70 years of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
22.05.2023
In the dignified interior of the Artus Court on May 18 this year. The 70th anniversary of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of the Medical University of Gdańsk was held. The gathered guests, including former and current employees of the unit, were welcomed by its Head Dr. Habil. Tomasz Mazurek, Assoc. Prof. Also present were representatives of the University authorities – Prof. Edyta Szurowska, Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs and Prof. Radosław Owczuk, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. The event was also honored by the presence of: Agnieszka Kapała-Sokalska, Member of the Board of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, Dariusz Kostrzewa, President of the Board of Copernicus Treatment Center, Prof. Andrzej Bohatyrewicz, President of the Main Board of the Polish Orthopedic and Traumatological Society and Prof. Barbara Kamińska, Provincial Consultant in the field of paediatrics, representing the team of the Department of Paediatrics, Gastroenterology, Allergology & Paediatric Nutrition of the MUG.
In a short presentation, Prof. Tomasz Mazurek presented the history of the Department, which he has been managing continuously since 2013. He pointed to the most important achievements of employees in the field of scientific, organizational and publishing activities, mentioning, among others, published in 2017, a modern textbook for medical students Ortopedia i traumatologia, of which he was a co-editor. He also reminded how the range of surgical techniques at the Clinic has developed over the years, especially emphasizing innovative solutions in the field of spine and hand surgery, arthroscopy and reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Professor Mazurek also presented patented inventions of employees of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, such as: a derotator for surgical treatment of scoliosis created by Dr. Habil. Rafał Pankowski, a prosthesis of finger flexor tendons of his own design or the DRONes nail plate created by Maciej Piotrowski, Ph.D.
– We, orthopedists, have no complexes. We are doing fantastic things and we will do even better – emphasized Prof. Tomasz Mazurek, discussing the unit’s development plans for the coming years.
As emphasized by the Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs, Prof. Edyta Szurowska, the jubilee is an opportunity to recall the history of the Department and to summarize its undoubted achievements. It is also a perfect moment to express gratitude to those who, with their commitment and persistent work, contributed to the development of the unit and its today’s successes.
– Congratulations on your numerous successes in your research, teaching and organizational work. I am extremely grateful for your long-term commitment to building a strong position of our University and creating a recognized unit in Pomerania, guaranteeing patients the highest quality of care in the field of musculoskeletal injuries – emphasized Vice-Rector Prof. Edyta Szurowska. – I wish your difficult and demanding, but much needed work to be an uninterrupted streak of success and a reason for personal satisfaction.
In turn, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Radosław Owczuk recalled personal memories from his student days, when he had the opportunity to get to know not only the legend of orthopedics in Gdańsk, late Prof. Józef Szczekot.
– I had the pleasure of working with Prof. Szczekot’s exam, which, although it was generally considered an exam in traumatology, was completely atraumatic thanks to the kind of person which Professor was – remembered Dean Prof. Radosław Owczuk. – On behalf of the Faculty Council, I would like to thank the Professor and all employees for their enormous contribution to didactic activity. You have excellent opinions from students and effects in postgraduate education, which I can experience working with former employees of the Department at the UCC in Gdańsk.
On behalf of the employees of the Department of Paediatrics, Gastroenterology, Allergology & Paediatric Nutrition of the MUG, located in the vicinity of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, spoke Prof. Barbara Kamińska, long-term Head of the unit, Provincial Consultant in the field of paediatrics.
– Leaving aside the most important substantive matter, I must say that you are characterized by extraordinary honesty, elegance and readiness to help anyone and at any time of the day or night. For this, on behalf of myself, my colleagues and our little patients, I would like to thank you – said Prof. Barbara Kamińska, addressing the team of employees of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology.
The Choir of the Medical University of Gdańsk under the direction of Błażej Połom, Ph.D. took care of the musical setting of the ceremony.
photos by Joanna Śliwińska/MUG