Kaleidoscope of 100 years – celebrating 100 years of Polish independence

29.03.2018

The year 2018 marks the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Poland regaining independence. The Medical University of Gdańsk wishes to use this unique opportunity to show all the changes that took place in Polish science, particularly in those fields that are close to our hearts – namely, medicine and pharmacy. The series of events called “Kaleidoscope of 100 years” will introduce key moments, significant achievements and important figures in the history of the Medical University of Gdańsk.

March presentation focuses on the celebration and opening ceremony for Stephen Batory University in Vilnius on 11.10.1919, which the Chief of State, Józef Piłsudski, participated in. Thanks to historical records, not only a detailed course of this event can be learned but also the staff, the university’s setup as well as the difficulties involving its formation are revealed. In the photograph one may notice a young student, Zdzisław Kieturakis, during a physiology class in 1928, who later went on to become an accomplished surgeon and a professor at MUG. The final photo shows one of the most poignant moments in the history of the University in Vilnius – it features professor Michał Reicher on university premises, surrounded by his students after giving the last lecture at the Medical Faculty on 15.12.1939. This date marks the end of Stephen Batory University.

Marek Bukowski from the Museum of Gdańsk Medical University and Joanna Śliwińska, the spokesman for MUG, are in charge of this project, with the cooperation of the Main Library, Department of Foreign Languages, University Archives, Information and Promotion Unit and MUG Choir among others.