FACULTY OF MEDICINE MAKES SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN TEACHING, RESEARCH AND INFRASTRUCTURE

FOČA, OCTOBER 15 /SRNA/ - The Faculty of Medicine in Foča is setting new standards year after year and achieving significant results in teaching, scientific research, and infrastructure development, Dean Dejan Bokonjić said ahead of the ceremony marking the Faculty Day.

Bokonjić highlighted the construction of a new simulation and administrative centre for the Faculty of Medicine in Foča, worth BAM 7.1 million, as one of the major projects being implemented in cooperation with the Republika Srpska Government.

He said that significant progress had been made in scientific research, with scientists achieving record citation rates and publishing papers in prestigious international journals.

"This 33rd anniversary is particularly significant because this year we bid farewell to our first cohort of international students, 56 of whom graduated. Their experiences after returning to their home countries will help us assess the quality of our English-language instruction and improve it if necessary," Bokonjić said.

Bokonjić said that 722 students from 38 countries are currently enrolled in the Faculty's medicine, dentistry and nursing programs taught in English.

Emphasizing that the Faculty of Medicine has around 2,500 students in total, Bokonjić said that approximately 30 per cent of those attending classes in Serbian come from outside Republika Srpska.

"This shows that our Serbian-language programs are international as well," Bokonjić stressed. He expressed particular gratitude to the staff, professors and students, noting that their enthusiasm, dedication and belief in the future had been instrumental in the Faculty's development, and also thanked the Republika Srpska Government and the University.

Bokonjić also recalled the vision of the Faculty's founders, professors Boriša Starović and Olga Blagojević, who, during the difficult wartime years, recognised the potential to establish an institution in Foča that would become a major centre for medical education.

Rector of the University of Istočno Sarajevo Milan Kulić said that the Faculty of Medicine in Foča was a source of pride for the University and that, due to its achievements and scientific research, the faculty stands out as one of the most important in the region.

On the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine's successful work, Kulić stressed that this was an important day not only for Foča and Republika Srpska, but also for the wider region.

"This is an opportunity to remember everyone who helped establish the Faculty of Medicine and the University of Istočno Sarajevo, because without them we would not be celebrating these impressive achievements today," Kulić stressed.

He said that the importance of the Faculty of Medicine was also reflected in the fact that nearly one-third of all students enrolled at the University study there, and that the Faculty's teaching and research staff publish a significant proportion of the University's scientific papers in international journals.

"The Faculty of Medicine is a source of pride for the University of Istočno Sarajevo in every respect," Kulić stressed.

The ceremonial academy marking the Faculty of Medicine Day is currently underway in Foča. Awards and certificates of appreciation will be presented to individuals, teaching staff, and associates on the occasion.