NEWS

The Department of Health Technology Assessment at the Faculty of Public Health "Prof. Dr. Tsekomir Vodenicharov, MD" celebrated its 10th anniversary with a solemn ceremony in the auditorium of St. Catherine University Hospital. The event brought together leading experts, lecturers and guests from the academic community in Bulgaria.

Over the past decade, the department has established itself as a leading structure in the creation of professionals, for academic and scientific development of personnel and the implementation of innovative approaches in the assessment of health technologies, as well as in training in clinical trials, noted Prof. Antonia Yanakieva, head of the department. To date, 11 experts have defended their doctoral studies in it, and the department has participated in 12 projects.

The founder of the faculty, Prof. Tsekomir Vodenicharov, shared the story of the creation of the department, emphasizing that the idea came from business circles. "Over time, the department has developed and proven itself thanks to the close-knit team, the goals they tirelessly pursued, and the efforts of Prof. Antonia Yanakieva. She spared no time or nerves to prove that this department is necessary and to turn it into an integral element of the overall functioning of the Faculty of Public Health," said Prof. Vodenicharov.

He expressed special gratitude to Prof. Borislav Borisov and Prof. Asena Serbezova for their contribution. "The real idea was for the Department of Health Technology Assessment to become a tool for improving the entire health system and society as a whole. I am proud of you!", added Prof. Vodenicharov.

Prof. Alexandrina Vodenicharova, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, highlighted the achievements of the faculty, including the unique master's program "Clinical Trial Management" in Bulgarian and English.

The Rector of MU Sofia, Prof. Dr. Boycho Landzhov, noted that "The Faculty of Public Health of MU Sofia is the first in the country. This is a great source of pride for our Alma Mater. Since its establishment, it has been creating national training standards and is a significant factor in the healthcare system."

The keynote lecture of the event was "Artificial Intelligence in Health Technology Assessment", delivered by Prof. Monder Tomi, an expert in pharmacology and professor of public health from Marseille.

The ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including Prof. Hristo Bozov, Rector of the Medical University of Burgas, Prof. Hristina Hristova from UniBit, Prof. Mariela Kamburova from MU Pleven, Prof. Maria Semerdzhieva from MU Plovdiv and others.