Students of the Medical Degree English Program of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens took part in the “Meet the Program Directors” session, held within the framework of the 34th Panhellenic Congress of Surgery and the International Surgical Forum 2025.
This distinguished session brought together senior representatives of surgical education from three leading U.S. institutions: the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Harvard University, and Stanford University. The discussion was moderated by Professor Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, Dean of the NKUA Medical School, and Assistant Professor Ioannis Hatzaras.
During the event, students had the opportunity to meet internationally renowned Program Directors and gain first-hand insight into the structure and philosophy of modern surgical training. The session addressed key topics including pathways to surgical residency in the United States, the expectations and demands of contemporary surgical education, the importance of mentorship in academic development, and the evolving role of technology and innovation in surgery.
The participation of our students in this session reflects the broader objective of the Medical Degree English Program to promote outward-looking education, international engagement, and exposure to global best practices in medicine. It also highlights the School’s commitment to offering its students meaningful academic opportunities beyond the classroom.
The Medical School warmly thanks all speakers and organizers for their contributions and congratulates our participating students on their active involvement and professionalism.
More initiatives of this nature will follow, further strengthening the international character and academic experience of the Program.
Date Published: 1 December, 2025
