The Global Doctors Hippocratic Institute conducted an official visit to Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, following an honorary invitation from the Medical School of the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy Nicolae Testemițanu, on the occasion of the university’s 80th anniversary celebrations. The visit took place in an atmosphere of genuine international cooperation and mutual respect, aiming primarily to strengthen the ties between Greece and Moldova in the fields of Medical Science, medical education, and cultural diplomacy.
During the visit, an official ceremony was held for the installation of a bust of Hippocrates, the Father of Western Medicine, on the premises of Nicolae Testemițanu University, in the presence of the Rector, Mr. Emil Ceban, the Vice-Rector, Mr. Marsel Abras, members of the Senate, and a large number of students. The placement of the bust constitutes a timeless tribute to the Greek physician, reminding young scientists of the universal values of solidarity, scientific truth, and respect for humanity.
Subsequently, within the same event, a ceremony took place for the planting of the Plane Tree of Hippocrates—a symbol of knowledge and a point of reference for the Hippocratic tradition that was born on the island of Kos and spread throughout the world. The plane tree, a symbolic tree of teaching and the continuous evolution of medical science, will serve as a living cultural link between Greece and Moldova.
This initiative forms part of the international outreach program of the Global Doctors Hippocratic Institute, whose purpose is to disseminate Hippocratic values and the Greek medical heritage to universities, research centers, and scientific institutions worldwide. Similar events have been held in medical schools across all five continents, continuing the vision of building a global network of the medical community founded on scientific collaboration and peace.
The President of the Global Doctors Hippocratic Institute, Dr. George Patoulis, stated, among other things:
“With profound emotion, we bring to Moldova the message of Hippocrates, the founder of Medical Science. The bust and the Plane Tree of Hippocrates at Nicolae Testemițanu University are symbols of scientific cooperation, peace, and respect for human life. We continue to build bridges of knowledge and culture with countries that honor Medicine and humanism.”
An important address was also delivered by the Vice President of the Global Doctors Hippocratic Institute, Dr. Konstantinos Pantos, who referred to the Institute’s international outreach activities and its strategic role, emphasizing that:
“Medicine knows no borders, and cooperation among scientists is a fundamental pillar of progress. At the same time, the collaboration between our universities will continue and be strengthened, not only through student exchanges but, above all, through meaningful partnerships that will accompany young scientists at critical stages of their professional journey.”
The Secretary General of the Institute, Dr. Antonios Polydorou—who also represented the Pancyprian Medical Association—remarked:
“Our work is founded on the values of the Hippocratic Oath: respect for life, ethical practice, and service to humanity. Our cooperation with Nicolae Testemițanu University opens new paths of academic excellence and joint scientific initiatives.”
The delegation also included Professor Athanasios Giannoukas, Professor of Vascular Surgery at the Medical Department of the University of Thessaly, former President of the Department of Medicine of the School of Health Sciences of the University of Thessaly, and honorary member of the Global Doctors Hippocratic Institute.
