On 28 June 2024, a graduation ceremony was held in the Aula Magna of the Medical University of Bialystok to award diplomas to graduates of the English-language medical faculty at the Faculty of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry and Division of Medical Education in English.

This year, 72 students graduated. The graduates included students from Austria, Spain, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Israel, the UK, India and Ireland, among others.
The atmosphere of the ceremony was exceptional. The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry and Division of Medical Education in English, Professor Irina Kowalska, thanked the graduates for their efforts and dedication to the university: "From now on, you can take care of your own patients. It is a great responsibility and I know that you all worked very hard for that. There would be of course ups and downs because you, we have chosen one of probably the most difficult professions. Things get scary and difficult sometimes but remember that you can always ask your colleagues for help."

The official welcome to the guests by the Dean was followed by speeches by, among others, the Vice-Dean for Development and Medical Education in English, Prof. dr hab. Tomasz Hryszko, the Rector Elect, Prof. dr hab. Marcin Moniuszko, Dr Juliusz Kosel, Assistant Professor from the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, as well as the alumni representative Ali Sirwanaz and the sixth-year student representative, Benedikt von Reis.

Vice-Dean Tomasz Hryszko, then, congratulated the alumni and reminded them about their future prospects. "I look at the faces of young doctors, ready to embark on a fascinating journey, full of challenges, hardships, but also countless rewards. This is the moment you've been waiting your whole life," he said, full of hope for the new generation of doctors.

Rector Elect, Prof. dr hab. Marcin Moniuszko directed such words of encouragement towards the graduates: "You've gained not only medical knowledge, you've gained the life experience. And it is really going to pay off. Six years ago you decided to get out of your comfort zones. Not everyone is so brave to do so. But you are. In this world of fear and diversity, you have no fear of diversity, you are ready for this world."

"On behalf of the teachers of our University, we appreciate your work, your sacrifice. We would like to also thank you because, in general, students think that this relationship between a teacher and a student is unilateral. After several years of teaching here, I must say that it is a little bit more complicated. Both sides in this team gain a lot. And teachers sometimes gain more than students," his appreciation expressed Dr Juliusz Kosel.

The alumni representative Ali Sirwanaz thanked all her fellow students, teachers, mentors, administration and parents for ever-lasting support and creatng great community. While the sixth-year student representative, Benedikt von Reis was sharing his personal story about his beginnings the the Medical University of Bialystok. "Because of this community, when we all leave, it will not be only with our diplomas. During our time here we have met what might be life long friends, future scientific collaborators, or even close collegues," he stated.

Dean Prof. Irina Kowalewska presented Mr Benedikt von Reis with the Dean's Distinction for his contribution to the University and the academic community. Vice-Dean Tomasz Hryszko awarded Hassan Baig for special contribultion to our University's community, which is an ongoing project targeting new students and telling them how to survive in MUB.

The ceremony was followed by the presentation of awards for sporting achievements. Marcin Poluszejko, M.Sc., from the MUB Department of Physical Education and Sport, presented statues to graduates for their participation in sports sections and representing the University in sports competitions. They were awarded to Teresa Fernandez Moreno, Marielle Lone, Haron Mallon Khan, Sara Meana Goy, Abelardo Millan Del Pozo, Jibril Muxudiin Mohammed, Valeria Olatz Martinez, Friderike Trautmann.

The graduation ceremony was preceded by a solemn medical oath, the words of which were repeated by the graduates after the Dean, Professor Irina Kowalskaya.

This was followed by the presentation of medical diplomas. The diplomas were presented by Prof. Tomasz Hryszko.

The MUB Choir under the direction of Professor Anna Moniuszko added splendour to the ceremony with its performance.

At the end, the graduates tossed their birettas and posed for a commemorative joint photo in front of the University's main seat, the Branicki Palace.

The ceremony was attended by many parents, siblings and families of the Graduates, who came to Bialystok from all over the world.