Dear University Students!
This year, we are holding the opening ceremony under unusual circumstances. This event has never taken place in such an extraordinary situation. Within merely few months a tiny virus thoroughly transformed our lives. But, I believe that as pharmacist lecturers and students, we have a better understanding of what has happened in this regard. Not only our lives but also our professional thinking has changed thoroughly. This has also determined the circumstances of this ceremony. I therefore ask for your understanding!
This pandemic has also put biomedical university education to the test, as something happened that no one expected. There was no university in the world, which was adequately prepared for the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the education, with a separated course. We also state that it is not possible to “prepare” students at the university “in detail” for everything. That is, with the right professional training, transparency and judgment, they must become prepared for unforeseen situations in order to solve such a situation at an appropriate professional level in practice. It is also our responsibility as an educator to train such pharmacists.
As the head of the Faculty, I have to tell you that the university life and thus the education, the organization of lectures, seminars and practices, which has been used for many years, had to be changed out of necessity during the pandemic.This is challenging for faculty and students alike. Thus, we will start with the so-called hybrid education next week, when the lectures and seminars will be mainly online and digital, while the exercises (training courses) will be held in small groups, in compliance with epidemiological regulations. We can only get successfully through this situation together, preserving the quality of your education, preparation and the value of your future degree. I ask not only for your understanding but also your active role in this!
After a brief mention of the current situation triggered by the pandemic, first of all thanks to your parents for their continuous support in your studies; thanks to your teachers who have trained you; and thanks for choosing our university. We appreciate your willingness to invest hard work in your studies during the years ahead; in order to become doctors of pharmacy. Always keep in mind, that the priority of pharmacy profession lies in the patient, who should be always in the first place, ahead of everything else.
Now we are contracted together, that you become pharmacists in five years. In simple terms we could also say, you should use of the university years wisely, in order to achieve this. Thus, by the end of your studies you will be able to handle the responsibilities of a healthcare professional.
I can not promise easy years. But I promise that you will become well-qualified in pharmaceutical science, if you are willing to invest hard work in it. I also promise that with my fellow lecturers we will do our best to help you complete your studies successfully and in good health at our university.
According to our data and feedback, our graduated pharmacists are valued by the labor markets both in Hungary and abroad. Many of them work in the direct supply of medicines to the general public ("pharmacies"), in the hospital and clinical pharmacy, in the pharmaceutical industry and in research institutes. However, this requires a lot of learning. Of course, this also depends on adequate university staff and facilities.
Therefore, significant improvements are under way at the Faculty. Our second building on Rókus Street with some new student labs, two new lecture halls and some new seminar rooms will be finished by the end of this year. It is true that this has been delayed for a year, but the current situation also contributed to this.
I also hope that you will discover that the research and development work in our faculty enhances the quality of education. Research and innovations serve to keep up with science and improve our education.You will be able to join these projects/ scientific student circle (organisations).
Finally, I wish you a lot of strength and persistence for the next years and a happy life in Pécs! Some of the most defining years of your lives are beginning! You will make the transition from young to adult, from student to professional (doctor of pharmacy). But you should also strive to make these years useful for both professional and private life, to make it a lifetime return on investment – one of your best investments.
Thank you for your attention!