Bulgarian Surgeons to Train in Bucharest Following SMA Initiative

The Sofia Medical Association (SMA) has signed a new partnership agreement to provide highly specialized training for young physicians at Ponderas Academic Hospital in Bucharest, according to a statement from the regional medical association.

The document was signed by Dr. Vanyo Vidkov, Deputy Chairman of the SMA, and Prof. Cătălin Copăescu on behalf of the Romanian side, during an official visit of the association’s delegation to the Romanian capital.

The courses will be fully funded by the SMA’s “Young Physician” fund, which provides qualification opportunities for doctors under the age of 40 from Sofia.

“Specialized training for young physicians is a mission of the Sofia Medical Association. We work daily to expand opportunities so they can gain access to the most modern practices and technologies in medicine,” stated Dr. Vanyo Vidkov after the signing.

The new partnership is part of the SMA’s active international policy for the development of young medical professionals. It is worth noting that the Association has already signed agreements with leading hospitals in Europe, including Medipol University Hospital in Istanbul, Hospital Clínic in Barcelona, and Sant Joan de Déu Children’s Hospital in Barcelona. Negotiations are currently underway with other prestigious institutions to further expand the program’s scope.

The training center at Ponderas Academic Hospital is a highly specialized educational facility focused on refining surgical skills by combining modern technology with practical experience. Training is conducted using high-tech simulators that allow physicians to practice basic and advanced procedures in a controlled environment, as well as through hands-on sessions on animal models (porcine), conducted under strict ethical control and with the participation of veterinarians to ensure safety and a realistic tissue environment.

The programs also include training with endoscopes, video-assisted bronchoscopy for anesthesiologists, and specialized courses for ENT specialists. The center covers training in various surgical specialties:

• general and laparoscopic surgery

• bariatric and metabolic surgery

• colorectal surgery

• hepatobiliary surgery

• thoracic surgery

• urology

• gynecological surgery

• endoscopic surgery

• robotic surgery.

During the visit, Prof. Cătălin Copăescu, a leading international expert in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery, presented the center’s concept, methodology, and vision, as well as specific opportunities for collaboration in the field of education.

The programs will offer two components:

• hands-on courses lasting 2–3 days,

• an additional 2–3 day observership stay at the clinic.

The total duration of the training is approximately one week.