Publication Academia on Ecology MEDICAMEDICA and Medicine ISSN - 1314 - 958X

Vol .4 , (July - August ) 201 7 MU - ’s Medical Newspaper / 1.00 lv. INFORMATION SESSION WITH POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS AND YOUNG SCIENTISTS WAS HELD IN MU-PLEVEN р. 2

CAMPAIGN SESSION 2017

ADMISSION CAMPAIGN 178 NEW STUDENTS 448 STUDENT SESSION FOR "MEDICINE" IN THE SPECIALTIES CANDIDATES AND "PHARMACY" MEDICINE" AND FOR BACHELOR SPECIALTIES "PHARMACY" DEGREE SPECIALTIES

р. 3 AT MU-PLEVEN р. 4 AT MU-PLEVEN р. 5 AT MU-PLEVEN

ASSOC. PROFESSOR DOBROMIR DIMITROV WAS RE-ELECTED FOR A SECOND TERM IN THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE AND NON-INVASIVE MEDICINE р. 7

SUCCESS AT HIFU CENTER The tree private hospitals will become “ST. MARINA - PLEVEN” university bases, Prof. Tomov believes.

р. 6 INTERVIEW р. 5 WITH PROF. SLAVCHO TOMOV, RECTOR OF MU-PLEVEN Academia vol. 4 /2017 MEDICA PROJECT

THE FIRST INFORMATION SESSION WITHPOSTGRADUATE STUDENTS AND YOUNG SCIENTISTS BASED ON A PROJECT TO SUPPORT THEIR DEVELOPMENT WAS HELD IN MU-PLEVEN On June 28, 2017 in the Ambroise Pare Hall of the Telecommunication Endoscopic Center at MU-Pleven the first information meeting on the "Creation of a training center for PhD students, postgraduates and young scientists at theFaculty of Medicine , Pleven" project took place. It is developed under the "Science and Education for Smart Growth" Operational Program 2014-2020, co-funded by the European Union through the European Structural and Investment Funds. The grant for the project amounts to BGN 695,631.34 and it has a 24-month implementation period, ending on 31.12.2018. The meeting was organized and conducted by the project team members: Pleven, giving it a competitive advantage on the map of higher Prof. Maria Sredkova, Head of Project medical education not only in Europe but also around the Management and Implementation; Prof. Dr. world, attracting a growing number of Bulgarian and Galia Stavreva, Coordinator; Assoc. Prof. Dr. international students. Pencho Tonchev, Research Administrator; After the presentation of Prof. Tomov, each individual Anelia Lukanova, accountant, and Ilian member of the Project team introduced the young audience to Yonchev, lawyer. Many members of the the different aspects of the activities in which they will take audience were representative of the project part and what benefits are expected for their scientific and target group, comprising a total of 84 professional careers. Prof. Maria Sredkova described in detail persons, of which 29 doctoral students from the six main activities envisaged in the Project, which will be the Faculty of Medicine at MU-Pleven; 40 implemented in the form of highly specialized courses on the postgraduates; 5 young scientists and 10 following topics: "Developing a curriculum and conducting lecturers at the same faculty. courses on key competences for a successful scientific career"; The Rector of MU-Pleven, Prof. Dr. "Personalized approach in the pre-op and surgical treatment of Slavcho Tomov address to the young people patients through minimally invasive surgery, based on was in the form of a presentation on imaging reconstruction, 3D visualization and virtual "Medicine and New Technologies - Present simulations"; "Conducting training for participation and or Future". His demonstration included a 3D preparation of research projects, current proposals, video and references to the history of technology transfer and intellectual property management"; humanity, medicine and surgery, practical training in the "Experimental Science" program; perpetuating his message that the "Support for the individual scientific and career development technologies of the future and NASA today of the target group" and "Active promotion of doctoral are actually applicable in medical science students, postgraduates and young scientists to potential and practice - such as robotic surgery and 3D employers and partners in future joint projects". bio-printers of human organs and tissues. The chief objective of the project is to improve the Most of these technologies of the future are established Postgraduate School of MU-Pleven with specific already present at the Medical University of activities and courses necessary for the development of PhD Pleven: 3D Medical Table for Virtual students, specialists, young scientists and faculty members of Dissections, Robot Assisted Surgery, HIFU the Faculty of Medicine. The aim is to create a Center for Technologies and a 3D Studio for Live Support for the Development of PhD Students, Postgraduates Surgery Demonstrations, which opens doors and Young Scientists, which will ensure the high quality of with the start of the new school year. All of their training in accordance with the needs of the labor market them outline the innovative profile of MU- and the building of a knowledge-based economy. Original text in Bulgarian: V.Dukova Academia vol. 4 /2017 Admission Campaign MEDICA

THE ADMISSION CAMPAIGN SESSION FOR "MEDICINE" AND "PHARMACY" SPECIALTIES AT MU-PLEVEN STARTED ON 5 JULY The Admission Campaign for the applicants were distributed in 40 the gathered journalists, the Rector specialties "Medicine" and training halls on the territory of the commented that: "The Medical "Pharmacy" at the Medical Rectorate, buildings 1 and 2. In order University of Pleven is a higher University-Pleven started on 5 July to ensure the safe and smooth education institution, approached with the first biology exam. A total of proceedings of the exam, 115 with great interest on the part of the 816 student candidates competed for Quaestors - lecturers and university candidate students - we are on the 133 places, a state order, full-time staff – attended and administered the ridge of the wave." According to him, training in both Majors, which makes event. "the university has a successful an average of just over 6 candidates After the start of the admission student-candidate campaign, which for one place. exam for biology for the two master's continues to hold and increase the Student candidates went through specialties, a special press conference interest of the high-school graduates a special admission procedure to be was held, attended by the Rector of in the medical specialties and to allowed to enter the examination the University, Prof. Dr. Slavcho collect a sufficient number of rooms. This was the first test of the Tomov; Deputy Rector of candidates against the backdrop of University's new entry control Educational Activities, Prof. the great demographic crisis in system. Margarita Alexandrova; Dean of the . The university is At 8:45 pm in Asclepius Hall, Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Asparuh developing as an innovative one and Candidate Student Pamela Krumova Asparuhov; Deputy Dean of the it is a successful practice because from , chosen by lot, Faculty, Prof. Dr. Pavlina young people are very demanding - randomly picked version 12 of the Yordanova; Assoc. Prof. Milena they react to the novelties and the Biology Exam Test for Medicine and Atanasova, Chair of the Evaluation modern tendencies in the sphere of Pharmacy. This was done in the Committee; Mrs. Virginia Lazarova, medical education." Prof. Tomov presence of the Rector of the Chairperson of the Technical noted that this year the number of University, Prof. Dr. Slavcho Tomov; Commission for the Admission. For candidates for the new specialty Deputy Rector of Educational "Pharmacy" is considerably higher. Activities, Prof. Margarita He informed the media Alexandrova; Dean of the Faculty of representatives that the form of the Medicine, Prof. Asparuh Asparuhov; exams had changed, and tests for Deputy Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. both biology and chemistry Pavlina Yordanova; Assoc. Prof. competitions were introduced. Prof. Milena Atanasova, Chair of the Tomov is convinced that the test as Evaluation Committee; Mrs. Virginia form of examination provides a more Lazarova, Chairperson of the accurate selection of candidates. "The Technical Commission for the biology test includes textbook Admission as well as parents of the material for grades 8, 9 and 10 and is candidates and members of the press. the best form of objective assessment The high-school graduates were of candidates' preparation," he said. congratulated by Prof. Tomov and The first part of the test was designed Deputy Rector of Educational as closed - involving questions with Activities, Prof. Margarita only 1 correct answer, while the Alexandrova, who wished them second part consisted of several open success. The exam began at 9am and lasted 4 hours - up to 13am. The cont. on p.4 Academia vol. 4 /2017 MEDICA ADMISSION CAMPAIGN

cont. from p.3 questions with more than one Pleven - 37%. There is a marked Commission for Admission, Virginia possible correct answer. “Open decline in the proportion of service Lazarova; parents of student questions are included to allow users in the temporary application candidates and journalists. The exam candidates to present their way of posts around the country. began at 9.00 am and lasted for 4 thinking and their ability to The results of the preliminary astronomical hours. formulate their thoughts in writing," exam session were also announced. Even before the second Prof. Slavcho Tomov explained. Top marks in biology (full sixes) are 7 examination, on July 10, 2017, the The Rector specified that the and the overall share of excellent university displayed the results of increased number of applicants for grades is 9.34%. The top marks in the the biology exam at a specific MU-Pleven has been a trend since chemistry preliminary exam are 22. location in the Rectorate and the 2010. The last two years - 2016 and On July 12, the second exam from University's website. The highest 2017 - set a record in the number of the session (chemistry) was held. It number of grades fall into the "good" applicants. This year, a total of 816 was attended by 713 candidate (4) grade - 43%, followed by "very candidate students will compete for students who competed for 133 good" (5) at estimated - 22%. The 133 places, a state order, full-time places, which makes an average of excellent biology grades from the training in the subjects of "Medicine" just over 6 candidates for one place. regular exam are 11 (2%), while in the and "Pharmacy", with six students Candidate students took their seats preliminary examination there were competing for one place. Those who from 8.00 am to 8.30 am. At 8.30 am in much more - 55 candidates were have picked "Medicine" as their first- Asclepius Hall the test version of the rated over 5.50. Registered poor choice specialty total 605 and the exam questions and tasks in marks (2) in biology in the regular applicants for "Pharmacy" as a first- chemistry was picked. This was done session were 108 (16%) and those choice are 211. There are also 70 high- on an arbitrary basis, in the presence with a grade of 3 were 119 (17%). school graduates who will take part of the members of the Academic The results of the chemistry exam in the ranking with the results they Leadership of MU-Pleven - the were announced on July 17th. achieved at the preliminary exams. Rector of the University, Prof. Dr. Candidates had the opportunity to From the total number of candidates Slavcho Tomov; Deputy Rector of check their ratings online and on-site (816) women are twice as many (563 - Educational Activities, Prof. M. in the Rectorate. The excellent 69%) as men (253 - 31%). For the first Alexandrova; Dean of the Faculty of chemistry marks are, for the first time year, the relative share of the Medicine, Prof. Dr. A. Asparuhov; this year, more than those in biology - applicants who submitted their Deputy Dean of the Faculty of in the preliminary session excellent applications electronically, through Pharmacy, Assoc. Prof. Pavlina marks (over 5.50) in chemistry are the system at the university website, Yordanova; Chairperson of the 12% versus 9% in biology, and at the is highest (48%), followed by the Chemistry Exam Evaluation regular chemistry session 10% students who personally submitted Committee, Prof. Angelina versus 2% in biology. their papers in the Rectorate building, Stoyanova; the Chair of the Technical 178 ARE THE NEW STUDENTS IN THE SPECIALTIES "MEDICINE" AND "PHARMACY" AT MU-PLEVEN On July 18, July the second stage of enrollment began for student the first students candidates in the Master's specialties at MU-Pleven - in the specialties "Medicine" and "Pharmacy". More than half of the "Medicine" and places were filled in for both majors - 62 newly "Pharmacy" at admitted students of Medicine and 19 freshmen in the MU-Pleven Pharmacy. On August 2, Medical University - Pleven were accepted. completely filled in the 133 places for full-time state- On 19 July, a list requested training in the Master's courses "Medicine" and schedule of and "Pharmacy" after the third stage of admission. Two the rankings and girls were accepted with a maximum of 36.00 in the deadlines for "Medicine" specialty - Betina Mukova from enrollment of newly-accepted students were posted on Slavyanovo and Ilona Yordanova from . On the the site of the University. They had three days - 19, 20 same day, MU-Pleven announced an admission and 21 July to enroll. Candidates, who were not procedure for paid education of medical students, accepted during the first or second stage of admission, based on a decision of the Academic Council of the automatically participated in a third stage in University and the Higher Education Act. For the paid descending order, depending on their score. On 24th of cont. on p.5 Academia vol. 4 /201 7 ADMISSION CAMPAIGN MEDICA cont. from p.4 education in the specialty of "Medicine", applicants were required to have have passed the entrance exams at the Pleven University of Medicine but have not been accepted on state grand. The Higher School has announced that it will accept a quota of 16 medical students for a fee - 10 girls and 6 boys. The annual fee for medical training in 2017/2018 academic year is 6 790.50 BGN. Applicants for paid education were required to submit papers from 7th to 11th August in the Department of Education in the Rectorate or online through the University's website. A record number of candidates submitted applications - 73. The results from the first stage of paid education enrollment procedures were issued on August 11, while enrollment of newly accepted students for paid education was from 14 to 16 August. The total number of students enrolled in the first year of Bulgarian Language Education in the specialties "Medicine" and "Pharmacy" of MU-Pleven for the Academic year 2017/2018 as of August 31st is 157. There will be enrollment of 21 students with Bulgarian nationality and foreign citizenship, based on Decree № 103 and No. 228 of the Council of Ministers on the implementation of educational activities for living abroad.

448 STUDENT CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR DEGREE SPECIALTIES AT MU-PLEVEN THE UNIVESITY EXTENDED THE APPLICATION OPPORTUNITIES IN THESE SPECIALTIES The total number of public program Biology exam. 18 students admissions for the nine Bachelor's are reported to have benefitted degree programs at the Health from this opportunity. Care, Public Health and Medical After completing the public College Faculties was 210, admission in the Bachelor's degree including the new specialty programs, the higher education "Medical Cosmetics". Two dates for institution officially announced the accepting the documents of the admission of students for paid candidates in these specialties were education in the Bachelor's degree set up. As of June 30, 2017, the programs for the academic year candidates for the Bachelor's degree 2017/2018. For paid training, a programs were 362. After the total of 36 places were announced second admission date, 19-22 July inNursing (10 places), Midwifery (5 2017, the total number of Bachelor's places);Laboratory Technician (4 degree candidates was 448. They places);X-ray Technician (2 places); could take part in the ranking with Assistant Pharmacist (5 places); their assessment marks from the Medical rehabilitation and preliminary or the regular Ergotherapy(5 places); Protection examinations at MU-Pleven; with a and control of public health (2 places) biology matriculation exam marks andSocial activities (3 places). The a total of 226 students will be or with another optional annual fees for paid education in trained in the nine Bachelor's matriculation examination mark. the Bachelor's degree specialties in degree programs at the Public With a decision of the Academic the Health Care Faculty amount to Health, Health Care and Medical Leadership, this year the BGN 4,165. For the specialties College Faculties. From a total of opportunities for the applicants for Medical Rehabilitation and 226 students admitted most are admission in the Bachelor's degree Ergotherapyand Protection and public (on a state grand) (210) and a programs were expanded by Control of Public Health in the Public fraction have opted for paid allowing student candidates in the Health Faculty, the amount is BGN education (16). MA programs at MU-Pleven to 2,303 and for Social activities - BGN participate in the ranking with their 1,508. examination marks in the MA In the 2017/2018 academic year, Academia vol. 4 /201 7 MEDICA HIFU Center

HIFU CENTER “ST. MARINA - PLEVEN” FACILITATES YET ANOTHER PREGNANCY AND BIRTH

On August 18, 2017 baby Gergana was born after her mother Virginia Georgieva was completely cured of myoma. This was made possible by treatment with the non-invasive ultrasound apparatus HIFU at “St. Marina” University Hospital - Pleven. In September 2014, Virginia was diagnosed with a myoma node occupying much of the uterus. After nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of her control MRI showed excellent results - the myoma pelvis with intravenous contrast, the diagnosis was node was destroyed and the "dead" tissue in the uterus confirmed and the tumor was identified as a myomic was only 5 cm in size. The next check-up with a node with a size of about 10 cm. She then received a gynecologist, who did not approve the patient's proposal for surgical treatment by a gynecologist, decision to trust HIFU treatment, demonstrated a which would have meant the removal of the uterus and reduction of the node to 3.5 cm. However, they the impossibility of having more children. Although continued to persuade Virginia to undergo surgery. the woman has one cesarean birth, she and her Then came the good news of a natural pregnancy that husband wanted a second child. She started reading on went without problems. the internet, seeking treatment options to keep her Dimitrov, head of HIFU Center - Pleven explained chances for a second pregnancy. There she found that in most cases the patients do not inform doctors information about a new device for non-invasive (non- from the HIFU Center about their pregnancies because incision) ultrasound "killing" of tumor formations after the good results of the treatment of myoma or (HIFU). She learned that a HIFU device for "surgery adenomyosis of the uterus they continue to check in without scalpel" had been installed at the St. Marina- with their personal gynecologists. Therefore, the Pleven Hospital and had been functioning since team's desire is to make a register of successfully cured December 2012 as the only HIFU center in patients who, subsequently, became pregnant and Southeastern Europe. Looking at international sites, gave birth to a "HIFU baby". It has been proven that the patient confirmed that the method is widespread HIFU is the gentlest treatment for the uterus and its and yields very good results for patients in her epithelium, which is a woman's most important condition. reproductive organ. There are 8 centers in Europe with Virginia consulted with the doctors working at the functioning HIFU treatment, one of them is in Pleven. Center and decided to undergo treatment. She says "In the eyes of colleagues from other countries, we are that during the procedure she experienced little an equally competent partner," said Dimitrov, who warming in the abdomen and the cooling effect of the was re-elected at a forum in China for a second term in water in which that part of her body was submerged. the Executive Board of the International Association of However, thanks to the mild anesthesia, the patient felt Minimally Invasive and Non-Invasive Surgery. comfortable and maintained constant contact with the According to Assoc. Prof. Dimitrov, the lucky HIFU Center team. The procedure was completed in mother Virginia is proof of the good results of the about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The recovery window of advanced methods of treatment, reducing the trauma the patient is only several hours post-op and until the to the patient and accelerating their recovery. He evening she was with her family. Virginia betrayed her stressed that these are only possible with a high degree astonishment at the fact that she was cured without of patient awareness and trust in new technologies serious trauma and incisions. During the very first re- and the expertise of medical professionals. Associate examination, a month after the HIFU treatment it was Professor Dimitrov added that from September 2017 confirmed that the myoma node had began to HIFU Center "St. Marina" - Pleven will surprise its disappear. Its maximum size was 7.5 cm - 2.5 cm patients with new, more affordable prices for all types smaller than its original size. The complaints of a heavy of “treatment without scalpel.” menstrual cycle were gone, as were the accompanying V. Dukova severe pains. During the seventh month post-op, the Academia vol. 4 /2017 Forum in China MEDICA

ASSOC. PROFESSOR DOBROMIR DIMITROV WAS RE-ELECTED AT A FORUM IN CHINA FOR A SECOND TERM IN THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE AND NON-INVASIVE MEDICINE etc. Board of the International Association Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dobromir Dimitrov for Minimally Invasive and Non- presented a comparative analysis to Invasive Medicine for a new term of 4 the international audience of the years. Professor David Granston from clinical outcomes of the use of HIFU Oxford University, England was treatment of patients with advanced elected President of the Association. At pancreatic cancer between HIFU the meeting, a decision was made to Center "St. Marina" - Pleven and the conduct a scientific study aimed at Second Partner Hospital of Chongqing comparing the clinical, social and Medical University. HIFU therapy is financial results in the open-surgery applied parallel to chemotherapy treatment of myoma disease and the From 13 to 18 July 2017 in Chong- based on a specific pattern. The laparoscopic and HIFU treatment qing, China, the Third International outlook for patients is generally based solely on European centers. It Conference of the International Asso- excellent - the mean survival rate was proposed that the leading centers ciation for Minimal Invasive and Non- measured after the HIFU procedure is in the study be those in Barcelona, Invasive Medicine was organized. over 9 months. Furthermore, the most Frankfurt, Bonn and Pleven. The Medical University – Pleven was repre- significant symptom for these patients results of a similar study - one sented at the forum by Assoc. Prof. Dr. – pain – has decreased significantly or comparing laparoscopic and open Dobromir Dimitrov, Deputy Dean of completely disappeared. Moreover, surgery with HIFU treatment for the Faculty of Medicine and Head of the analysis shows the same level of myoma - were presented. The results HIFU Center "St. Marina" - Pleven. success in the Bulgarian and Chinese clearly show that HIFU-treated More than 350 physicians from over HIFU teams, who have a longer, 15- patients in Asian centers very quickly 20 countries participated in the forum year experience. This proves that the return to normal social life (median of in China. The focus of the scientific team at HIFU Center "St. Marina" - 3.8 days); health care costs are also papers presented was on the various Pleven has fully mastered the lower and less than 1% of all patients invasive and non-invasive approaches technology and can utilize it in the develop complications compared to to treatment such as: robotic surgery, treatment of Bulgarian and European surgically treated patients in Europe. laparoscopic surgery, HIFU (high patients. The results of this study were intensity focused ultrasound) Assoc. Prof. Dimitrov was re- published this year in the British treatment, RF ablation, cryoablation, elected as member of the Executive Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Interview with Prof. Slavcho Tomov, Rector of MU-Pleven - Prof. Tomov, this year there are in the field of training and research. Europe and the world and is one of even more student candidates Perhaps this is what attracts young the things that attract Bulgarian and applying at MU-Pleven. Why, do you people who are initiative and foreign students. One year ago, at a think, is the competition so fierce? inquisitive and interested in new student reception, a student from the - Over the past few years, we have things and modern technologies. This UK came to me and said, "I am here, taken steps in maintaining and is, I believe, one of the important Professor Tomov, because of the increasing the interest in our prerequisites for success. There is robot you have at the university. The university. Our medical university is another factor worth mentioning - robot is an outstanding, cutting-edge located in one of the small towns of students who graduate from a technology that is also being widely central Northern Bulgaria, but as university are the best advertisers introduced into the Bulgarian market. representatives of Pleven and the with what they say about it, especially We have already taken steps in a region we try to attract the attention of foreign students. different direction - telemedicine and the candidate students in a variety of - What are the innovative methods 3D medicine. We were the first to ways. We lead a year-round that you've introduced for the first introduce a 3D virtual dissection table campaign, we are present on all time in Bulgaria? that makes possible the student exchanges as well as the - Robotic surgery, which is an reconstruction of two-dimensional media, but more importantly, MU- emblem and symbol not only for images from an X-ray and a magnetic Pleven itself is one of the pioneers in Pleven and our city but also for the introduction of new technologies Bulgaria. It represents us before cont. on p.8 Academia vol. 4 /201 7 MEDICA Interview cont. from p.5 resonance into a three-dimensional training students or is it only the state not the most important issue in this format. This allows the patient to be one? case. Many young people who examined in detail in 3D format and - MU-Pleven is the only medical emigrate abroad say they get not only we are already using it to train our university in Bulgaria that currently better pay, but also better work students in disciplines such as has no second university base, but conditions and opportunities to grow imaging, abdominal surgery, one of the three private hospitals in as professionals and researchers. gynecology and anatomy of the the city – “St. Marina” - has already There are hospitals in Bulgaria at a human body. In addition, we've completed accreditation for a training very high level but some normative released two live 3D animations. In base and this will enable us to start the documents create obstructions for October, we will finalize our project procedure for it to become a young people who complete their for 3D studio for education and university training base. Our idea is higher course in medicine to gain research. There, lectures on anatomy, to gradually integrate all private adequate opportunities for surgery and gynecology will be hospitals in Pleven and to use their specialization. Ordinance 1 should be exported to a real three-dimensional staff and technological potential for amended; I believe the Ministry is format, similar to watching a movie in the training of our students. working in this direction. The 3D cinema. We also have other - With regard to the number of specialization system was transferred initiatives that are still at project level. international students currently from the universities to the hospitals, - Can you give us an example? enrolled at MU-Pleven. How many which I believe was a mistake, - By the start of next year, we will students are you officially allowed to because before it was considered part introduce 3D printing as a way of train and how different is that of education and after the change the creating models to train our students number from your aspirations? academic element involved in it was in one of the newest disciplines - - The capacity of the higher school reduced. Minimally Invasive Surgery. in that regard is limited. Currently it - State subsidies per students were Currently, students are trained on cannot exceed 2500 students. reduced. How did that affect your simulators, virtual trainers and on Medicine is one of the specialties in work? living tissue. With the 3D printer, we'll which foreign students are markedly - This is a blow to all medical give them the ability to print three- interested and at the moment we are universities. The idea of the Ministry dimensional organs and then use training 900 people from other of Education and Science was that, them for further training. The fabric of countries in that field. But we are with this high coefficient, the medical the organs is a special gel that allows working on this issue, and this year universities take up a large part of the modeling by the printer in 3D. we are preparing a new report on state education subsidy. However, I - How do you facilitate and where increasing the capacity. We plan to would pose the following question - do you integrate all these innovative ask for 600 new student seats and in Bulgaria there are several projects, considering state hospitals expect to receive an adequate universities with a capacity of over 15 are increasingly underfunded in response. 000 students, how much is the Bulgaria? - Do you believe those new 600 subsidy for them!? In fact, just several - In Pleven, in 2007, the students can help satisfy the need for universities take two thirds of the Telecommunication Endoscopy nurses, midwives and medical subsidy for higher education in our Center for Telemedicine opened doors experts in general? How real is the country and yet the attention was in order to facilitate tele-learning and possibility of MU-Pleven being directed towards us. Medical 3D training. This is our base that we allowed that increase? universities in Bulgaria are an are currently improving upon. It is - We certainly hope so, example of a successful establishment separate from the state hospital, but considering our university has the in the field of higher education and with the capabilities of telemedicine, smallest capacity. Although there are this model should be supported. our students observe everything that four medical universities are which - Have the Rectors of all medical happens in the operating theaters of train so many students for a country universities in Bulgaria discussed this university clinics and hospitals as small as Bulgaria, there is still a topic? What actions do you intend to around the country. Conducting deficit. It is even more overwhelming pursue? training in a similar manner in other a problem overseas. - We have and we do not intend hospitals is one of our goals. We are - What can we do to keep our for these changes to go undisputed. about to introduce a very innovative medical professionals here, in Corrections need to be made to the technology that would facilitate that Bulgaria? current subsidies. We still manage to process but I cannot announce it for - This is another topic that impacts handle the deficit with revenue but it the time being. our society as a whole, not only the is not enough. - Are there any private hospitals in medical universities or MES and MH. Interview in Bulgarian: Maria Pleven that could serve as base for I know that pay is always considered Chipileva to come first, but perhaps money is Academia vol. 4 /201 7 Night of Scientists MEDICA

MU-PLEVEN WILL HOST “SCIENTISTS NIGHT” FOR THE FIFTH TIME For the fifth time, on September 29, 2017, Pleven Medical University will host the Night of Scientists, participating in the consortium of higher education institutions and research organizations that take part in the initiative in Bulgaria. The Night of Scientists is held for the 11th time in Bulgaria. The initiative was put forward by the European Commission and aims to present the work of scientists to the general public and to attract young people to a career in science and research. The events included in the "European Scientists Night 2017" program will take place on 29 September simultaneously in more than 250 cities in Europe and around the world. Eleven Bulgarian cities will take part in the initiative. The program in Bulgarian is united around the "FRESH" project, which aims to improve the public's understanding of science and to, vice-versa, engage scientists with the problems of society. The topic of "European Scientists Night - Pleven 2017" is "Sports - the best medicine against daily stress". European Scientists Night - Pleven 2017 will be realized by lecturers and students of the Medical University - Pleven, with the active participation of the Union of Scientists - Pleven Branch, the National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski", BG Bе Active Association, European Center for Education, Science and Innovations (ECESI), “Geo Milev” High School of Mathematics, Language School - Pleven, “Aleko Konstantinov” Vocational High School of Tourism, State Finance and Economics High School -Intellect and“ Ivan Vazov” Secondary School.

THE MEDICAL COLLEGE AT MU-PLEVEN ORGANIZES THE 15TH NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC SESSION FOR STUDENTS AND LECTURERS On October 5 and 6, 2017 Medical College at the Medical University - Pleven will organize the already traditional National Scientific Session for Students and Lecturers. The Organizing Committee with Honorary Chair: Prof. Dr. Slavcho Tomov, Rector of MU-Pleven and Chairperson: Assoc. Prof. Evgeniya Barzashka, MD, Director of Medical College- Pleven invites all those interested to take part with a report or a poster. Two reports per participant (including co-authorship) are allowed. SCIENTIFIC TOPICS: "Medical-Diagnostic Studies"; "Pharmaceutical care"; "Social activities"; "Miscellaneous". Additional info: http://www.mu-pleven.bg UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL – PLEVEN – ONE OF THE ONLY THREE STATE HOSPITALS NOT IN THE RED IN BULGARIA University Hospital "Dr. Georgi Stranski", Pleven is punished. Prior to the meeting Minister Nikolay Petrov among the three state hospitals in the country, which are had a meeting with directors of district hospitals and still profitable. This has become clear from an article in the asked them to review carefully all the contracts that were newspaper Sega, in which data from the Health Ministry's concluded. He insisted it is important to look for the most analyses is quoted by MP Nigyar Jafer. The analysis shows effective ways to spend money. As an example, the that only 3 of the 62 state hospitals are profitable - the Minister indicated contracts with third-party contractors Montana district hospital, "St. Ivan Rilski" University to transport patients on dialysis. This practice makes the Hospital in and the University Hospital in Pleven. service much more expensive than if the hospital On the other side there are a number of district hospitals, completed the procedure itself. He urged directors to clear including , , , and all unreasonable spending in their health care institutions others, as well as "St. Anna "in the capital that are very in order for him to be able to ask the prime minister and the much in the red. At a meeting of the Parliamentary Health finance minister for an increase in the budget. The Health Commission on July 6, Health Minister Nikolay Petrov Minister advised hospital directors to take the example of announced that his department has found a number of their colleagues in the private health care establishments irregularities and imbalances in the management of the and seek the lowest price when buying equipment, hospitals that he will request be fixed as soon as possible. medicines and supplies. According to Minister Petrov, the directors of a number of The Ministry believes that by using the example of state hospitals have failed to properly manage the private hospitals and profitable state hospitals, uniform finances of their health establishments, suffering losses rules for wage and salary formation as well as buying between BGN 50 000 and 700 000 by buying medicines medicines, equipment and consumables can be above the admissible prices. For this they will be established. Academia vol. 4 /201 7 MEDICA Innovations

TEAM OF EXPERTS AT THE NEUROSURGERY CLINIC AT UNIVERSITY-HOSPITAL PLEVEN PERFORMED A DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX OPERATION After an extremely complicated, 6-hour operation, a did not believe she could walk again. After consulting woman who was completely paralyzed from the waist with Assoc. Prof. Panov, she decided to undergo the down is on her feet again. A team led by Assoc. Prof. extremely difficult and risky tumor-removal surgery. Dr. Yordan Panov, Head of the Neurosurgery Clinic at The operation lasted 6 hours, 5 of which the doctors - "Dr. Georgi Stranski" University Hospital - Pleven Assoc. Prof. Dr. Panov, Dr. Vassilev and Dr. performed the intervention in which a spinal cord Mladenovski had to spend working under a tumor that was causing paralysis was removed. The microscope. The end result is more than successful – on woman had once been operated in another clinic but the very first day post-op the patient was able to move since January, as a result of tumorhardening and and on the sixth day, when she was discharged, she prolonged spinal cord compression, she was could stand on her own. completely immobilized. The doctors she consulted CONTEMPORARY METHOD FOR BREAST CANCER TREATMENT INTRODUCED AT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL – PLEVEN A new method of treating breast cancer was Oncological Surgery, Dr. Valcheva, Dr. Petrova, Ph.D. introduced at the Oncology Center at Dr. Georgi Dinova; radio-therapeutic team headed by Dr. A. Stranski University Hospital. As part of the treatment, Mikinski, Head of Radiotherapy Department, Dr. surgical intervention and radiotherapy are Hitova; Anesthesiology team, headed by Dr. I. administered simultaneously. For this purpose, special Mihaylov, Head of Onco-resuscitation, Assist. Pakova radiotherapy equipment for electronic, high-dose and Medical physicist I. Petrov. brachytherapy has been installed in the Oncological The surgical team selected the patient and performed Surgery Clinic. During surgery, the site of the tumor is the operation in accordance with the requirements of directly irradiated while keeping minimal irradiation the new method. The anesthesiology team provided of surrounding tissues. Therefore, postoperative anesthesia, enabling radiotherapy in the operating radiation therapy can be entirely skipped in patients room. The task of the radiotherapy team was the with early-diagnosed breast cancer. Thus, all required hardest - adopting the new approach, licensing the hospital treatment may be completed during surgery modern equipment and introducing it into the clinical or, at the very least, significantly shorten the treatment practice in the operating room while at the same time course of external irradiation, which usually lasts for 5 observing the necessary requirements for precision to 7 weeks. This relieves the patient of the need to and safety. The Radiotherapy Department confidently repeatedly visit the hospital and provides opportunity overcame the new challenge, which further expanded for their return to normal daily life within days of the number of treatment methods for breast cancer surgery. applied at the University Hospital "Dr. Georgi The application of intraoperative radiation therapy Stranski" - Pleven. During the last year, the most requires certain conditions - the presence of a surgical modern, high-tech radiation methods - a linear team capable of applying contemporary approaches to accelerator that provides rapid and accurate the surgical treatment of breast cancer, a team of conventional radiation therapy, intensity-determined experts - radiotherapists and a trained medical radiotherapy, volume-modulated rotation therapy and physicist, possessing the necessary knowledge and irradiation while inhaling, are being implemented and skills to operate modern radiotherapy equipment in an applied in clinical practice at University Hospital in unusual situation - in the operating room, during Pleven. The Radiotherapy Department is equipped surgery. with the most modern equipment with the resources The Clinic for Oncological Surgery at the Oncology provided by the Ministry of Health in 2015 under Center at University Hospital – Pleven is well-known Operational Program "Regional Development". for applying contemporary treatment methods of Another helpful factor for the application of the new oncological diseases, breast cancer in particular. methods is the leading role of Medical University - Several teams of doctors participated in the clinical Pleven in the application of high technologies such as start of intraoperative radiotherapy: a surgical team robotic surgery. led by Prof. T. Deliiyski, Head of the Clinic of Academia бр.4 /2017 NEAA Expert Group MEDICA

EXPERT GROUP FROM NEAA VISITS MU-PLEVEN

In the period 05-06.07.2017, an expert group from NEAA the main units and departments providing training for the visited MU-Pleven for the accreditation of two doctoral Academicand Scientific Degree "Doctor", the research staff programs:Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry . The group and the participants in scientific projects. Discussions were from NEAA had the following members: Head - Assoc. Prof. held over the educational process of the doctoral programs Vesselin Kmetov, Faculty of Chemistry, University and the University's system of interconnecting the latter "Paisii Hilendarski"; members - Prof. Dr. Mariela with research. The representatives of NEAA also took note Odzhakova-Baytosheva, Faculty of Biology, Sofia of the policy developed by the University's management to University "St. Kliment Ohridski "and Desislava Gerginova provide a qualitative academic staff for the education of PhD - student, University of Chemical Technology and students as part of the institution's development strategy. Metallurgy - Sofia. Observer was Prof. Dr. Ekaterina There were also meetings with doctoral students trained in Zhecheva, member of the PCNS MI at NEAA, and the two doctoral programs, employers, equipment and Coordinator - Sava Mihovska, Mas, expert at the NEAA facilities experts, financial and information management of PCNSMI. the programs. The NEAA work group was familiarized with The Expert Group held a series of meetings with the capacity of study halls, offices, laboratories, libraries, etc. representatives of the University Leadership, the as well as with the technical tools and information networks committees that prepared the self-assessment reports on the necessary for the academic comfort of the doctoral students. two doctoral programs, representatives of the Leadership of THE TEAM AT OG CLINIC, UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL PLEVEN HELD A PROTEST AGAINST THE VIOLENCE TOWARDS MEDICS On July 4, the entire medical staff of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic as well as the Department of Neonatology at University Hospital "Dr. Georgi Stranski" in Pleven joined a symbolic protest against the violence towards medics. The occasion was yet another case of assault of medical staff - a doctor from Sheinovo Hospital. The medics' gowns were decorated with strips of white cloth with which the health workers expressed their sympathy towards their injured colleague. "We fully support our colleagues and the injured colleague from Sheinovo Hospital; therefore we decided to make this symbolic act today. The strips are not only an expression of support, but they also express our protest against the violence that is even more common among the nurses," said the Head of the Obstetric Clinic at the University Hospital and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at MU-Pleven,Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jordan Popov. Despite the protest, the medics were at their workplaces and performed their usual duties.

HOSPITALS IN BULGARIA ARE IN DIRE NEED OF BETTER FUNDING In an interview aired onBulgaria ON AIR , Kalin Popovski, deal with the problem might take a prolonged period of time. MD stated that Bulgarian hospitals are in dire need of better In his opinion, it is also reasonable for limits on funding to be funding. He further elaborated that NHIF should promptly voided for state and university hospitals. deal with the over-the-limit expenses of the hospitals. He added that the medical union is right to ask for refunds on those sums and waiting for the Regulatory body of NHIF to

Academia Materials received are not Academia Medica Newspaper to be returned. Authors provides spaces for advertising MEDICA are held responsible for the contents of their Prices: Editor-in-chief: Prof. Slavcho Tomov, MD, PhD articles. Entire page, A4 – 140.00lv. ½ page – 80.00lv. Editor: Chief Assist. Prof. Magdalena Balashkova, MD ¼ page – 40.00lv. Pleven, 5800; Bulgaria Excluding VAT. Translation and Proofreading: Tsvetelin Lisaev 1 Kliment Ohridski Str. Contract no. 064/884-260 We feature notices and advertisements on Prepress: Engr. Silvia Emileva e-mail: [email protected] medical or ecological topics only.