This cooperation may open a new perspective in the medical training in Debrecen, and at the same time, it may widen on the educational and scientific network of the University of Debrecen and it may reinforce the international position of the University.
- Few months ago, a new rector cycle started in the University of Debrecen, and so did a new dean cycle in the Faculty of General Medicine. The leaders of both the university and the faculty have started their work with high momentum and firm vision. We can now elevate the previously initiated programs to a higher level, such as the transnational education programme in Israel, which was started by professor Panyi György as the leader of the Coordinating Centre for International Education, with the support of the Faculty of General Medicine, and now he is continuing it as the Vice-Dean for Scientific Affairs. Together with numerous common trainings in China, this programme can be a milestone in the history of the foreign language trainings of the university, which aims the establishment of a new individual university campus. Implementing the project represents not only a significant professional challenge for the university but a serious responsibility as well. The main purpose of the university is to establish a programme of high professional quality that is recognized internationally, said professor Jenei Attila, the Vice Rector for International Affairs of the University of Debrecen.
The Faculty of General Medicine of the University of Debrecen launches a transnational, off-site education programme in Eilat, Israel. Many partners are involved in the collaboration, such as the City of Eilat partially providing the infrastructural background, various partner institutions performing specific educational tasks and the hospital network of the Clalit Health Services having supported medical training in Debrecen for years by providing accredited internship sites. Israeli students have chosen Debrecen for decades to perform their medical studies; over the past thirty years, hundreds of Israeli students have earned degrees from the Faculty of General Medicine. This well-established relationship is the basis of the project in Eilat, which has the name “University of Debrecen Faculty of Medicine Eilat Medical Program”.
- It is unique that the University of Debrecen is the only foreign higher education institution authorised by the Council for Higher Education of Israel to conduct medical training within Israel. For this programme, the Faculty of General Medicine of the University of Debrecen is responsible, since it is going to be a programme with a curriculum, syllabus and content developed in Debrecen, leading to a degree obtained in Debrecen. The students are going to study mostly in Eilat and the partner institutions in Israel, however, there are going to be practices and exams where all of the students have to be in the University of Debrecen. Of course, the final exam will also take place in Debrecen- said professor Németh Norbert, the Dean of the Faculty of General Medicine of the University of Debrecen.
The preparation of the programme has already been started for half a year: some of the future Israeli practice leaders have already learnt the material and the methodology of the training in Debrecen, and have taken part in practical trainings as well.
- In Eilat, the same infrastructure is established as available in the University of Debrecen, and the same instruments and devices are acquired as well. However, the most important element and asset of the investment is human resources, therefore, special attention is paid to the preparation and the training of the local tutors. The aim is the establishment of an individual academic community. As a part of this, a research infrastructure, laboratories and joint scientific projects may also be developed, therefore, in addition to educational cooperation, the project carries significant scientific potential as well- said professor Panyi György, the Vice-Dean for Scientific Affairs of the Faculty of General Medicine of the University of Debrecen.
At the ceremony held in Eilat on 9 September, the official memorandum of understanding was signed by Jenei Attila, Vice-Rector of the University of Debrecen; Németh Norbert, Dean of the Faculty of General Medicine of the University of Debrecen; Yoav Kisch, Minister of Education; Eli Lankri, Mayor of Eilat; Moshe Cohen, founder and CEO of the Medical Doctor Academy; and the representatives of the participating partner institutions.
After the signature of the joint memorandum, the detailed elaboration of the programme and the preparation of the accreditation processes necessary to start the training are started. The transnational medical education programme of the University of Debrecen in Israel is planned to start in the academic year of 2027/2028 at the earliest.
Press Centre - CzA