On June 27, 2024, a significant event took place at Poltava State Medical University: the next graduation of highly qualified specialists took place at the solemn meeting of the Academic Council of the university. That day, parents of the graduates, relatives and friends came to Poltava from all over Ukraine. After all, they had been working together with their children for many years to reach this long-awaited day, supporting them in every possible way and strengthening their faith in themselves! And the long-awaited day blossomed for them with all the colors of happy moments: before the graduation ceremony, they received mementos, warm words of congratulations, hugs from their families and a plenty of flowers. Unforgettable moments, the memory of which will warm their hearts throughout their lives.

The solemn meeting of the Academic Council of Poltava State Medical University dedicated to the graduation of young specialists was opened by Professor Viacheslav Zhdan, DMSc, Rector of the University, the Holder of the Order of Merit of the III-degree, Laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology, Honored Doctor of Ukraine. The National Anthem of Ukraine was played and a mournful Minute of Silence was observed in memory of those who died in the russian-Ukrainian war.

In the hearts of the students, there was a fervent gratitude to the defenders of Ukraine for the happiness of studying and implementing their abilities, and in their eyes - a slight sadness from saying goodbye to their native Alma Mater, whose anthem they heard today for the last time as students...

Rector of PSMU, Professor Viacheslav Zhdan introduced the guests of honor who came to congratulate everyone on the occasion. They are Anton Chubenko, Deputy Head of Poltava Regional Military Administration, Kateryna Yamshchykova, Secretary of Poltava City Council, Fedir, Metropolitan of Poltava and Kremenchuk, Viktor Lysak, Director of Health Department of Poltava Regional Military Administration.

Rector of the University, Professor Viacheslav Zhdan addressed the graduates with a parting word.

"This is an extremely exciting moment," he began, "Five years have passed like one year. And during this time, you have matured, gained knowledge, and become wise. And today you are doctors! Our colleagues! During all the years of study, not only we, your teachers, were with you. Your parents have always been with you, they have always supported you and are rejoicing with you now! Many thanks to them for that!"

Then the Rector reminded the graduates of the importance of not only the acquired knowledge, but also the ethical code of a true Doctor and Human: "You must always remember the importance of your profession, the weight of your words and your responsibility to the patient! And then you will succeed. Good luck! Glory to Ukraine," he concluded his opening remarks.

Anton Chubenko, Deputy Head of the Poltava Regional Military Administration, noted that, according to his observations, the young cohort of doctors who are graduating today has been hardened by more than one challenge. First, they overcame the challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic, and then the russian-Ukrainian war began...

"But you have a powerful synergy that exists between the PSMU, the government and society! You have gained an experience that is no longer available in the world! Therefore, you are strong and will boldly overcome all possible future challenges and will be able to work successfully anywhere in the world! Good luck to you! Glory to Ukraine!"

The Secretary of Poltava City Council Kateryna Yamshchykova, a former graduate of the university, remembered all her teachers and thanked them for their knowledge, wisdom and experience in public work. She even had time to discuss the bright moments of her past life at the university with her Dean of the Dental Faculty, Alla Sydorova. She called Poltava State Medical University a powerful scientific school, a dental Mecca, a symbolic cradle of future highly professional specialists.

In total, 807 graduates received their diplomas. Of these, 197 are dentists, 263 are doctors of other various specialties, 25 are pharmacists, and 15 are pediatricians. 300 graduates of the International Faculty will represent the University in the medical field far beyond Ukraine. And in Ukraine, and in Poltava region in particular, Ukrainian doctors are also in great demand! This was stated by Viktor Lysak, Director of the Health Department of Poltava Regional Military Administration. He spoke about the great demand for doctors in the region and promised all possible support in the employment of young professionals in medical institutions of Poltava region.

Metropolitan Fedir of Poltava and Kremenchuk blessed them for fruitful work under the peaceful sky of Ukraine.

Today they are still students, but tomorrow they will be doctors, and they solemnly proclaimed the Oath of a Doctor with excitement. The students' anthem ended the solemn ceremony of their entry into independent professional life. Good luck to you! For the benefit and prosperity of your native country!