International Workshop of PhD Study was organized by Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Martin, with support of European Social Fund Project and in collaboration with ORPHEUS (Organization for PhD Education in Biomedicine and Health Sciences in the European System). The workshop took place at Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Martin from October 5th to 7th, 2008.
The participants of the International Workshop on PhD Study, after
presentations, discussions and exchange of ideas and experiences, have
concluded and agreed on the following:
1) PhD programmes as the
third cycle of high education according to Bologna process is an organic
part of the Medical and Health Sciences education in preclinical as
well as in clinical disciplines and other medicine related disciplines.
PhD programmes in Medicine and Health Sciences are specific in their
mission of the study and in the final target: Human Being.
2) The
participants have agreed with criteria for a†PhD education in Medical
and Health Sciences as are well specified in the ORPHEUS documents (The
Zagreb Declaration, 2004, Helsinki Consensus, 2007, etc.).
3) For
PhD education in the Medical and Health Science disciplines, like in
other fields, research is the basis for the successful study. For
research in medical disciplines is a†necessity of the collaboration with
other specialists – biophysists, biochemists, biomedical engineers,
mathematicians, physicians, as well as laboratorians, etc.
4)
Education in PhD clinical programmes has many specific features –
integration of†theoretical, preclinical and clinical knowledge, human
subjects as an object of the research and starting with development of
clinical skills taking latter to the specialization study.
5)
During the education in PhD clinical programmes is recommended close
cooperation between clinical and theoretical disciplines. This
cooperation is essentiall and useful for participants in the research
and beneficial to PhD student.
6) Participants have agreed with
statement that research work of undergraduate students is a good basis
for a†consecutive PhD study; it is recommended to support this work.
7) Results accentuated the crucial role of the tutors/supervisors in
quality of the PhD education and in the combined PhD and specialization
educations.
8) Unchangeable role in PhD education, in exchange of
scientific results, widening contacts among related universities and
faculties have conferences of PhD students. Participants have
recommended to organize the conferences with participation ofâ€
representatives of other faculties and on the international level.
9) PhD students – as active participants in PhD programmes – they should
have opportunity to participate in the decission making process
regarding PhD study. It is recommended to start discussion with the aims
to improve their social status, financial support, and to define
appropriate ratio between time dedicated to the research work and to
clinical practice of PhD candidates in clinical disciplines.
Aditional information could be found on web site of Jassenius Medical Faciulty, Martin ( http://www.jfmed.uniba.sk/index.php?id=4082 )