Medespera international congress, 11th edition: rcord number of participants and high-quality scientific papers

The 11th edition of the MedEspera International Congress for Students, PhD Students and Young Doctors, entitled "Building a New Era of Medicine with the help of Artificial Intelligence", was distinguished by the high interest of young researchers and the quality of the scientific papers presented. A record number of 987 participants, including 395 internationals, took part in the 74 workshops and 27 scientific sessions, guided by 225 professors, including 14 international experts. The current edition was also notable for the exceptional quality of the papers presented by students, resident doctors and young researchers in medicine and pharmacy.

The event brought to the forefront one of the most important current topics worldwide – the development of a new stage of medicine by integrating artificial intelligence, without overlooking the human dimension of the medical act involving empathy and clinical judgment. “Technologies have the role of supporting the doctor’s activity and providing more efficient tools for making quick and correct medical decisions. Future generations of specialists will work in a different system than the one we have known, where continuous learning and critical thinking will be as important as the actual medical training,” said Emil Ceban, Minister of Health of the Republic of Moldova, at the inauguration of the Congress.

Congress President Dreyah Candice, a 5th year student at Faculty of Medicine No. 2, noted that this year the scientific forum brought together the largest number of participants in its history: "People from 10 countries, with different cultures, backgrounds and experiences, came together to share their passion for medical and pharmaceutical research, for learning and human connection". The medical student emphasized the importance of the event for young doctors, who capitalized on their scientific potential, exchanged experience and established new international academic collaborations. At the same time, she emphasized the great effort of the organizing team, namely the members of the Medical Students and Residents Association.

First Vice-Rector Olga Cernetchi, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Academic Management, emphasized in the opening of the event that this congress reflected the intellectual energy of the new generation of doctors and researchers, their courage to ask questions and to actively contribute to the development of modern medicine. Today, the university offers modern conditions for research activity, high-performance laboratories and simulation centers, so that our young people can be fully integrated into the European and global scientific space.

Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy truly has reasons to be proud of its students. We operate in a prestigious academic institution, and you have demonstrated that the future of medicine and pharmacy is in good hands," concluded Professor Olga Cernetchi during the Gala, awarding prizes to the winners in the Maternal and Child Health category.

"The word MedEspera contains in itself the idea of ​​hope, and hope requires ambition, courage and boldness, as well as the ability to overcome the limits of what is currently considered normal. The MedEspera Awards Gala highlights not only results and achievements, but also the courage of young people to continue learning even in the most difficult moments, when their powers seem exhausted and the challenges become overwhelming. Thus, we celebrate those people who, possibly, will become the leaders of our medical society", noted Jana Chihai, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, who granted the awards to medical students in the Internal Medicine category. Medical ethics and deontology.

According to Marcel Abras, Vice-Rector for Clinical Activity Management, after a year of intense work, the participants enjoyed three days of wonderful emotions, marked by excellent organization and an opening ceremony held in a packed hall. He highlighted the numerous keynote speeches delivered by professors and leaders in the field of medicine and pharmacy from Romania and the United Kingdom, as well as the special interest shown by young people in workshops, discussions and presentations of clinical cases. "May this experience be passed on to future generations, and in two years we can be proud of even more remarkable results," Marcel Abras stated. During the Gala, the vice-rector offered the award for courage, precision and dedication to surgery.

Andrei Mostovei, Dean of the Faculty of Stomatology, congratulated the participants, especially those who stood out through their hard work, courage in exploration and contribution to the development of medicine in our country: "This generation of young doctors will ensure a promising future for the development of medical sciences within the Alma Mater." The Dean also presented the awards to the winners in the Stomatology category.

"Each closing of the MedEspera Congress is an emotional moment, highlighting the achievements of students and their research potential, which is constantly growing and developing. This year, the Congress stood out for the excellent organization of oral and poster sessions, as well as the active participation of students," emphasized Livia Uncu, dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, who awarded the prizes to the Pharmacy category winners. According to her, the Pharmacy section was characterized by multidisciplinary nature, and the event celebrated the teachers' trust in young researchers, inspiring them to invest more energy, patience and perseverance in continuing their scientific activity.

The 11th edition of the MedEspera International Congress took place from May 6 to 8, 2026 and was organized by Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy jointly with the Association of Medical Students and Residents of Moldova in partnership with the University Center for Simulation in Medical Training, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova, the Ministry of Education and Research, and the "Health" Trade Union Federation of Moldova.