships at the University Hospital of Thessaloniki. Two doctoral dissertations by alumni and currently lecturers at the University of Thessaloniki were defended at the Medical University of Varna (Dr. Antonia Anogianaki in the field of physiology and Dr. Nikolaos Kozeis - in the field of ophthalmology).
Aristotle University was one of our first partners in the exchange of students under the ERASMUS program, which continues to this day with great interest from students of both universities. Throughout the establishment, development and maintenance of stable academic relations, the international cooperation departments play a key role in all these activities, continuing to work with consistency and initiative.
On July 8, 2025, during his visit to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece), Prof. Dr. Mario Milkov met with Prof. Dr. Stefanos Triaridis - Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. Both shared their satisfaction with the sustainable results of many years of collaboration, especially in the fields of anatomy, biology, physiology, imaging diagnostics, nuclear medicine, etc. Scientists from both universities participate in joint scientific forums, exchange valuable professional experience and participate in joint scientific projects.
Prof. Dr. Mario Milkov extended an invitation to Prof. Triaridis to participate in the 8th International Symposium on Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring in September 2025, as well as to give an honorary lecture to the academic community of the Varna Medical University.
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the largest university in Greece. It consists of 10 faculties, which include 40 schools and 1 faculty with one school.
Aristotle University has approximately 88,283 students, 77,198 in bachelor's programs, 6,588 in master's programs and 3,952 at doctoral level. The university employs 1,682 faculty members.
The Faculty of Medicine was recently ranked as the best medical faculty in Greece out of seven. It is the largest faculty at Aristotle University not only in Greece but also in the whole of Southeastern Europe. Since 1942, over 30,000 graduates have pursued brilliant careers, actively improving health standards in societies around the world.
The Faculty of Medicine has 82 medical departments and laboratories, 60 clinics in 7 city hospitals, 1 university hospital, 6 branches, 22 laboratories and 10 amphitheaters. |
 Old friendship and new horizons ahead of the partnership with the University of Rostock (Germany)
On June 26, 2026, the Vice-Rector for International Relations, Prof. Dr. Mario Milkov, visited the University of Rostock. He conveyed the greetings of Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov to the rector of the German university, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Prommer, and expressed his satisfaction with the successful exchange of students within the framework of the Erasmus+ program over the past more than ten years. The Rector of MU - Varna also shared his confidence that the intensity of our academic ties can be enriched with activities within the framework of a bilateral academic cooperation agreement. Prof. Milkov was received extremely warmly by his colleagues and personally by the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation Dr. Sibil Bachmann and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Berndt Krause. He was familiar with the modern educational and research facilities of the medical faculty at the German university. The following possible areas of cooperation were discussed at the working meeting - robotic surgery, bioimplants in the field of medicine and dentistry, nutrition, ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology.
The University of Rostock is a public university located in Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Founded in 1419, it is the third oldest university in Germany.
It is the oldest university in continental Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea region, and the eighth oldest in Central Europe. It is the fifth university founded in the Holy Roman Empire.
The university is associated with three Nobel laureates: Albrecht Kossel, Karl von Frisch and Otto Stern. It is a member of the European University Association. According to a ranking published by Times Higher Education in 2018, it is the most beautiful university in Germany and the fourth most beautiful university in all of Europe. Today, with around 14,000 students and nearly 3,000 employees in the healthcare sector, the University of Rostock offers fascinating perspectives in almost all scientific fields.
It has excellent interdisciplinary research areas in the natural and technological sciences, medicine, life sciences, humanities and cultural studies. |
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 Scientific achievements and new partnership opportunities with a prestigious Italian university
The Vice-Rector for International Relations of Medical University - Varna, Prof. Dr. Mario Milkov, took part in the prestigious
“5th course on surgical innovations and new technologies for sleep breathing disorders in the era of precision medicine", held in Rome, Italy (12-15 June 2025). The event, organized by Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, brought together world leading experts in the field of precision medicine. The congress featured lectures by world authorities, demonstrations of innovative surgical techniques and specialized simulation sessions, with a focus on personalized therapeutic approaches in modern medicine. As a member of the scientific group 3.2.2. "Obstructive sleep apnea and comorbidity" of the MUVE-TEAM project (No. BG-RRP-2.004-0009-C02), Prof. Milkov presented a scientific report, demonstrating the research achievements of the Bulgarian University to the international academic community. Participation in this forum confirms the leading role of MU-Varna in innovative sleep disorders research. Within the congress, Prof. Milkov held a meeting with the Rector of the Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma - Prof. Eugenio Guglielmelli, where they discussed the possibility of signing an afreement for academic cooperation between the two institutions. The Italian Rector expressed his willingness to develop bilateral collaboration, with the main focus on the exchange of students, trainees and lecturers, joint scientific projects and participation in international congresses and symposia.
The Biomedical University of Rome was established in 1993. It offers the student an educational experience aimed at his cultural, professional and human growth, conferring the acquisition of skills in a spirit of service. It promotes knowledge and the interdisciplinary of sciences and research in all areas that contribute to the good of the whole person.
An integral part of the structure of the university is the collaboration with the Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital. The University is organized into three faculties: Medicine and Surgery, Engineering and Science and Human and Environmental Technology.
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 New opportunities for cooperation with Semmelweis University in Budapest
On April 3, 2025, Prof. Mario Milkov visited Semmelweis University in Budapest, where he met with the then acting Director of the International Cooperation Directorate, Dr. Marcel Pop, and Prof. Peter Hermann - Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs. At the meeting, a letter was presented by the Rector of MU-Varna, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov, and a presentation of our university was made to the leadership of the Hungarian university. As result of the meeting, a process was launched to sign an academic cooperation agreement.
On 23.06.2025, an online meeting was held between the international relations departments of Semmelweis University in Budapest and the Medical University - Varna. The main goal of the meeting was to discuss the possibilities for expanding the partnership between the two institutions. Ideas were shared for implementing joint activities in the following areas: robotic surgery, transplantology, cardiology and cardiac surgery, sleep medicine and dentistry, as well as academic exchange of doctoral students and young scientists.
The Hungarian colleagues proposed that the Medical University of Varna join the symposia and summer schools organized by Semmelweis University with the universities of Heidelberg and Freiburg.
The two countries have agreed to expand the partnership under the Erasmus+ program. It is planned to start cooperation in the fields of dentistry and public health, in addition to medicine.
At the end of the meeting, colleagues from Semmelweis University extended an invitation to the rector and academic leadership to join the official opening ceremony of the academic year in August 2025.
Semmelweis University in Budapest is a leading institution in the field of medicine and health sciences in Hungary and the Central European region. It was founded in 1769.
It has 6 faculties and a doctoral school. The students number over 16,000, and education is offered in 3 languages – Hungarian, English and German.
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