Józef Piłsudski, along with the title, received, from the authorities of the then Faculty of Medicine, a diploma with the following words:
"We, Jan Kochanowski, Professor of Medieval Polish History, current Rector and Antoni Gluziński, Doctor of Medicine, Professor of Pathology and Special Therapy, current Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, have solemnly declared that this illustrious JÓZEF PIŁSUDSKI unanimously elected as the first Chief of State of the Most Serene Republic of Poland at the time of regaining Independence, who had to discontinue the medical studies commenced in days of yore to heal more easily the hearts of Poles oppressed by the national bondage; who at the outbreak of the war raised the sword handed down by our forefathers to free our Homeland, and by fulfilling the sacred wishes and dreams of our ancestors, defended the country with his chest and those of the Polish soldiers against the enemy onslaught; who having established strong foundations of our Homeland’s existence, lighted anew the torch of knowledge in the borderlands smothered by the tyrants; who gained great merit not only in freeing and strengthening our Homeland, but worked to secure peace for other nations, becomes on this day 2 May 1921 an Honorary Doctor of Medicine and as proof thereof, we have served this Degree affixed with a seal of the University."
The honorary degree of Doctor honoris causa (from Latin " for the sake of honor ") is the highest academic dignity conferred by universities on persons with outstanding merit, particularly distinguished for their contributions to science and culture.
To date, our University has awarded 76 DHC titles. The full list of honorees can be found here
Based on: Ewa Skrzypek "Portraits of the Honorary Doctors", Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw 2016
Phot.: Museum of the History of Medicine MUW, NAC, Museum of the Polish Army
