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Elizabeth Verna Burhala’s journey to pursuing medicine comes from a culmination of experiences. Being familiar with medical emergencies and having a growing passion for science, it was an opportunity to shadow doctors and speak with students at Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy that led her to enrol in the university’s medicine programme.
“Studying medicine felt like the right path for me, and seeing the hands-on experience offered at Carol Davila was what really sparked my interest, as this aspect has been lost to some degree in other countries’ medical education systems,” says Burhala. “At the root of it all, my love for learning new things and helping others led me to where I am today.”
For Burhala, studying in one of the largest and oldest institutions of its kind in Romania has clear advantages. EduRank places Carol Davila within the top 50% across 65 research topics in 2023. The university is known for high-quality medical education, with its six-year medicine and dentistry programmes covering a spectrum of topics and skills required for practice.
Learning is hands-on in its 167 disciplines in the Romanian and English-taught medicine programme, the 20 disciplines in the Romanian-taught dentistry programme, and the 37 university teaching hospitals that allow students to put theory into practice.
The programmes take the university’s motto of “Initiation, Excellence, Evolution” to heart, producing nationally and internationally recognised research in all medical fields and creating patient-centred medical education for its students.
At Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, students choose from 167 disciplines in the Romanian and English-taught medicine programme. Source: Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy.
Take Professor Ines Dima’s Toxicology module, for example. As it is taught in the programme’s last year, most are already equipped with sharpened critical analysis and thinking skills.
“This allows me to have a lively and engaging teaching experience where I rely as often as possible on events, situations, natural phenomena and practical, visible and observable aspects of day-by-day life,” says Professor Dima. “I believe it is a dynamic and constructive means of learning theoretical scientific information and social skills such as communication and teamwork.”
As a Carol Davila graduate, Professor Dima is part of the Alumni of Bucharest Faculty of Pharmacy Association, which connects pharmacists from various professional fields with students or recent graduates. This not only allows experienced professionals to share their insights with their younger colleagues but also provides a way for students to find fitting internships. Professor Dima has even provided recommendation letters for her students to help them gain a competitive edge.
For student Chimène Mansour, having classes with active participation and open discussions between teachers and students has created an engaging learning environment where students’ voices are always heard. It’s been a great experience thus far and the Belgian student is glad she chose Carol Davila based on the fact that it offered diverse and comprehensive courses.
“During my first year of dentistry, I had the opportunity to study fascinating courses on cranial anatomy, nervous relationships, implant placement, medical iatrogenic, local anaesthetic points, and human physiology,” says Mansour. “These courses truly opened my eyes to the crucial role and professional techniques of a stomatologist.”
The Medical Students’ Society of Bucharest has a track record of hosting many events, including scientific congresses, balls, trips, parties, international exchanges and more. Source: Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Beyond her studies, Mansour is heavily involved in the vibrant community at Carol Davila. Between student organisations like the Medical Students’ Society of Bucharest (SSMB) and the Dental Medicine Students’ League in Bucharest, students get to engage and participate in events that further enliven their time here.
Burhala believes that volunteering while studying has allowed her to grow beyond her limits. She’s been involved in the International Medical Students Congress of Bucharest committee, an organisation put together by the SSMB, for the past four years.
“Working on the abstract book team, I have seen a plethora of students present their scientific findings as well as learn how to work with people from all backgrounds,” says Burhala. “My problem-solving, public speaking and organisation skills have developed in ways that I could have never imagined before, and as a result, they have led to my growth not only as a person but as a medical professional. I have spoken with medical professionals worldwide while learning about their various areas of expertise.”
Facilities like the Faculty of Medicine’s libraries are another way to enrich a student’s education. Here, there are conducive spaces for studying and free access to great offline and online resources.
It’s no surprise that with an education as such, Carol Davila has produced world-renowned scientists.
Aside from having the father of Romanian medicine, Dr. Carol Davila, as a founder, the university has been graced by scientists like Nobel-winning professor George Emil Palade – known to be the most influential cell biologist and has the university’s main amphitheatre named after him.
As their stories and scores of other graduates show, it’s clear that Carol Davila readies you for the future of healthcare, one step at a time.
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