410 young doctors graduated in Varna, 50% of whom are foreigners

At a solemn ceremony in the Palace of Culture and Sports, 410 young doctors from the Class of 2025 of the Medical University of Varna took the Hippocratic Oath. Over 3,500 guests in the hall and thousands of online viewers witnessed the moment the graduates pledged their vow to serve the life and health of the people. The event was the culmination of their six-year training and a true celebration for the academic community.

Diplomas were awarded to 210 Bulgarian and 200 international students. The graduating class also features two students with perfect grades—Dr. Sindi Ivanova and Dr. Yoanna Krasteva, recipients of the “Golden Hippocrates” award. Both have already been appointed as residents in the internal clinics of St. Marina University Hospital – Varna. The top graduate of the English-language program was Dr. Nafisa Khalil from the United Kingdom.

A total of 86 graduates finished with honors, including 18 military doctors from the joint program of MU-Varna, the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, and the Military Medical Academy—further proof of the significance of the partnership between these institutions.

“The Class of 2025 is special,” stated the Rector, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov. He reminded them that their training began at the height of the pandemic—a time of online lectures, restrictions, and uncertainty. “Despite everything, you moved forward. The desire to help and save lives knows no borders. It is an honor for me to call you colleagues,” he emphasized.

President Rumen Radev also sent a congratulatory address, urging the new doctors to “uphold the Hippocratic Oath and be an example of perseverance and dedication.” Greetings were also sent by the Minister of Health, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Silvi Kirilov, the Metropolitan of Varna and Veliki Preslav Yoan, and over 30 other institutions and organizations.

The top students received monetary prizes and honorary insignia from the university, while the two students with perfect grades also received awards from the Mayor of Varna. The Bulgarian Medical Association honored Dr. Ege Ahmed, Dr. Pavlo Slavov, and Dr. Stoimen Dimitrov, with the latter also receiving the prestigious Dr. Nikola Sirakov Award for the highest scientific achievements. Another 30 graduates were recognized for their activity, sporting successes, and creative participation.

The festive program included performances by the Representative Brass Band of the Navy, showcases by the talents of MU-Varna, and dance ensembles.

The ceremony brought together representatives of state and local authorities, the Presidency, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the diplomatic corps, heads of hospitals and universities, professional organizations, media, and citizens—a final and deeply emotional gesture of support for Bulgaria’s new generation of doctors.