NEWS

On April 24, 2025, a solemn scientific event on the topic "Healthy and Safe Working Conditions in the Age of Digitalization" took place, organized by the Department of Occupational Medicine at the Faculty of Public Health "Prof. Dr. Tsekomir Vodenicharov, MD" (FOH) of the Medical University-Sofia. The forum was dedicated to a double anniversary - the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Faculty and 17 years since the establishment of the department, focusing on the contemporary challenges facing occupational medicine in the context of digital transformation and the entry of artificial intelligence into the work environment.

Official opening and guests of honor

The scientific forum was officially opened by Prof. Karolina Lyubomirova, MD, Head of the Department of Occupational Medicine, who presented an impressive analysis of the achievements over the years and outlined the key stages in the development of the department. In her presentation, she emphasized the growing importance of occupational medicine in the rapidly changing work environment and the need to adapt educational and scientific approaches to new realities.

The event was attended by a number of high-ranking representatives of state institutions, scientific and educational organizations. Among the official guests were the Minister of Health Assoc. Prof. Dr. Silvi Kirilov, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy Mr. Lazar Lazarov, as well as the Dean of the Health and Welfare Fund at the Medical University of Varna Prof. Dr. Teodora Dimitrova. Also present were the Director of the Working Conditions Fund Ms. Violeta Dobreva and representatives of the General Labor Inspectorate, the National Center for Public Health and Analysis, the Association of Occupational Health Services, the Bulgarian Confederation of Employers and Employees and the Bulgarian Confederation of Trade Unions.

Participation of the management of the Medical University-Sofia

The academic leadership of the Medical University of Sofia was represented by the Assistant Rector Prof. Krasimira Markova, the Secretary General Dr. Vidin Kirkov, MD, and the Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Ventsislava Pencheva-Genova, MD, who delivered a congratulatory address on behalf of the Rector, Prof. Dr. Boycho Landzhov, MD. The event was also attended by Prof. Alexandrina Vodenicharova - Dean of the Faculty of Public Health.

A particularly exciting moment was the participation of the founder of the faculty, whose name the FOH today bears – Prof. Dr. Tsekomir Vodenicharov, MD. In his address, he expressed gratitude to the team of the department for the achieved results and shared his vision for its future development, emphasizing its key role in the training of highly qualified specialists in occupational medicine.

Scientific program and current topics

The scientific program of the forum included in-depth presentations dedicated to current occupational health issues arising in the context of remote and hybrid forms of work. The speakers analyzed new risk factors for the health of workers and presented innovative approaches for their prevention and management.

Of particular interest among the participants was the presentation by Dr. Ivan Ivanov from the Department of Occupational Health and Safety of the World Health Organization. In his report, he outlined the future challenges facing occupational medicine on a global scale, analyzed the emerging risks of working in a digital environment, and presented modern guidelines for developing effective strategies for preserving the health and safety of workers.

Conclusion and prospects

The scientific forum became a significant platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience between experts from different sectors related to occupational health and safety. The event confirmed the leading role of the Department of Occupational Medicine and the Faculty of Public Health in the development of scientific research and education in the field of occupational health in Bulgaria.

Discussions during the forum outlined the need for continued efforts to adapt occupational health and safety policies and practices to the challenges of the digital age, while emphasizing the importance of inter-institutional collaboration to achieve sustainable results in this important area of public health.

The final presentations were given by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vlaiko Videnicarov, MD (MF), Asst. Prof. Rositsa Markova, MD (PHOS) and Senior Asst. Prof. Simeon Slavchev, MD (PHOS).