Jagiellonian University Medical College – The oldest medical

Medicine

Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....

 school in Poland

Poland

Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...

. The Jagiellonian University

Jagiellonian University

The Jagiellonian University was established in 1364 by Casimir III the Great in Kazimierz . It is the oldest university in Poland, the second oldest university in Central Europe and one of the oldest universities in the world....

's Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy are acclaimed as one of the largest medical academies in Poland. The school was established by Casimir III of Poland

Casimir III of Poland

Casimir III the Great , last King of Poland from the Piast dynasty , was the son of King Władysław I the Elbow-high and Hedwig of Kalisz.-Biography:...

 in 1364. It is currently ranked first among Polish medical schools by the annual prestigious ranking of Perspektywy magazine and Rzeczpospolita daily.

History of the Medical College

King Kazimierz Wielki (Casimir the Great) of Poland founded the prestigious Jagiellonian University in 1364. Jagiellonian University is unique among Polish research and teaching institutions. With over 630 years of history, it is still young with vibrant people and ideas. Its 31,000 students in 11 faculties attend classes in both medieval buildings and modern laboratories. Regarded as a cradle of academic tradition and continuity, the University is in the midst of changing its structure and functioning to meet the requirements of the new market economy. Moreover, it is the only Polish University that includes the three faculties of the Medical College within its structure. After 45 years of separation ordered by the former communist regime, the Medical College rejoined its Alma Mater in 1993.

The University of Kraków (Alma Mater Cracoviensis) founded in 1364 by King Kazimierz Wielki (Casimir the Great) of Poland, originally had three faculties: Liberal Arts, Law and Medicine. Jagiellonian University, the second university founded in Central Europe, and was established in the center of Kraków. In 1400, Alma Mater Cracoviensis was re-founded and modernized by Queen St. Jadwiga (Hedwig) and King Władysław Jagiełło (Ladislaus Jagiełło) - hence the school's present name: Jagiellonian University. Following the renovations, a fourth faculty (Theology) was added. The Faculty of Medicine soon began to attract many prominent scholars from Poland and abroad.
Jagiellonian University became an important center of astronomy in the late 15th century. Incidentally, Copernicus began his studies here in 1491. At the beginning of the Renaissance period in Poland, professors and students from Kraków joined early humanist societies.

After a period of decline through the 17th and 18th centuries, the condition of the University improved when the Commission of National Education helped reform the University in 1773. The Commission of National Education, which was the first ministry of education in Europe, reformed the entire Polish educational system during the Enlightenment Era. Hugo Kołłataj reformed the University and transformed it into a modern academic institution with two faculties: Physical (schools of Mathematics, Physics and Medicine) and Moral (schools of Theology, Law and Literature). Subsequently, the first medical teaching hospital, astronomical observatory, botanical garden and mineral collections in Poland were opened, and books were collected in a central university library. The final Partition of Poland among Prussia, Russia and Austria in 1795 heralded a difficult period in which the fate of the University depended on European political alliances. The constant scientific and didactic development of the University was an intellectual center of the Polish nation that was preparing young alumni for future independence. Military action at the outbreak of World War I interrupted classes only briefly. Jagiellonian University was one of only three universities ready to function in Poland when the country regained its independence in 1918. From 1918 through 1939, scholarly growth was matched by the involvement of students and faculty members in public life.

In 1939, at the beginning of World War II, the Nazis captured Kraków. On November 6, they imprisoned the professors in the city and sent them to concentration camps. Admirably the University defied the terror of Nazi occupation by operating underground from 1941, only one year after the underground teaching of medicine began. After liberation of Kraków from the Nazis, the University re-opened in March, 1945. Within a few years, the government separated the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy from Jagiellonian University. Subsequently, the Medical Academy was formed in 1949. The re-incorporation of the Medical Academy into the University in 1993 (as the Medical College) was a sign of the return to historical roots.

Presently, the University is divided into 11 faculties that conduct teaching, research and academic training: Law and Administration, Philosophy, History, Philology, Mathematics and Physics, Biology and Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing. Jagiellonian University has over 3,000 faculty members, including 700 professors and more than 800 faculty members with a "Habilitation" degree. The University is governed by a Rector and Senate, while each Faculty is governed by a Dean and Faculty Council.

Faculty of Medicine - School of Medicine in English

The School of Medicine in English is a structural unit of the Faculty of Medicine. Its first students were admit­ted in October 1994. During the 2008/2009 academic year, over 480 students from five continents and twenty countries were enrolled in the School, with the majority com­ing from Norway, the USA, and Canada.

The School offers two programs of medicine, taught exclu­sively in English. This first is a 4-year program for graduates of pre-medical college/university programs in the USA/Canada and the second is a 6-year program for gradu­ates of secondary schools. Graduates of these programs are conferred a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree by the Jagiellonian University Faculty of Medicine. Academic staff include the most experienced scholars and lecturers at Jagiellonian University, as well as foreign academics from the USA, England, Germany, and other countries.
These English-language programs remain in compliance with Polish and EU standards of teaching, the US Department of Education (Stafford Loan Program), and Medical Board of California.

Under agreements with different universities, final year stu­dents of the School of Medicine in English have the oppor­tunity to complete elective rotations at:

• University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
• University of California, Irvine (UCI), Irvine, CA
• University of California, San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, CA
• Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLU), Loma Linda, CA
• Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Cleveland, OH

Graduates of both programs are eligible to apply for resi­dency and postgraduate training programs at university teaching hospitals in various countries, including the USA (Illinois, Alabama, Arizona, Michigan, Utah, Vermont, New York, Georgia, New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ohio, Louisiana, South Carolina and Washington DC), Canada (Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Alberta), Australia, England, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and Poland.

However studying at the Medical School is much more than being among historical buildings, meeting prominent lecturers and attending interesting classes. The unique experience combines living in a beautiful and historical city with being part of university tradition, meeting other people and making friends and future connections. The School does its best to make its students feel at home and part of the large university family. Students who enjoy the spirit of competition can compete to win the University Vice-Rector Cup in skiing or take part in a similarly challenging swimming competition. Each academic year begins with a memorable ceremony of the Inauguration Walk, a tradition in which professors, lecturers and students trek from one university building to another. May 12 is the University Day, which commemorates the institution's establishment in 1364. Each year, university students celebrate this (or, more appropriately, their) day called "Juvenalia," as they are given a symbolic key to the gates of the city. This signals the beginning of several days of joyous festivities, sometimes lasting into the early hours of the morning.

History of Pharmacy

The origins date back to the academic year in pharmacy in 1783, when it was founded in Cracow Academy Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Matter. This department was subsequently reorganized by the Commission of National Education. John was responsible for the Chair Szasterowi, pharmacist and doctor of medical sciences. He expanded the curriculum used for pharmacy, pharmacognosy, pharmacology, toxicology, hygiene and pharmaceutical chemistry. Initially, study lasted two years and the first diploma was presented to Samuel Hoppenowi in 1797. For many years the Department did not have a permanent place. Students gathered in the pharmacy under the Sun ", which belonged to John Szaster and was located in the Market Square Pharmacy, at that time had in his possession Land together with fully equipped workshop, where he produced the first drug, called by students' pharmaceutical cabinet."

Austrian governments in the eighteenth century had a negative impact on pharmacy education. Reducing the number of lectures and shorter course of study for one year reduced the quality of teaching and the value of a diploma. It was not until 1809, when he created the Grand Duchy of Warsaw, Faculty of Pharmacy reformed. It was headed by Joseph Sawiczewski pharmacist, which restored the two-year course of studies, including some new items as propaedeutics, ethics and the history of pharmacy. In 1811 he was appointed professor Sawiczewski pharmacy, medicine and hygiene. His work continued to son, Florian Sawiczewski. Thanks to the efforts Sawiczewskiego junior curriculum was extended to 3 years. Reformed the teaching of chemistry and pharmacy, and added equipment "pharmaceutical cabinet" in a new valuable equipment. The abolition of the autonomy of the Jagiellonian University by Austria in 1853 adversely affected the level of teaching in pharmacy. The course of study once again shortened to two years. The only advantage of this period were exacerbated by the Austrians of the criteria for admission. The candidates are required to complete high school with final exams and undergo two years' experience in the pharmacy and the knowledge of Latin. Completion of the First World War and the regaining of independence by Poland, raised new hopes for further development of the pharmacy. The Faculty of Philosophy Faculty of Pharmacy was established, headed by chemistry professor Charles Dziewonski. The expanded three-year course of study include new disciplines such as technology, chemistry, pharmacology and physical chemistry applied. In 1923, created Department of Applied Pharmacy, was headed by Professor Mark Gatta-Kostyal. More changes were introduced in October 1930, when the study was extended to four years. Financial assistance for the new Faculty was obtained from the Society of Friends and the Departments of Pharmaceutical Faculties in Kraków. With the help of the Botanical Garden Society at the Jagiellonian University, founded Garden of Medicinal Plants.

The period of Nazi occupation interrupted the academic activities of the Jagiellonian University. In the group of professors of the Jagiellonian University arrested by the Gestapo in 1939 was Professor Mark Gatta-Kostyal. In 1942, the secret of the university began its activity "cooperative". One of its sections was Faculty of Pharmacy, where learning from levying a total of 121 students. This section will work amazingly well due to the personal commitment of Prof. Stanisław Skowron. In 1945 this included a separate section of the Chemistry Department. In 1947, established an independent Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University includes five units: The applicable Pharmacy, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical botany, chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. The first dean was Professor Mark Gatta-Kostyal. In 1949, Included in the Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, thus detaching it from the Jagiellonian University. Additional changes introduced Ministry of Health and Welfare, in this study extend to five years.

Faculty of Health Sciences

Based on the decision of the Jagiellonian University Senate of 26 February 1997, with effect from 1 October 1997 Department of Nursing became the Department of Health. With effect from 1 October 2007 renamed the Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Faculty of Health Sciences continues the rich tradition of training nurses. In Poland it was launched in 1911 in Kraków at the School of Nursing, which was transformed in 1925 in the University School of Nurses and Hygienists. Its operation was interrupted by World War II, after which, the School has resumed operations, educating nurses at the level of secondary vocational education. Teaching at the Master's level nurses started in Kraków in 1975 creating a Department of Nursing, Medical University, who as part of the College of Medicine, he returned to Alma Mater in 1993 Jagellonica Institute of Nursing after the creation of the Department continued to teach master's level nurses, and in 1998 began - first in Poland - conducting classes in the two-cycle. Department also continues the tradition of training for midwives, which was launched in Kraków in 1780 in College Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University School of the Crown. In 1895, midwifery education has been excluded from school and taken over by Imperial Royal College of Midwives, and after independence, the National School of Midwives. In 2005, the Faculty of Health Sciences was held on the first call for obstetric studies degree. In the same year was renamed the Institute of Nursing Institute of Nursing and Midwifery.

The activities of the Department also refers to the idea over a century, and today the interdisciplinary knowledge that is public health. Division continues for the School of Public Health set up in 1991 as an inter-departmental unit of the Medical University and the Jagiellonian University. The first Polish School of Public Health was established with the support of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and with the advice of representatives of the French Ministry of Health. School team in 1991 began an intensive education and a variety of activities aimed at preparing managers for the modern needs of a changing Polish health care system. In 1997, The school became the Institute of Public Health. In subsequent years, the Institute conducted a variety of post-graduate diploma in hospital management, postgraduate studies for people working in managerial positions in health institutions, the pharmaceutical inspectors and studies for those carrying out tasks in the field of health programs. The Institute also conducts training at the direction of public health, specialty health control, as well as international Masters EuroPubHealth. Department of Emergency Medicine by teaching in the field of emergency medical services. Initially, paramedics training takes place under the direction of nursing specialties (the first intake in 2001). Since 2004 the above-mentioned line was pursued in the direction of public health and in 2007 was the first recruitment for medical emergency, as a distinct field of study. 15 January 2009 Department of Emergency Medicine found separated from the structure of the Institute of Public Health and transformed into an independent unit of the Department.

The Faculty of Health Sciences since 1998, is also conducted training at the direction of physiotherapy. In connection with the Malopolska Region to improve the quality of education in the medical professions, in 2001 in Kraków is an agreement between the Małopolska Voivodship and the Jagiellonian University on joint action to amend the system of education in the profession of physiotherapy techniques. As a result of this agreement led to increased recruitment for the Department faculty, liquidated Medical School No. 4 in Kraków, and education as a whole took the Department to adopt against the study of academic staff. Institute of Physiotherapy focusing unit underlying the teaching and scientific research for this direction was established in 2006.

The creation of the Department was responding to a new socio-economic situation in Poland in connection with health care reform and the new labor market. These changes necessitated the establishment of priorities in education. A new look for the training of health workers was the result of several factors: a new management philosophy in health care, the transition from medical care to health promotion and disease prevention, a strong emphasis on primary health care and medical technology development significantly. It was necessary to meet the demand for skilled health workers who had to fill managerial positions of high and middle level, and ensure the supply of specialized medical personnel (nurses, physiotherapists, midwives, emergency workers, sanitary inspectors). This was possible due to set out by the University and the Marshal of Malopolska agreements on joint action concerning changes to education systems in some medical professions education. First, in 1999, involved the training of nurses, the next (described above), 2001 related training of physiotherapists, and the last on the training of midwives was concluded in 2005 Currently, the Department launched the five fields of study: nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, public health, medical emergency and a specialization in health control, as well as student exchanges are carried out under the Socrates-Erasmus. The structure of the Faculty of Health Sciences consists of three institutes: the Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Public Health and the Institute of Physiotherapy.

Faculty of Health Sciences as an academic unit, focuses primarily on educating students, creating the possibility of personal, professional and scientific development. Further, leads a broad scientific research activities and its staff act as consultants assisting the health care environment. Division develops activities concerning the dissemination of knowledge including in nursing clinical internship in internal and environmental, obstetrics and gynecological diseases, epidemiology, health promotion, environmental health problems, the case of an emergency in the states of a sudden life-threatening accidents and catastrophes, health psychology and medical education. The Faculty of his scientific activity also takes an interdisciplinary approach to the subject of disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and rehabilitation. Employees specialize in research on issues of organization and economics of health, economy, pharmaceuticals and medical materials, computerization and dissemination of information problems in health care. The Faculty conducted advanced research in the field of medical biology, including immunology, cell biology, reproductive endocrinology, physiology and pathophysiology of the digestive system, ergonomics and exercise.

Further, by scientific and educational cooperation with foreign centers (including universities), including Maastricht (Netherlands), Sheffield (England), Rennes and Lailly-en-Val (France), Granada (Spain), Copenhagen (Denmark), Plzen (Czech Republic), Kaunas (Lithuania) and Kristianstad (Sweden).

Clinical Affiliates

• University Hospital
• University Dental Clinic
• University Children's Hospital
• University Hospital of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation in Zakopane

Student life

Student Organizations

• JUMC EMSS
• Student Council Jagiellonian University
• Student Scientific Society of the Jagiellonian University
• International Medical Students' Association - IFMSA
• Academic Sports Association of the Jagiellonian University CM

External links

• Jagiellonian University - Collegium Medicum (Polish)
• Jagiellonian University - Collegium Medicum (Faculty of Medicine- School of Medicine in English)
• Jagiellonian University Panoramic View