With a ceremonial event, MU–Varna celebrated two significant milestones in its history—the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine. The event brought together members of the academic management of the University, faculty members, current and former heads of departments and the Faculty, students, alumni, and guests.
The celebration was opened by the Rector of Medical University – Varna, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov, DSc, who emphasised that the history of the University is the history of generations of educators and physicians whose professionalism and dedication have established the reputation of the higher education institution as a leading centre for medical education, research, and healthcare. In his welcome address, he highlighted the 65-year tradition of medical science in Varna, the importance of continuity between generations, and the mission of the University to educate highly qualified professionals devoted to safeguarding human health and life.
Prof. Dr. Nikola Kolev–Head of the Department of General and Operative Surgery and Vice-Rector for Postgraduate Studies at MU – Varna also delivered a congratulatory address on the occasion of the two anniversaries. In his address, he underscored the significance of Propaedeutics as the foundation of clinical education and expressed his respect for the generations of faculty members who have created one of the most prestigious academic schools at the University.
As a token of appreciation for his contribution to the development of Medical University – Varna and on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Kolev presented Prof. Dr. Yoto Yotov with a commemorative statuette symbolising continuity between generations, professional unity, and respect for those who have devoted their lives to medical science and education.
In her speech, the head of the Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Dimova, placed emphasis on the essential role of the Department as a school where future doctors take their first steps in clinical reasoning. She highlighted the continuity between generations of educators and reaffirmed the place of Propaedeutics as the foundation of medical education and clinical practice.
An emotionally charged highlight of the programme was the reminiscences of Prof. Dr. Zhaneta Georgieva—head of the Department from 2001 to 2015, who shared personal moments on the development of the academic school and conveyed an inspiring message to the younger physicians and educators.
During the ceremony, one of the youngest lecturers at the Department, Assist. Prof. Dr. Iliyan Kanchev, recipient of the Golden Hippocrates Award bestowed by the Class of 2024, presented contemporary approaches and future trends in the teaching of the discipline Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases.
The second part of the event was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine. The guests viewed a documentary chronicling the development of the Faculty through the perspectives of its former deans. The video narrative spotlighted key milestones in the academic advancement of the Faculty, its growing international recognition, and its contribution to the education of successive generations of physicians.
The current Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Emil Kovachev, outlined the principal priorities and future perspectives of the Faculty, related to the advancement of medical education, research activities, internationalisation, and the implementation of modern technologies in the educational process.
The culmination of the ceremony was the presentation of honorary plaques and certificates to faculty members, former deans of the Faculty of Medicine, heads of the Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases, and administrative staff in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the development of Medical University – Varna. The distinctions were an expression of gratitude to those whose dedication, professionalism, and commitment have, over the years, built and strengthened its distinguished reputation.
The Rector of MU – Varna conferred honorary plaques and certificates upon the former Deans of the Faculty of Medicine – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dimitar Karastatev, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marinka Peneva, Prof. Dr. Radoslav Radev, Prof.Dr. Zlatislav Stoynov, and Prof. Dr. Yoto Yotov.
As a token of gratitude and appreciation for their scores of years of dedicated academic and teaching activities within the Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases, the Head of the Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maria Dimova conferred honorary plaques and certificates upon Prof. Dr. Hristo Tzekov, Prof. Dr. Zhaneta Georgieva, Prof. Dr. Branimir Kanazirev, and Prof. Dr. Eleonora Dimitrova. Honorary certificates were also presented to Prof. Dr. Valentina Madzhova, Assoc.Prof. Dr.Krasimira Nenova, Dr. Yana Ginkova, Dr. Dafina Mazhdrakova, Dr. Miglena Kozhuharova, Dr. Margarita Trifonova, and Dr. Asen Yanchev.
Prof. Dr. Emil Kovachev presented honorary certificates to the staff of the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Medicine in recognition of their dedication and support in the administrative activities of the Faculty. The recipients were Ms Boyana Ivanova, Ms Petya Hristova, Ms Genoveva Stoyanova, Ms Galina Kirilova, Ms Reneta Dyankova, Ms Sirma Draganova, Ms Maria Kolarova, Ms Diyana Nikolova, Ms Dilyana Panayotova, and Ms Yuliya Angelova.
The ceremony came to a close with wishes for good health, continued academic success, and the preservation of the traditions that, for the past 65 years, have established Medical University – Varna as a centre of excellence in medical science, education, and innovation.
