It all started with a 10-year-old kid who had a traumatic cataract at the age of 10. My mentor, who was my ophthalmologist back then, Professor Mansour at the American University of Beirut, told that 10-year-old kid that he would be a doctor one day. Fast forward 20 years later, and now I am an ophthalmology resident in a private practice in Sachsen-Anhalt in Germany, treating and following up with patients who have cataracts, doing daily consults with up to 30 patients per day. Life really works in mysterious ways. I thank God for the opportunity, my mentors, and my family, especially my mom who is always pushing me. Time to put in work for a better vision!

After graduating from an International Baccalaureate high school, I was certain about my next step: pursuing my lifelong dream of studying dentistry, particularly in English. Although I knew it would be challenging – since English is not my first language – the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and build lasting international connections made it all worthwhile. My journey at the Medical University of Lodz (MUL) began in 2018. Now, as a recent graduate, having completed my studies just a year ago, I am incredibly proud to call myself an MUL alumna. Choosing a career path after graduation is one of the most daunting decisions for a young dentist. It’s not easy to immediately decide on a specialty, but having passionate mentors who inspire and motivate you can make all the difference. I was fortunate to have such mentors during my time at MUL, along with an incredibly supportive group of classmates, which contributed to the wonderful memories I have of my time there.

One class that particularly stood out to me was pediatric dentistry, led by Dr. Agnieszka Bruzda- Zwiech. I was fortunate to collaborate with her on a publication, which we are eagerly awaiting to see published. My passion for this field ignited during my fourth year, inspired by the dedication and compassion our supervisors showed in treating their young patients. Observing how a child’s cooperation could transform entirely with the right approach was remarkable. For the first time, I truly witnessed the importance of building trust and relationships with young patients and how this directly influenced their gratitude and willingness to overcome their fears.Additionally, during my final year, I participated in several initiatives organized by the extracurricular pediatric dentistry club. These included preventive sessions for children in kindergartens and schools, emphasizing the importance of proper oral care and providing on-site check-ups.

After graduating in 2023 and completing my internship in March 2024, I decided to embark on a new adventure and move abroad for the first time. In April 2024, I relocated to Ireland. This wasn’t my first time here, as I had already been balancing my internship in Lodz during the week with weekend work as a dentist in Ireland. Those months were particularly  challenging, as I had to take on two additional jobs in Poland – teaching English to children and working as a waitress – to fund my flights. Despite the difficulty, it was an immensely  rewarding experience.

Currently, I work in a private clinic in the heart of Dublin, treating both children and adults on weekends. During the week, I hold the position of a Pediatric Dentistry Senior House Officer in the Dublin Dental Hospital with rotations through 2 children’s hospitals: CHI at Tallaght and at Crumlin. I have the privilege of working alongside some of Europe’s leading pediatric dentists, which has broadened my understanding of innovative treatment methods and approaches to medically compromised patients.

At CHI at Tallaght, Professor Anne O’Connell, Consultant pediatric dentist, leads the treatment of medically compromised children using a range of approaches, including intensive prevention and comprehensive treatment under local anesthesia, sedation, and general anesthesia. Children here have a range of issues from Endocrine disorders, Epilepsy, Severe Neurodisability, Intellectual disability requiring hospitalisation. The service here also caters for children with developmental disorders of the dentition such as AI, DI hypodontia,  supernumerary teeth as well as complex trauma cases requiring surgery and restorative treatments Cases range from restorative dentistry (e.g., strip crowns, stainless steel crowns) to extractions and surgical procedures (orthodontic extrusions, biopsy) as well as more complex procedures. A personalized approach ensures tailored care for each child’s unique needs. Additionally, Professor O’Connell oversees the Trauma Clinic at Dublin Dental University Hospital, where a team of dentists specialize in managing challenging trauma cases such as avulsions, intrusions, root fractures, decoronations, and complex options following complex traumatic injuries in younger patients. This clinic has been an invaluable learning environment, offering me exposure to a wide variety of cases.

Since graduating, I have actively pursued opportunities to enhance my knowledge by attending numerous local and international conferences and workshops. In November 2024, I was honored to be nominated by my patients for the Caring Dentist Awards under the Colgate Caring Dentist of the Year category. As the youngest alumna to share my story, I feel both humbled and motivated to keep working hard and improving. I am excited about the opportunities the future holds and look forward to pursuing my aspiration of specializing in pediatric dentistry, a field I am deeply passionate about. This is just the beginning of my postgraduate journey, and I’m hopeful for whatever comes next.

Impacting and showing care to humans has always being one of my cherish goals in life. I started my journey into the medical profession by first obtaining a degree in Human Anatomy (B.sc Anatomy) in my Home Country, Nigeria which I emerged as a Best graduating student in my year. I then  further pursued my medical degree in the medical university of Lodz.

The medical University of Lodz sharpened my knowledge and increased my passion to pursue my goals and dreams. I made friends who became family and loved-ones. My stay in Lodz was an amazing journey as I not only involved in medical part of the study , I was also engaged with some many extra-curricular activities, which is something I think its needed in this line of profession.  At the end of my medical study, I did and passed  the Polish state exam (LEK) as this ensures my proficiency.

I then followed the path of starting the UK-foundation program in Malta, where I recently finished my FY-1 training which has broaden and deepen my clinical skills and knowledge as I have rotated in several surgical and medical Specialty .  The foundation program is a great program which is designed to create a bridge between Medical school and starting residency. I am currently in FY-2 , another phase of the training to further broaden and sharpen my clinical skills.

I am a  lover for Research and Audits, In my first year, I was able to participate in several audits/quality control , developed a case-study which were both presented at different functions and conferences. Also, I was engaged in a lot of teaching and mentoring of medical students as I love to impact knowledge to others. In line to developing myself, I have also engaged in several courses to deepen my clinical skills and knowledge.

Another Milestone for me,  was co-founding the Community of African Doctors in Malta( CADM). A community which intends to bring doctors of African origin together and share a common goal. I was acknowledged by the community with various awards.

As I start my FY-2 , I look forward to pursuing and developing myself in areas of medicine especially surgery. I Will always remember Medical university of Lodz  as my alma mater, which contributed an immerse path in my medical career.

Dr Tolulope Osinuga (B.sc, M.D)

Medical Doctor

Once upon a time, in the beautiful city of Lodz, Poland, I embarked on a journey that would shape my future in the field of medicine. It all began in 2014 when I was accepted into the Medical University of Lodz, Poland’s English division. Little did I know that this educational institution would become a second home to me, providing not only an exceptional medical education but also fostering an environment of growth and proactive learning.

Throughout my years at the Medical University of Lodz, I was driven by a thirst for knowledge and a passion for making a positive impact in the healthcare sector. While pursuing my medical degree, I demonstrated my dedication and commitment to excellence, which culminated in being awarded the prestigious “Student of the Year” in 2020, an accolade that filled me with pride and reaffirmed my path.

In parallel to my medical studies, I seized the opportunity to expand my horizons by pursuing an MBA and MPA in healthcare administration from Clark University, USA, and the University of Social Sciences, Lodz, Poland, respectively. These degrees equipped me with a unique blend of medical expertise and management skills, setting the stage for a dynamic career that combined clinical practice with administrative leadership.

Upon completing medical school, I proved my proficiency by passing the LEK Polish final medical exam, showcasing my dedication to continually challenging myself and reaching new heights in my medical journey.

After graduation, I embarked on an exciting adventure to the picturesque island of Malta, where I joined the UK foundation program as a medical doctor. Over the course of two years, I honed my clinical skills and medical knowledge, becoming a competent and compassionate healthcare professional.

During my time in Malta, I was actively involved in research and audits, participating in a total of 10 projects that explored various aspects of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Many of these research findings were presented at esteemed conferences, including the Geriatric Society of Malta Conference and the Maltese Cardiac Society Conference, garnering recognition and appreciation from the medical community.

Throughout my journey, I received various awards and recognitions that served as a testament to my dedication and contributions to the field of medicine. From being honored with the “Heroes of the Pandemic” commemorative coin for my sacrifice during the pandemic to receiving the “Clinical Excellence Award” and “Research Excellence Award” from the Community of African Doctors in Malta, these accolades encouraged me to persist in my pursuit of excellence.

Furthermore, my passion for research and knowledge dissemination led me to publish my findings in reputable journals, leaving a lasting impact on the medical community. These publications covered topics ranging from patient preferences in receiving diagnostic news to medical students’ roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But my journey did not end there. Eager to expand my expertise, I sought out various courses and trainings, earning certifications in life support, infection prevention, and project management, among others. Additionally, I engaged in several EIT Health initiatives and training programs, enriching my understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare.

Through my experiences, I came to realize that my true passion lay in clinical practice and research. Driven by this realization, I pursued a clinical fellowship (ST equivalent) in Scotland, UK, where I could further develop my clinical skills and contribute to cutting-edge medical advancements.

As I reflect on my journey from a medical student in Poland to a clinical fellow in Scotland, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible opportunities that came my way. The Medical University of Lodz, Poland, played a pivotal role in shaping my foundation, while my proactive approach and quest for knowledge guided me through an enriching and diverse career.

I look forward to continuing my pursuit of excellence, exploring new frontiers in medicine, and making a positive impact on patient care and healthcare systems worldwide. As I embrace the future with enthusiasm and determination, I will always cherish the memories and lessons from my alma mater in Poland, a place that nurtured the passion that burns within me as a medical professional.

My name is Andres Reig, and I graduated from the 6-year MD program at MUL in 2012. Born and raised in Valencia, Spain, I moved to Poland to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor in 2006, and the 6 years I spent in Łódź can be best described as interesting, filled with learning and curiosity, and were also very fun! Many of the professors and lecturers at MUL left a permanent imprint in me, inspiring me to become the doctor and scientist I am today.

Earning my MD degree at MUL was an excellent foundation upon which to build my career. I had always wanted to become an obstetrician-gynecologist and, more specifically, my goal had always been to specialize in human reproduction and infertility treatment. After graduation, I moved to the United States to further this objective. I was offered a position as a post-doctoral researcher at Yale University School of Medicine in the department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences in Dr. Hugh Taylor’s laboratory, where I carried out basic science research in mice, involving endometrial stem cells as a potential treatment for ovarian injury resulting from chemotherapy.

After two years in the lab, I joined the Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program at Yale University – Bridgeport Hospital. During my 4-year residency, I served as administrative chief resident and I was happy to pay back what I received as a student at MUL by teaching the medical students of Yale University during their OBGYN rotations. I also continued to advance my research goals, studying the effect of aging on reproduction beyond the impact of embryonic aneuploidy.

Once I had completed my specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology, I applied for a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and was humbled to be accepted at IVIRMA New Jersey, one of the world leaders in fertility treatment and research. While in fellowship, I have had the privilege of helping many patients fulfill their dreams of starting or completing their families, and to be a clinical instructor for the medical students and residents at Sidney Kimmel School of Medicine and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine. I have also remained involved in research in the field of reproductive medicine, investigating in areas such as reproductive outcomes in patients with diminished ovarian reserve, the impact of pre-implantation genetic testing, and neonatal outcomes after IVF.

During this journey, I have authored several peer-reviewed publications, continued to teach and mentor medical students and residents, served as a reviewer for several journals in the field of reproductive medicine such as Fertility & Sterility, Reproductive Sciences, and the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, and obtained several awards for medical teaching and research, including the 2019 Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology prize paper – not to mention I helped deliver hundreds of babies!

Having now fulfilled my dream of becoming a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and dedicating my professional life to advancing the field of reproductive medicine, I look back and realize that none of this would have been possible without my time in Łódź. As for all future doctors who will graduate from MUL, I applaud your decision of training here. Keep your goals in sight and strive to be the best you can, but don’t forget to have fun in the process!

It was not easy to say goodbye to all the people I knew during my studies in Poland, as well to the friends who became family after the four years of medical education. We came from a variety of backgrounds but we all shared the love for the Polish culture and Poland’s educational system.

Right after graduation, I went on to pursue an internship at the Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital.  Soon after, with the education I gained at MUL, it was no challenge for me to get hired at the American University of Beirut as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Dermatology.

Even when I might be considered as someone taking the “long way home,” I take pride in the time and effort put into paving the road less taken among other graduates.

My message for the new graduates is to find their passion and to be eager for taking any chance that might place them a step closer to their final goal.

Dr Vishnu Pradeep graduated from the six-year MD program at MUL in 2012. He is a Consultant Psychiatrist in General Adult Psychiatry based at Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin and is a Senior Clinical Lecturer with Trinity College Dublin. Following his studies at MUL, he completed his medical and surgical internship in Ireland. Then subsequently went on to complete his specialist training in Adult Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics while rotating through the Mid-West Mental Health and Dublin psychiatric training schemes.

During core training, he received the regional psychiatry trainee award. While in higher training, he held academic teaching posts with University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin and was awarded the National Doctor’s Training and Planning HSE Management and Leadership Scholarship to pursue a master’s in leadership studies with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. While in training, he held leadership roles within the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland Trainee Committee and was actively involved in improving post-graduate training and education in psychiatry.

He maintains research ties with the University of Limerick, University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin and has published research on medical education and service development. He is currently working in a Dublin Community Adult Psychiatry team focusing on primary care psychiatric outreach service and is responsible for training Psychiatric Trainees, General Practice Trainees and Medical Students linked to Trinity College Dublin.

Dr Pradeep fondly remembers his time in MUL and is grateful for all the support he received from his supervisors and administrative staff with the faculty of medicine and various teaching hospitals in Łódź. He encourages all future graduates to work hard, stay focused and dream big!

I am Mohamad Mahdi Mortada, a medical doctor and PhD candidate in my 2^nd year in the department of Immunology and Allergy. Back to 2017 and after finishing my undergraduate studies at the Lebanese American University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology & a minor in Chemistry, I decided to continue my medical studies abroad at the Medical University of Lodz. Moving to Poland was an exciting challenge as I gained new skills which helped in my personal and professional development. Alongside with my medical studies, I ensured to participate in several events organized by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) in Germany, France, and Poland.

During my studies I developed an interest in medical research, that’s why after my graduation from the medical school in 2021, I decided to apply to the International Doctoral School and since October 2021, I am conducting my research which is focused on the assessment of inflammatory parameters and local allergic reaction in diagnosis and endotypic classification of allergic rhinitis. Currently we are in the phase of recruiting patients for the study and collecting samples for assessment. We hope that the results of our study will open new doors for the implementation of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in the management protocol of local allergic rhinitis patients and will helpfully provide new insights into phenotypical and endotypical classification of allergic rhinitis.

Finally, a message to all future doctors and researchers who would like to continue their education in Poland, you will have in the city of Łódź the chance to enjoy the friendly environment, connect with new people and discover the beautiful Polish culture.