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The well-being programme of the University of Pécs Medical School celebrates its fifth anniversary, and it has become widely known among students and colleagues. Many of them are not only participants, but they also actively contribute to shaping the programme. The Well-Being Concept was defined in 2020 within the strategic programme of the faculty, POTEPillars, and it has received a prominent role among the short-term and the long-term development priorities. The main goal is to contribute to the well-being of the community at the Medical School, to preserve and strengthen the physical and mental health of the colleagues with the help of a wide variety of approaches and services in a continuously evolving and renewing built environment. On the occasion of the fifth anniversary, large-scale, week-long series of events starting from 23 March will offer many opportunities for the individuals and for the whole community, as well, and for those who study or work here to feel good. According to Professor Dr. Miklós Nyitrai, Dean of the University of Pécs Medical School, this strategic concept has expanded with new elements for the past five years, it has reached a wide audience and operates effectively.

Written by Rita Schweier

„At our faculty, at the university, and even at any company or organisation, the key to success lies in colleagues who feel good at workplaces. They understand and share the common goals, while they also have their own personal goals to achieve. It really matters whether someone comes to the faculty with a positive attitude and a sense of anticipation about their work or not. Our responsibility is to contribute to well-being.” – said Dr. Miklós Nyitrai.

He said that achieving physical and mental balance, satisfaction, and personal fulfilment would require many different elements and factors. For instance, the details of how to make the environment around us more comfortable and inspiring should be defined, and identifying what is needed to achieve it and then putting it into practice is also important. He highlighted the essential role of professionals who enrich, shape, and refine the main concepts with their own ideas and with various components.

„We defined approximately a decade ago what we wanted to achieve here at the faculty regarding the well-being of our students, teachers, and colleagues, and now we have a well-functioning and successful well-being programme. It is not perfect, but it has been enriched with many elements.” – he emphasized.

According to Dr. Miklós Nyitrai, the Well-Being Concept of POTEPillars is particularly significant as it plays an important role in the development of the faculty and also in achieving its goals. The well-being of those who study, and work here contributes to the fact that everything functions more effective, and tasks are completed more quickly and efficiently. The Dean noted that the existence of the Well-Being Concept and its comprehensive nature gave the Medical School a distinctive advantage, as similar programmes partly or do not exist at other universities at all.

Focusing on prevention

„At the Medical School we know that preventing diseases is really important and we also know that this is where we can establish its professional foundations. Informing and explaining what we need to pay attention to in order to preserve our health at different stages of life plays a key role in prevention including caring for our mental health, engaging in physical activity, maintaining healthy social relationships, and allowing sufficient time for rest and recreation. The programme has made exceptional progress in this area.” – he said.

He considers free medical screenings important, as they can save lives. He noted that this examination was designed based on recommendations from professionals at the University of Pécs Clinical Centre and it is considered to be equivalent to a mid-level manager screening. He is satisfied that the initiative received very positive feedback and participation level is high every year. He also mentioned with joy that the programme had been expanded by dental screening and the cooperation with the Rátgéber Academy provided support with physiotherapy.

A decline in student complaints

„Students see only a certain segment of the development process, they can follow it until they study here. In my experience, the faculty has been developing and improving, which creates a better and more comfortable environment, so the changes have become more visible. Because of this, we receive less complaint from students, and the nature of their complaints has also changed. Most of the concerns were about the built environment years ago, but nowadays these have been reduced to a minimum. Their feedback reflects that they recognize and feel that the leadership of the faculty intend to improve.” – he summarized.

Dr. Miklós Nyitrai considers learning from best practices around the world important when planning for the future at the Medical School in Pécs. He believes that the fact that international collaborations have already been established in this area is joyful. He also values the assessments and feedback of well-being programme coordinators in other countries, as these may serve as useful guidance. He highlighted the role of conferences and workshops, as they provide a forum and opportunity to inform and engage more than four thousand colleagues living and working at the faculty, while also facilitating exchange of ideas.

The goal is to make the programme more appealing

„We have similar plans for the next ten years and the development will not stop. I believe the foundations are solid, and the structure is shaping properly. It is important to preserve the values that have been established so far and to rely on them in the future. One way to do this is by introducing the programme to more and more colleagues, so they will recognize its significance, thereby it positively impacts more lives. Our task is to make the opportunities, that well-being programme offers, engaging and attractive, so that many can identify with the concept. There is still work to be done, and there will be. The main goal is to have pride and joy in working and studying at the Medical School.” – he said.

The Dean emphasized that well-being programmes build and strengthen communities, so this function contributes to the well-being of those who study and work at the faculty, and it also reinforces the shared immune system and trust.

Photos:

Kerekes fotó,

Judit Ruprech