The George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures marked a special moment in its eight decades of institutional development by celebrating the first graduating class of the English-language Medicine programme at the UMPhST-UMCH campus in Hamburg, Germany. The ceremony was held on Saturday, 19 July 2025. It honoured 74 young doctors. These doctors bring to the fore the fulfilment of an international Romanian academic project, demonstrating that excellence in Romanian higher education can successfully transcend borders.
The class of 2025, „The Pioneers”, are trailblazers for generations of doctors trained entirely on the UMPhST campus in Hamburg.
Symbolically called the „pioneer” generation, the class of 2025 graduates from the Faculty of Medicine in English at the UMPhST-UMCH Hamburg campus started this journey in 2019, trusting a unique project they believed in: UMPhST’s bold vision to expand its medical training model in Germany, using the same curriculum and taught by its faculty. The Hamburg campus hosts over 800 students from more than 50 countries. These students are part of a multicultural environment that fosters an active student life, featuring projects, educational workshops and scientific sessions, all supervised by dedicated teachers and specialists.
A Romanian framework for healthcare education that meets global standards, strengthened by key partnerships. This project’s success also relies on numerous strategic collaborations formed along the way: more than 30 hospitals and clinics in Germany, as well as medical institutions in Spain, Italy and Malta, have hosted students for practical training. German partners handle operational and logistical activities on campus.
The English-language Medicine programme is certified by ARACIS and IAAR (Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating), an institute recognised by the World Federation of Medical Education. This allows for smooth recognition within the European Union and other countries, as well as opportunities to pursue careers in the US and Canada.
The academic community follows a strict set of values that act as its hallmark: courage, responsibility, empathy and integrity.
In his message to the graduates, the university’s Rector, Professor Leonard Azamfirei, MD, PhD, discussed UMPhST’s core values. These values are evident in this generation’s spirit – this group of „pioneers” – as they successfully created a genuine community from diverse individuals.
„At this moment of profound symbolism, I invoke the name of George Emil Palade, whom our university proudly honours. He, too, was a pioneer – in a time when scientific discoveries relied not only on technology but also on vision and boldness. He won the Nobel Prize not for something obvious, but for something others dared not believe in. Yet, it was not the prize that defined him, but his courage – the courage to see what others could not and to forge ahead even when the path was uncertain. He was a pioneer! Just like you. The world is waiting for you now, and you must seize this opportunity. You will work in hospitals in Germany, Europe and around the world. You will save lives, provide comfort and uphold the reputation of this university. I ask only one thing of you: never forget where it all started. Remember the impact that UMPhST-UMCH has had on your professional and personal growth. Hold close the values we have shared with you: courage, responsibility, empathy and integrity. Finally, I revisit the university’s very motto, a phrase that, in this moment, seems more meaningful than ever: E pluribus unum.”
This ceremony saw G.E. Palade UMPhST of Targu Mures celebrate the first generation of doctors trained at the Hamburg campus, who are now ready to practise anywhere in the world. It also consolidated the university’s status as a prestigious European educational institution, capable of promoting a Romanian model of excellence on the international stage.