Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" (BSU) and Uni Hospital in Panagyurishte have signed a memorandum to work together on medical education, student placements and research. They also discussed opening a BSU branch in Panagyurishte to train medical staff.
BSU rector Prof. Sotir Sotirov and hospital manager Ivan Todorov signed the document, which runs for three years. It was agreed with Dimitar Tsotsorkov, chairman of the supervisory board of Asarel-Medet, and Krasimir Mladenov, executive director of Asarel Panagyurishte Health.
Students will do internships and practical training at the hospital. The university and the hospital will hold joint lectures, seminars and conferences, share expertise and work together on research and education projects. Both sides want the memorandum to mark the start of a long-term partnership for medical education and the professional development of health staff.
The university was represented by its academic leadership. The hospital sent its management, doctors, heads of departments, the chief nurse and senior nurses from different departments.
Prof. Sotirov said hospital staff can pursue academic careers through BSU's doctoral programmes. "We are open to joint projects and cooperation, and to supporting your specialists who want to develop academically," the rector said. He added that a doctoral degree is the result of long and focused work, but the satisfaction it brings is great.
Ivan Todorov is a BSU graduate and lecturer. He thanked the university and said half of Uni Hospital's departments are clinics headed by habilitated professors. In his view, the hospital has academic and clinical potential, and some of its doctors are ready to do research and teach.
Todorov said: "Uni Hospital needs its own professional alma mater." The manager said the hospital wants a long-term partnership with BSU and joint work in several areas.
The rector welcomed the idea of a branch in Panagyurishte. He said it would be a great chance for the partnership to grow.
In October we reported that Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" is opening a branch in Dobrich, where it will train nurses. The official opening was set for 19 October.
The talks also touched on wider cooperation with the Asarel group, including in artificial intelligence.