Dear students,

Dear colleagues,

Being a student at a medical university means more than memorizing a lot of theory or taking exams. It means learning to see the whole person, with their suffering, fears, and hopes. It means learning to remain present, lucid, and empathetic, even when it's difficult or when you don't have all the answers. It is not easy for any of us, but it is profound, and for the patient it can be vital.

We, the teaching staff, are here to support you. You have chosen us to be your guides, and we accept this role with responsibility and enthusiasm. We want to offer you not only knowledge, but also guidance. Not only technical tools, but also models of thinking, attitude, and awareness. Because medicine is done with science, but practiced with soul.

Dear colleagues, I will not dwell on our responsibilities. We already know that tomorrow's generations depend on our seriousness and commitment today. Recent years have shown us that we can adapt, that we can be flexible without losing our standards and humane without giving up rigor. Let us not forget that through each professional character we shape, we have the chance to rebuild trust in the power of education, to rediscover our mission, and to pass on what we ourselves once received.

Our university is a living space—a place where people not only teach, but also live, search, make mistakes, learn, and grow. Here, every question matters. Every dialogue changes things. Every step, even a hesitant one, is part of training our students to become future specialists.

Dear students, be curious! Be patient! Be involved! Let yourselves be transformed by what you learn! And when things get tough—because they will—remember that you chose this path precisely because you felt it had meaning. And there is no deeper meaning than being of service to others.

I wish you a journey full of discoveries, confidence, beautiful encounters, and moments that confirm, again and again, that your place is here.

Best of luck and welcome to UMF Craiova!

Prof. univ. dr. Dan-Ionuț GHEONEA,

Rector

University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova