Long Night of Museums 2023 at the WUM Museum of the History of Medicine

“Discover the Enigmas of the Dentist’s and Pharmacist’s Workshop”

On the evening of 13th May 2023, the WUM Museum of the History of Medicine hosted the Long Night of Museums, which commenced at 7 p.m. and concluded at 1 a.m.

Numerous visitors got a chance to explore temporary and permanent exhibitions:

 

  1. “Vita Brevis Ars Longa”
  2. “200 Years of Medical Education in Warsaw”
  3. The History of the Faculty of Pharmacy
  4. The History of the Faculty of Dentistry
  5. The History of Transplantation Medicine in Poland
  6. The mesmerizing “Anatomical Theatre” – a multimedia show featuring cutting-edge 3D technology, expertly curated with the invaluable contribution of WUM students.

Among most popular activities were the following workshops.

The “Dental Prevention” workshop, organized in collaboration with the Polish Dental Students’ Society (PTSS), featured the following informative activities:

(a) An educational stand hosted by the Polish Dental Students’ Society, which provided guidance on proper tooth brushing techniques.
(b) A free dental check-up administered by students from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.
(c) An interactive stand titled “Drilling in Teeth – Yesterday and Today,” which offered insights into the evolution of dental techniques.

Additionally, the “Practical Pharmacy” workshop, facilitated by the Polish Society of Pharmacy Students (PTSF), offered visitors the opportunity to:

  • Create their own ointments or creams.
  • Observe various specimens through microscopes, including parasites and botanical samples.
  • Participate in a board game centred around pharmaceutical care.

The “Health under Control” stands, hosted by IFMSA students, provided a range of activities, such as:

  • Registration as potential donors for bone marrow and blood stem cells in the DKMS database.
  • Sugar level testing and blood pressure measurement.
  • Assessment of body composition and weight.
  • Spirometry sessions
  • Hands-on training with laparoscopic surgery equipment.

Furthermore, the Poltransplant expert stand titled “Transplantations” offered insights in the field of organ transplantation.

Throughout the Long Night of Museums, visitors were could take part in lectures by esteemed professionals, including:

  • “Wisdom Tooth” by Dr. Marcin Aluchna.
  • “The Beginnings of Pharmacy Education in Warsaw, 1809-1879” by Dr. Maria Turos.
  • “Facts and Myths about Marrow Donation” by Poltransplant representative, Klaudia Nestorowicz-Kałużna.
  • “About Organ Transplantation” by Teresa Danek.

Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to win museum t-shirts and mugs.

Vita Brevis Ars Longa

 

Dear all, ladies and gentlemen,

The Museum of the History of Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw extends a warm invitation to the opening of the exhibition titled: “VITA BREVIS ARS LONGA…” The event will take place on 12th December (Monday) at 10 a.m. in the Library and Information Centre, specifically in the Temporary Exhibitions Gallery on the first floor.

This exhibition focuses on the pinnacle of ancient Greek medicine. At its heart lies Hippocrates and his enduring legacy, alongside the ancient gods of Greek medicine. The exhibition’s title, “VITA BREVIS ARS LONGA…,” is the Latin rendition of Hippocrates’ maxim, which translates to “Life is short, art is long…” This saying emphasises that a single lifetime is insufficient to master the art of medicine, requiring the collective efforts of many generations.

We look forward to your presence at the opening of this exhibition, where you can delve into the rich world of ancient Greek medicine.

 

Picture of Days

The Museum of the History of Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw cordially invites you to an exhibition of paintings by Wanda Piskorska titled “Picture of Days.

Wanda Piskorska, a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, skilfully explores the challenging theme of the traumatic experience of a pandemic in her presented artworks. The series “Picture of Days” was created as part of the Scholarship of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. The exhibition is curated by Monika Klimowska.

You can visit the exhibition from 19th October 2022 to 9th January 2023 at the Museum, located at 63 Żwirki i Wigury Street, 02-091 Warsaw. The exhibition is open from 9:00 to 16:00, and admission is free.

Anatomical Warm-up

 

The inaugural edition of the “Anatomical Warm-up” for first-year students at WUM took place at the Museum on the 14th of June 2022, from 14:00 to 22:30. Organized by students from the Ars Medica organization in collaboration with Museum staff, this event offered a comprehensive revision session before the Anatomy exams. Six stands were set up, featuring models from various sections, including head and neck, osteology and limbs, abdominal cavity, and thoracic cavity. A highlight of the event was the course on radiological “pins,” (a colloquial name for anatomical examinations where object in question are marked with pins). Anatomical models were generously provided by the Museum, the WUM Library, and the WUM Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy. The substantive supervision of the “Anatomical Warm-up” was led by Dr. Mikołaj Sługocki.

Long Night of Museums at the 21st Century Anatomical Theatre

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, this Saturday, 14th May, from 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., we extend a warm invitation to join us for the Long Night of Museums at the WUM Museum of the History of Medicine. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore a modern museum and educational space while delving into the mysteries of the human body at the “Anatomical Theatre of the 21st Century.” Continuing the traditions of European anatomical theatres, this arrangement promises an enlightening experience.

During the Long Night of Museums, we have an exciting line-up of activities and presentations. One of the highlights is a captivating 3D multimedia show accompanied by an anatomy lesson conducted by WUM ArsMedica students. We will also feature a film titled “Milestones,” which delves into the captivating history of anatomy.

In addition to these main attractions, we are delighted to offer the following:

Workshops:

  1. “Anatomy Lesson” – A multimedia show utilizing advanced 3D technology.
  2. “Spontaneous Rescue” – A first aid workshop covering wound dressing and CPR. Hosted by students from IFMSA-Poland Warsaw Branch.

Stands:

  • “Health under Control” (Operated by students from IFMSA-Poland Warsaw Branch)
  • Activities related to healthy nutrition, blood pressure and sugar measurement, DKMS registration, and cancer prevention self-monitoring.

Lectures:

  • 20:30: Dr Hanna Pliszka will deliver a lecture on “Anatomy and Pathology in Paintings from the Collection of the Pinacoteca of Milan.” Dr Pliszka, an anthropologist at the Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy at the Medical University of Warsaw, specializes in human biology, anatomy, and paleopathology. Through her studies of human remains, she unravels mysteries from the past.
  • 21:30: Aleksandra Hyży will present on “Food and Health through the Ages – What Was on Our Plates.” Aleksandra Hyży is a dietitian and a PhD student at the Department of Education and Research in Health Sciences, WUM. She is currently completing an additional Master’s degree in Public Health. Her primary research interests revolve around health education, health promotion, and communication.

Join us for an engaging and informative Long Night of Museums as we delve into the fascinating world of human anatomy and its historical significance.

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY MUSEUMS “Academic heritage for the future of science” 26-29 April 2022, Warsaw

 

The International Scientific Conference of the Association of University Museums, titled “Academic heritage for the future of science,” took place in Warsaw between 26th and 29th April 2022. Our Museum was privileged to participate in this prestigious event. On Wednesday 27th April, Grażyna Jermakowicz, the Museum Director, delivered a speech on anatomy lessons in the Anatomical Theatre of the 21st Century. On Friday 29th April, our Museum had the honour of welcoming esteemed representatives from university museums in Poland and abroad. This distinguished group included key European heritage and academic museum organizations such as UMAC ICOM (International Council of Museums Committee for University Museums and Collections) and UNIVERSEUM (European Academic Heritage Network). Our guests had the opportunity to explore our permanent and temporary exhibitions. Additionally, first- and second-year students from the Faculty of Medicine at WUM presented on the multimedia lessons conducted in the 21st-century Anatomical Theatre and the growing collaboration between students and the Museum of the History of Medicine.

200 years of the Warsaw Medical Association

 

Dear Sirs and Madams, we are pleased to inform you that the 200th anniversary celebration of the uninterrupted activity of the Warsaw Medical Association will be held on the 6th December at 13.00 at the WUM Didactic Centre.

The Warsaw Medical Association begins its celebrations with an exhibition of portraits of Warsaw doctors – members and friends of the Warsaw Medical Association – contemporary representatives of our great academic community. The creator of the portraits on display is the painter, artist Tytus Byczkowski, and the exhibition is co-organised by our Museum.

Established on 6th of December 1820 at the initiative of a group of professors from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Warsaw, the Warsaw Medical Association pursued its chief motto – “To Serve the People and the Homeland” – throughout the next 200 most difficult years of Poland’s history, preserving and developing the most beautiful traditions and best models of medical behaviour.

Recognition Award for the Museum of the History of Medicine in XIV edition of annual competition “The Willow – Mazovian Museum Events 2020”

Fot. ze zb. Muzeum Historii Medycyny WUM.

We are delighted and proud to announce that our University Museum has received a Recognition Award in the 14th edition of annual competition “The Willow – Mazovian Museum Events” in the category “The most interesting exhibition – organized by major museums”  for organizing the exhibition titled “Femina et Medicina. A portrait of Hygiea in the academic tradition of Warsaw”. We found ourselves  in exclusive company of other recognized top tier Warsaw cultural institutions, including The Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews and the National Museum in Warsaw. The award ceremony will be held on 14th September at the Radom Open Air Museum in the city of Radom. We are pleased  that our hard work has been appreciated, it will increase  motivation to redouble and improve our efforts in the future.

Link to the exhibition publication: Femina et Medicina. Portret Hygiei w tradycji akademickiej Warszawy

Exhibition “Between Warsaw and Zakopane. The legend of Tytus Chałubiński.”

The Museum of the History of Medicine of the Medical University of Warsaw informs that all exhibitions are temporarily closed. We will be pleased to welcome you again after the situation related to the epidemiological risk has stabilized at the new exhibition:

Between Warsaw and Zakopane. The legend of Tytus Chałubiński.

Legendary heroes were usually warriors, saints, and outstanding figures. The tales which appear in folklore, were at first passed down by word of mouth; they were modified and sometimes it is difficult to trace them back to their source. They are associated more with metaphor than with fact.

Over a century ago, there lived a certain fine doctor who saved the mountain people from a contagious epidemic and poverty. He also embraced the impoverished folk of the big city with his kindness and the two places of his activity were far removed from one another. He travelled around Europe, visited the best hospitals, studied at universities, uncovered the secrets of the mountains, and healed people free of charge. Perhaps given time, this is how future generations will relate the story of Tytus Chałubiński’s life.

The young man, who came from Radom, attended the Academy of Medicine and Surgery in Vilnius at a time when Polish historical events painted a bleak picture. His medical studies, which he initially chose without any real enthusiasm, provided him with knowledge and directed him to activities which led to him being seen as a living legend in both Warsaw and Zakopane; he was their saviour and helper. By studying medicine and botany concurrently, first in Würzburg and later in Dorpat (now Tartu, Estonia), he marked out the paths of his adult life – becoming a doctor by profession, a botanist by his passion. Continue reading “Exhibition “Between Warsaw and Zakopane. The legend of Tytus Chałubiński.””

1920–2020. One hundred years of teaching internal medicine. Mściwój Semerau-Siemianowski – the father of modern cardiology, 13.01.2020

The Museum of the History of Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw (WUM) warmly invites you to the opening of the exhibition 1920–2020. One hundred years of teaching internal medicine. Mściwój Semerau-Siemianowski – the father of modern cardiology, which will take place on 13 January at 1 pm, at the WUM Educational Centre, first floor, at 2a Trojdena Street.

The exhibition is under the honorary patronage of Rector Prof. Mirosław Wielgoś.

Over 100 years ago, at the beginning of the 1918/1919 academic year, Dr Mściwój Semerau-Siemanowski begins working as assistant professor under Professor Kazimierz Rzętkowski (1870–1924) at the Second Clinic of Internal Medicine of the University of Warsaw which had been established in The Holy Spirit Hospital (Pol: Szpital św. Ducha) on Elektoralna Street. At this clinic, Mściwój Semerau-Siemianowski develops utilitarian methods for carrying out cardiac and cardiovascular examinations, and adds the relatively recently discovered (i.e. only a dozen or so years earlier) electrocardiographic (ECG) examination to the routine tests undergone by patients. From 1920, for the first time in the history of the university, he gives lectures on physical examinations of internal medicine patients, although not yet officially a university teacher. So, symbolically, it could be said that we are celebrating the centenary of modern teaching of internal medicine and the diagnostic testing of research into the circulatory system at our Alma Mater.

Thirty years later cardiology becomes a separate discipline from internal medicine. However, already in the 1920s and 1930s,  after the death of his superior, Dr. Mściwój Semerau-Siemianowski lays the foundations of cardiology very firmly.

In 1922, he publishes a dissertation: On the activities of intrinsically beating chambers of the human heart: a pharmacological and physio-pathological study, which became the basis of his post-doctoral thesis (habilitation). Shortly afterwards, the young university teacher begins giving his own lectures on the diagnostics and therapy of cardiovascular diseases. As of the 1924/25 academic year, he establishes and takes over the management of the Department of Internal Diseases in the new St Lazarus Hospital on Książęca Street – the first department in Poland to specialize in cardiovascular diseases, with separate analytical, radiological, electrocardiographic, haematological and resting metabolism laboratories. There was also a room set up at the centre for experimental testing on animals. The laboratories were partially equipped at his own expense.

In 1935 he withdraws from some of the didactic lectures in internal medicine, devoting himself exclusively to cardiological issues – in the years 1936–38 he runs the first two-week postgraduate training course in Poland for cardiologists. However, the establishment of independent structures of Polish cardiology is interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War. Professor Mściwój Semerau-Siemianowski revists the idea immediately after the war, after returning to Warsaw in 1949.

In 2020, exactly 70 years will have passed since 15 January 1950 when the Cardiology Department of the Society of Polish Internal Medicine Practitioners (Towarzystwa Internistów Polskich – TIP) – the leading centre of internal medicine in Warsaw – was established under Professor Mściwój Semerau-Siemanowski at the Second Clinic of Internal Medicine of the University of Warsaw. In addition to the chairman, the Department included three students and associates of the Master: Jerzy Jakubowski (Vice-President), Dmitri Aleksandrov (Secretary) and Edward Żera (Treasurer). Therefore seventy years ago the formal process of setting cardiology apart from internal medicine began, and four years later the newly-established Society of Polish Internal Medicine Practitioners (TIP) became the Polish Society of Cardiology (PTK). This was officially confirmed on 28 February 1954. We shall be reminding you about all of this at the exhibition marking the centenary and 70th anniversary being held within the walls of the Medical University of Warsaw.

Prof. Krzysztof J. Filipiak