The Faculty of Medicine Marked Its 43rd Anniversary

Ceremony in honour of celebrating 43 years of successful work and development of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Banja Luka and promotion of 174 graduates of this higher education institution was held on 15 November 2021 at the Banski Dvor Cultural Centre in Banja Luka.

On this occasion 90 doctors of medicine, 30 doctors of dentistry, 39 masters of pharmacy and 15 graduates of healthcare were promoted.

Rector of the University of Banja Luka Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, stated that the Faculty of Medicine was progressing from year to year in every respect.

,,The number of students studying at the Faculty of Medicine has increased by 1,000 in the last four years, which is commendable. The number of publications in international reference journals has increased by almost 100 percent. When we look at all aspects, the Faculty of Medicine is one of the most important members of the University“, the rector said.

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Banja Luka Prof. Ranko Škrbić, PhD, pointed out that the Republic of Srpska has a bright future concerning the medical staff.

,,Today, 174 young people have the opportunity to receive a degree from the Faculty of Medicine, and many have already found their engagement in health care institutions in the Republic of Srpska,“ the dean said, emphasizing that the interest of secondary school graduates in the Faculty of Medicine is traditionally great.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Srpska Alen Šeranić congratulated the students, their parents and professors, emphasizing that a huge effort is needed to graduate from this faculty.

,,I would also like to thank these young people for being the first to get involved in the public promotion of coronavirus vaccination through the Medical Students' Union. They understood the essence of our struggle during the pandemic, and that is evidence-based medicine“, Šeranić stated.

The young Stefan Kremenović was today awarded the diploma, who points out that there is a lot of work and effort behind him.

,,I enrolled in the third cycle of biomedical studies, and I am specifically interested in gynaecology, in which I want to further perfect“, he said.

During the ceremony, in addition to diplomas, gold badges were awarded to the best students in study programs.

Moreover, in honour of 43 years of work, the Faculty of Medicine awarded prizes to professors and teaching assistants for their contribution to scientific research.

The event was also attended by the Vice-Rector for International and Interuniversity Cooperation of the University, Prof. Biljana Antunović, PhD, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Student Affairs Prof. Strain Posavljak, PhD, and Vice-Rector for Material and Human Resources Prof. Dalibor Kesić, PhD.

The Faculty of Medicine was founded on 17 March 1978, at the initiative of the University of Banja Luka, with the aim to educate university degree experts holding the professional title of doctor of medicine. The first lecture to future doctors of medicine was given on 15 November 1978.

In addition to the integrated study programmes: Medicine, Dental Medicine and Pharmacy, classes are also conducted in the study programmes of the health field: Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Radiological Technology, Nursing, Sanitary Engineering and Medical Laboratory Diagnostics. The faculty teaches in all three cycles of study.