University Research

On April 4, 2025, Research Day 2025 took place simultaneously at UMCH in Hamburg and UMFST in Târgu Mureș. At three different venues at each location, students presented their academic work and research projects from various medical fields.

As in previous years, students from both campuses had the opportunity to submit abstracts. The selected contributions were categorized into clinical and preclinical disciplines. All participating students presented their research ideas and projects in short lectures – either in person or via online connection.

The scientific level of the presentations was impressive: topics ranged from basic science studies to practice-oriented clinical questions. The academic committees were visibly impressed by the students’ commitment, creativity, and the depth of their research. At the end of the day, outstanding contributions in both categories were recognized with awards.

Research Day 2025 once again demonstrated the enormous potential of emerging researchers – and highlighted the importance of international exchange in medical science and education.

With his ReachHigher lecture "Appendicitis and Hernia – without and with incarceration – two common diseases," Hon.-Prof. Dr. med. Dirk Jentschura kicked off the year 2025 at UMCH with a special highlight. The Medical Director captivated first and second-year students with an exciting mix of medical knowledge, illustrative graphics, and real surgical insights.

The focus was on two common medical conditions: appendicitis and hernias – also known as tissue ruptures. Dr. Jentschura provided a clear explanation of how the appendix, a small appendage of the intestine, can become inflamed and why this can have serious consequences if left untreated. He impressively demonstrated that while theoretical knowledge from textbooks forms the foundation, anatomy often looks different in the operating room. Using surgical images and videos, students gained a rare glimpse into real medical practice.

The topic of hernias was also vividly addressed. Dr. Jentschura explained how weaknesses in the abdominal wall can lead to tissue or organs protruding outward. From inguinal hernias to complex cases with incarcerated tissue, he guided participants through the challenges and solutions in surgery. Here too, he emphasized the importance of understanding human anatomy to act safely and effectively in practice.

The voluntary lecture attracted numerous interested students to the fully packed lecture hall. Dr. Jentschura had already impressed with his lecture in November, and his return to the UMCH campus was eagerly anticipated. His new topic offered participants unique insights into practice and demonstrated the value of such events in gaining new perspectives beyond regular studies and deepening their enthusiasm for medicine.

During the UMFST-UMCH Days 2024, students had the opportunity to submit abstracts addressing research-relevant questions in medicine. Promoting research holds significant importance at UMFST-UMCH, and the Scientific Sessions held during the University Days contributed to supporting students in this field.

Students presented a variety of topics in short presentations at the Hamburg Campus auditorium, impressing the committees. Both clinical and pre-clinical committees evaluated the students’ work and announced the winners of the Scientific Sessions.

Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievements:

1st Place:

• Alessandro Aust with the topic: “Acetyl-L-Carnitine as a beneficial supplement against cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration”

• Katharina Kremmin with the topic: “Indications for labor induction in Germany: Clinical guidelines and reproductive outcomes”

2nd Place:

• Aurelio Pio Russo with the topic: “Utilizing artificial intelligence for automated Cobb angle measurement in scoliosis diagnosis and assessment”

• Charlotte Kuna with the topic: “Predictors of mortality in pulmonary sepsis”

3rd Place:

• Ivan Bergo with the topic: “Lipoxins: Potential therapeutic strategies in diabetic nephropathy”

• Juliana Sobral Gonçalves with the topic: “Medical student’s assessment of flow velocities and pulsatile index using transcranial Doppler on healthy subjects: Case series”

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Research Committee for their support and dedication.

As part of the UMFST-UMCH Days 2023, the event called "Research Day for Medical Students" took place on May 6. Both students from the Hamburg Campus and their fellow students from the UMFST Main Campus in Targu Mures had the opportunity to submit abstracts. The students, whose abstracts were classified thematically into clinical and pre-clinical teaching subjects, all had the opportunity to present their research concepts during the event. Some were connected via Zoom for this purpose, however, a large proportion of the research-enthusiastic students were physically present.

The scientific sessions were opened by short addresses by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in English, Assoc. Prof. Simona Muresan, and the Medical Director of the Hamburg Campus, Hon.-Prof. Dr. med. Dirk Jentschura. Prof. Amelia Tero-Vescan, Prof. Mark Slevin and Prof. Adrian Man were present as the Scientific Committee for the group of students whose abstracts were assigned to preclinical subjects. Serving as secretary was Assist. Anca Cighir. For the clinical subjects, the Scientific Committee consisted of Hon. Prof. Jentschura, Hon. Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Andreas Lübbe, Prof. Prof. Tiberiu Bataga and Assoc. Prof. Andreea Varga. The secretary of this group was Assist. Ioan Balmos.

After the students had given short presentations on a considerable range of different topics, thus evidently impressing the panels, the respective scientific committees selected the winners of the Scientific Sessions.

Winners:

• 1st Place: Ivan Bergo (“Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators as Preventive and Therapeutic Agents of Chronic Complications in Diabetes Mellitus”)

• 2nd Place: Latrick Lechsner & Maria-Antonia Balan (“Usefulness of Digital Learning – Can We Bring Pharmacological Teaching to the Next Level?”)

• 3rd Place: Erik Hartzo (“Endarterectomy for Moderate and Severe Carotid Stenosis: Friend or Foe?”)

Additional accolades for strong submissions:

• Nicoleta Arnaut („C-Reactive Protein Associated Inflammation in Diabetic Wound Healing and its Possible Contribution to Neurodegeneration”)

• Assala Teguiche („Risk Factors for New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery”)

• Giulia Valentini & Jose Valles Fons (“Pregnancy Related Alteration in CYP1A2/CY3A4 Enzyme Activity in Antipsychotic Therapy”)

• Julius Balkenhol & Patrick Lechsner („Assessing Potential for Biological Therapeutics to Reduce the Risk Profile of Pharmacotherapy in Myasthenia Gravis”)