Our university was represented by Acting Rector Prof. Robert Gałązkowski and Vice Rector for Science and Technology Transfer Prof. Piotr Pruszczyk. Also present were Prof. Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and Prof. Agnieszka Mielczarek, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.
A time of intense challenges
- As young doctors who stand at the threshold of your professional practice, you are beginning your journey full of challenges, full of new experiences, but also, I hope, great satisfaction from helping others. Both to our medical colleagues, to other medical professions, but most of all to patients - said Dr. Artur Drobniak, President of the District Medical Council (ORL) in Warsaw.
The President of the ORL stressed that the internship is such an intensive time in which freshly graduated medics will not only be able to put into practice what they have learned at college, but will also be accustomed to working in health care units.
- This is also the time when you will learn to work under demanding conditions - under pressure and under decision-making, as you will already be making your first decisions during your intership, which can be crucial to the health and lives of patients - Dr. Drobniak said.
To be a professional, to be a good person
The fact that the internship is an extraordinary journey was also emphasized by Prof. Robert Gałązkowski, Acting Rector of MUW. A journey that will allow young medics to develop their skills and competencies in practice, in the course of their daily professional duties. However, Prof. Robert Gałązkowski asked the graduates not to forget that in addition to knowledge and skills, their asset should be empathy, understanding and concern for others.
- These qualities make a doctor a true professional and a person in whom patients have confidence - said Professor Galązkowski, concluding his speech with the words: - I ask you very much to be good people.
Learning to be independent
A doctor's internship lasts 13 months, while that of a dentist lasts 12 months. During the internship, young people, although they will be under the care of a more experienced specialist, will have to learn to make independent decisions during this time. Dr. Dariusz Paluszek, Vice President of the District Medical Council (ORL) and chairman of the Committee for Dentists, talked about this, noting:
- It's really difficult and it's a lifetime and lifelong learning. This is written into our profession. At the end, however, he added: - I am convinced that you will most likely be the greatest doctors in Poland, because you graduated from a great university.
Concerned, but positive
Young medics will gain their first professional experience with patients at facilities in the capital and in the Mazovia region. Are they worried about anything? Martyna says her biggest concern is whether she will be able to put into practice the knowledge she gained during her studies. And also the awareness of the responsibility that comes with caring for patients. Similar concerns are shared by Tadeusz, who stresses that during studies, the focus is primarily on theory, while the internship is all about practice.
- But I think that theory turned into practice will quickly bring everything together and it will be fine - he adds.
Freshly graduated medics also have other concerns, including the fact that the internship is a big life change.
- I am a person who is not fond of changes and novelties, so this is stressful for me - Weronika stresses, although she adds that she tries to think positively.
This is exactly what Małgorzata Terlecka-Maciejewska called for in her “power speech” addressed to young interns:
- You are standing at the threshold of a great adventure that will require courage, determination and passion. I can assure you that stress and uncertainty is inevitable, it is inherent in this journey, but remember that every journey requires a first step, and I know that you are ready for this challenge. And she added: - Turning the theoretical knowledge that you have gained into practical knowledge and working at the bedside of the patient is a great challenge, but remember that you are ready for this challenge.
In addition, the event was attended by Piotr Winciunas, Chairman of the Committee on Registration and the Right to Practice, District Medical Chamber (OIL) Warsaw.
