PHOTO // Moldova's Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, National Public Health Agency inaugurate renovated, equipped study room

Students and master’s students in public health at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF), as well as participants in the medical education programme now have access to a renovated and equipped study room. The room has a capacity of 25 seats and was renovated by the National Public Health Agency (ANSP) and equipped with funding from the university.

The study room, located on the premises of the ANSP, the university’s clinical base, was inaugurated with the unveiling of a bas-relief dedicated to the late Professor Nicolae Opopol, former head of the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology of the Faculty of Physicians’ Continuing Education, Doctor Habilitate in Medical Sciences and Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova.

Associate Professor Marcel Abras, Vice-Rector for Clinical Activity Management, who attended the event, noted that each generation had the responsibility to preserve what had been valuable in the work of its predecessors and carry this legacy forward.

“The commemorative plaque unveiled today is more than a symbol. It will tell future generations about a man who understood that science must serve the health and well-being of society. For our students, the name of Academician Nicolae Opopol can become a guiding example and an inspiration to pursue knowledge, hard work, integrity and professional responsibility,” the vice-rector said.

Associate Professor Serghei Cebanu, head of the Department of Preventive Medicine, noted that Professor Nicolae Opopol had represented a generation of specialists who contributed to the transition of preventive medicine of Moldova from the traditional model of sanitary and epidemiological surveillance to the modern concept of public health, based on risk-factor assessment, prevention, interdisciplinary research and evidence-based health policies.

“Through more than six decades of activity, Professor Nicolae Opopol left a lasting mark on preventive medicine of Moldova. The most important part of his legacy remains the continuity of a professional and scientific school, passed on through the disciples he trained and the principles he promoted in research, education and public health practice,” he said.

The inauguration of the room took place during the ninth edition of the National Congress of Hygienists, Epidemiologists and Microbiologists, with international participation, held at the ANSP under the theme, Preventive Medicine at the Crossroads of Disciplines.