Jessenius Faculty of Medicine Celebrates 55th Anniversary of Independence
The Jessenius Faculty of Medicine at Comenius University in Martin is celebrating its 55th anniversary of independence.
The idea to establish a medical faculty in Martin originated in the 1960s due to a pressing need for better healthcare staffing in certain regions of Slovakia. In 1962, there was one doctor for every 800 inhabitants, and the healthcare situation was notably worse than in the Czech regions. Thus, the necessity to expand educational capacities to train new doctors in central Slovakia became increasingly evident.
Three cities were considered for the new faculty: Banská Bystrica, Martin, and Prievidza. An expert commission, including representatives from the medical faculties in Bratislava and Košice, evaluated the hospitals in these cities and ultimately chose Martin as the most suitable location. At that time, the Martin hospital was the third-largest in Slovakia.
In September 1962, a branch of the Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava was established in Martin for fourth-year medical students. Plans for an independent medical faculty and teaching hospital were soon put in place. The Slovak Socialist Republic’s government decree and the announcement by Rector Prof. Emil Huraj, MD, DSc., officially established the independent Faculty of Medicine in Martin on July 21, 1969. The academic year 1969/1970 began with a grand ceremony at the Strojár cinema, with Prof. Viliam Mézeš, MD, CSc., serving as the first dean for the next 20 years.
“Martin’s medical faculty is the result of big dreams and hard work. At its inception, it held great significance for the region, which has since extended beyond its borders and the country’s boundaries. I wish the faculty continued success in providing a good place for study and work, and may all those who work here continue to grow both professionally and personally, always placing the faculty’s benefit above personal interests,” said Dean Prof. Andrea Čalkovská, MD, DSc., on the occasion of the 55th anniversary.
The Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, with its rich history and significant contributions to medical education and healthcare, remains a beacon of progress and excellence in Slovakia.
Source: History and Present of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava 1969–2019
Photo: Archive of JFMED CU