The World Hippocratic Institute of Physicians has, in recent years, charted an impressive international course: it installs busts of Hippocrates in Universities and Medical Schools around the world, conveying the humanitarian message of the Father of Medicine to new generations of scientists. The initiative is not limited to a simple cultural event: It is a way of strengthening global cooperation and disseminating medical ethics in Academic Centers, where the doctors of the future are formed.
One of the most recent stops on this international route was Moldova: the Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy was celebrating its 80th anniversary and invited the Institute to commemorate the anniversary by installing a bust of Hippocrates.
The global journey of a timeless idea
The action is part of a broader project of the Global Hippocratic Institute of Physicians (GDHI), which foresees the placement of 35 busts in an equal number of medical schools internationally, with the aim of creating a coherent network of cooperation, exchanges and joint scientific actions. At the heart of the initiative are the fundamental values of the Hippocratic Oath: respect for life, moral responsibility and contribution to humanity.
A ceremony with a strong message in Chisinau
The Greek mission, in which we participated, arrived in Chisinau following an official invitation from the university and was received with particular warmth, confirming the excellent relations between Greece and Moldova in the field of medical education and cultural diplomacy.
During the ceremony, in the presence of Rector Emil Ceban, Vice-Rector Marsel Abras, members of the Senate and a large number of students, the bust of Hippocrates was raised and the presentation, with substantive speeches by the representatives of the Greek mission, of the Hippocratic ideas that constitute the set of moral, ethical and scientific principles that have defined medical practice since the time of the father of Medicine (5th/4th century BC) and formed the basis of Western medical ethics. This symbolic moment now functions as a permanent reminder within the University that Medicine serves universal values: truth, solidarity, respect for the patient – principles that unite scientists regardless of nationality.
The Hippocratic Plane Tree: A symbol that "takes root" in Moldova
As part of the same mission, the planting of the Hippocrates Plane Tree, the tree associated with the teaching of the great Greek physician, was also carried out on Kos.
This act constitutes a living symbolism: it represents the continuous evolution of medical science, but also the cultural bridge that unites two countries that share common ideals in the field of health and academic excellence.
By planting the tree, the Institute literally "roots" the Hippocratic tradition in Moldova, strengthening the dialogue between Greek heritage and the international scientific community.
A knowledge network spanning five continents
Moldova is just one link in the Institute's global chain of activities. The "Journey of Hippocrates" has already passed through more than 15 universities in Europe, America, Asia, Africa and Oceania – from Rome and Pavia to Berlin, Bucharest, Kingston, Anhui, Oman, Melbourne, Addis Ababa and many cities in the USA.
In Greece, busts have been placed at universities in Larissa, Alexandroupoli, Kos, and also at the European University of Cyprus.
In all these countries, the action is adapted to local specificities but remains consistent in philosophy: spreading the Hippocratic ethic, strengthening international cooperation and creating a global network of young scientists who promote peace through knowledge.
George Patoulis: "Hippocrates' message touches hearts all over the world"
The President of the World Hippocratic Institute of Physicians, Dr. George Patoulis, emphasized the importance of the presence in Moldova:
"With deep emotion, we convey to Moldova the message of Hippocrates, founder of Medical Science. The bust and the Plane Tree of Hippocrates are symbols of cooperation, peace and respect for human life. We continue to build bridges of knowledge and culture with countries that honor humanism and medical ethics."
Dr. Konstantinos Pantos: Medicine as an international language of progress
The Vice President of the Institute, Dr. Konstantinos Pantos, emphasized that cooperation with foreign universities goes beyond traditional student exchanges, advancing into deeper scientific actions that support young doctors at critical stages of their careers.
At the same time, Dr. Pantos emphasized to us that Greece has established its role internationally as a reference point for young doctors thanks to the revival of the Hippocratic Oath ceremony in Kos. More and more students from abroad wish to participate in the authentic ceremony, getting to know the birthplace of medical ethics firsthand.
"Greece is internationally recognized as 'the land of health and wellness', while at the same time attracting young scientists who wish to delve deeper into Hippocratic ethics and the culture of prevention," he emphasized.
Dr. Antonios Polydorou: The values of the Oath guide for new scientific collaborations
The Secretary General of the Institute, Dr. Antonios Polydorou —who also represented the Pancyprian Medical Association on the mission— emphasized that all actions are based on the ethical foundations of the Hippocratic Oath.
"Respect for life, selfless contribution and ethics in practice are the guide of our initiatives. The collaboration with Nicolae Testemițanu University opens new paths of excellence and joint scientific work."
With intense emotion, he referred to the warm reception that the Greek mission has received at universities on every continent, pointing out that the Hippocratic Oath has now acquired universal appeal.
Greece's scientific contribution to Moldova
The Greek delegation was also joined by Professor of Vascular Surgery at the University of Thessaly, Athanasios Giannoukas, an honorary member of the Institute. Mr. Giannoukas highlighted the profound impact that the Hippocratic ethic has on the global medical community and on the formation of new doctors.
"The Hippocratic Oath is not just a ceremony: It is a legacy that accompanies the doctor throughout his journey," he emphasized, linking the action to the postgraduate program in ethics and morality of the University of Thessaly, where hundreds of young scientists participate.
An ongoing dialogue between Greece and the world
The placement of the bust and the planting of the Hippocratic Plane Tree in Moldova are not just an honorary moment, but part of a broader project of international outreach that brings the Hippocratic legacy to new academic and cultural environments.
Greece, through the work of the World Hippocratic Institute of Physicians, is renewing its bond with the global scientific community, offering an ethical and cultural imprint that inspires young doctors in every corner of the planet.
