Medical University of Silesia: traditional courses are still popular, but the role of new specializations is growing

Recruitment for the Medical University of Silesia is underway. The greatest interest is enjoyed by, among others, medicine and dietetics, but the university is directing special attention this year to equally future-oriented fields: pharmacy, cosmetic chemistry and emergency medical services.

The Medical University of Silesia in Katowice is recruiting for the academic year 2025/2026. The most popular courses, as every year, include medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy and dietetics. But the university authorities are also paying attention to those studies that - although perhaps less obvious - also respond to real market needs and are quickly gaining in importance. These include pharmacy, cosmetic chemistry and emergency medical services.

"These are future-oriented fields that provide employment and play a key role in the healthcare system. We are waiting for applications from high school graduates who want to have a real impact on the health and lives of others," university spokeswoman Agata Pustułka told PAP.

As emphasized by Jerzy Stojko, Vice-Rector for Studies and Students, pharmacy is still stereotypically perceived as a profession associated exclusively with work as a "salesperson".

"Pharmacy is not just a pharmacy. It is clinical pharmacy, i.e. checking the lists of drugs prescribed to patients, preventing interactions and prophylactic measures, such as vaccinations or simple diagnostic tests. A pharmacist is a member of the therapeutic team," the vice-rector told PAP.

ŚUM educates pharmacists ready to work in hospitals, including in the preparation of chemotherapy preparations.

"These are not ready-made drugs. Pharmacists must prepare the appropriate concentrations. This is a huge professional responsibility," noted Prof. Stojko.

Another new but rapidly developing field at the university is cosmetic chemistry. It was launched last year and — as indicated by reports from this year's recruitment — it is enjoying interest.

"This is a course for those who want to create, not just use cosmetics. Silesia has a long tradition in the production of cosmetics. The modern beauty industry needs people who will be technologists of modern products," explained the vice-rector.

Students, already after their first year, visit production plants and learn from real examples. "These are not bottom-shelf cosmetics. Polish companies produce for large international corporations. Cosmetic chemistry provides real work and competences," emphasized Prof. Stojko.

One of the future directions is also emergency medical services. According to the authorities, ŚUM was the first university in Poland to introduce uniform, full-time master's studies for paramedics. The program is modern, adapted to the challenges of modern times - including military ones.

"ŚUM rescuers are often people who have served in Afghanistan or Ukraine. They have practical knowledge that cannot be learned from books; we also teach battlefield medicine, we have artificial blood, artificial rifles, stretchers. They train seriously, because these are the times," the spokeswoman emphasized.

According to the university authorities, the course of study in midwifery at the Medical University of Silesia is still very popular among candidates.

"Despite the challenges posed by the healthcare system, we are seeing a growing number of people who want to gain qualifications and help care for women and newborns," explained Prof. Stojko.

At the other end of the spectrum are fields that may not be as popular today, but are crucial from the perspective of the healthcare system. This includes public health.

"This is not a one-size-fits-all major. It is a very specific specialization. In Germany, the Czech Republic, or Lithuania, a public health specialist is mandatory in every office dealing with health. We do not have such regulations yet, but there are legislative ideas. We hope that they will be implemented," the vice-rector emphasized.

The university is also recruiting for a new major—climate protection and health risk management. So far, interest in it has been moderate.

"This major responds to the challenges of modern times. We are waiting for candidates who want to combine health care with caring for the environment," encouraged Pustułka.

Recruitment for the Medical University of Silesia will last until the end of September. Details are available on the university's website. (PAP)

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