FACES OF ALUMNI
- Dr. Yakov Zilberg
- Prof. Joseph Press
- Dr. Mohamad Abd. Chamsin
- Dr. Daniel Raif
- Mr. Abu-Mughaisib Mohanad Abed
- Mr. Ali Hassan Khalifeh
- Santiago Cotobal Rodeles
- Hussein Kozayha
- Kamal Ragupathy
- Asaf Harel
My father was a celebrated doctor and perhaps it was this legacy that had steered me to follow in his footsteps. I enrolled in Kaunas Medical Institute (KMI) because this was the only Lithuanian institution where studies were conducted in the Russian language. In 1959, having succeeded in a tough competition, I was offered a place at KMI, spent six rewarding years of studies and graduated in 1965.
During the Soviet times all graduates were offered work placements by the institute authorities, and this was according to the needs of the government. The graduates were obliged to complete three years of work at the place they had been allocated. So I spent three years sailing as a physician on board of various ships of the fishing fleet and for several months I worked as a resident in the internal department of a small general hospital for fishermen.
Later I won a research fellowship in the Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine in Vilnius and worked there in the field of pathological physiology up until my emigration to Israel in 1972.
After a short course of Hebrew studies in ULPAN (the Hebrew language school) I settled in Haifa and started training in the internal medicine department of the Carmel Medical Center.
In 1974 I was appointed a physician in charge of Beit Shean area of the Valley District of Kupat Holim, responsible for the health care of about 20,000 residents. During quite a short period of time I managed to implement an efficient primary health care program, and our clinic was recognized by the Medical Council as a template for training physicians in family medicine. In 1976 I was promoted to the position of Medical Director of the Valley District of Kupat Holim, responsible for the medical care of the population of about 200,000.
In 1982 I was sent to the United Kingdom by the Israeli authorities to study the field of health management and administration. I took a course for Senior Health Services Managers in the International Hospitals Federation and at the King’s Fund of London and spent one academic year in the University of London. At the end of 1983 I completed my formal training with a Master’s Degree in Community Medicine.
On my return from London, I was invited to the headquarters of Kupat Holim Klalit and placed in charge of all its community services.
In 1985 I returned to the Valley District of Israel as a Chief Executive of the Jezreel Valley (Emek) Medical Center and the Medical Director of the Valley District of Kupat Holim.
In 1992, as a result of the financial crisis in Kupat Holim Klalit, all the top managers of the organization were dismissed. I was asked by the new General Director of Kupat Holim to assist him in the process of reorganization and reforms. For the following five years I was the Deputy Director for Medicine, responsible for operating 8 general hospitals, 6 special care hospitals (geriatric, rehabilitation and psychiatric) and all the community services in the country.
In 1997, upon my request, I left the Central Office and became the Chief Executive of the Carmel Medical Center (General hospital with about 500 beds). This was the institution where I took my first steps in my professional journey in Israel 25 years before. I served in the Carmel hospital for 10 years till my retirement in 2007.
I was also involved in other different activities. In 1990 I was a member of the international training and advisory team for future health services managers and leaders of “Solidarity”, Poland. I took part in various studies and provided consultancy services in Israel, Russia, Spain, Kazakhstan and Singapore. I published a number of articles in the field of health care management.
My professional experience led me to a career in administration and management, which was very successful. I am proud that many of my deputies hold senior managerial positions in Israeli hospitals and medical organizations and are highly esteemed.
I was appointed Director of Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel in January 2008. Previously, I took the position of Director of the Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Chair of the Pediatrics Division at Soroka University Medical Center in Beer Sheba.
I attained the title of Associate Professor in 2002 and Full Professor in 2006 in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Ben Gurion University in Negev.
Born in Lithuania, I finished my medical studies at Kaunas University of Medicine. After my immigration to Israel in 1978, I completed my pediatric residency at Soroka Medical Center. Thereafter, I continued to sub-specialize in Rheumatology at Children’s Hospital in Toronto. I hold degrees in Pediatrics, Rheumatology and Emergency Medicine and have published over 100 original research articles in leading international journals throughout the world.
As the director of Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, I focus work on the inpatient sector, therapeutic protocols and the most advanced technologies. I also pay considerable attention to the most advanced research studies as an inseparable part of clinical activities.
After American University of Beirut where I studied chemistry, I had a chance to know about Kaunas Medical Academy (KMA) from one advertisement and decided to take the adventure since Lithuania wasn’t well known to the Lebanese. What encouraged me to do so was the English language program. I studied at the Faculty of Pharmacy and our pharmacy class was the first which graduated in 1996.
During my stay in Lithuania I was so lucky to find my love there and married the most precious woman who stands by me all the time.
After that I returned to Lebanon and took an exam of pharmacy. I was in the first group of students which graduated from KMA and the examiners were not sure about the level of Lithuanian studies. I remember when they had finished questioning me, one professor started asking me about Lithuania, KMA, the cost of studies. Since the professor was satisfied with my level of knowledge he had an idea to send his son to study at KMA. This added to building up a good reputation of KMA in Lebanon and value the KMA graduates later.
I started my work in Lebanon by opening my own pharmacy “Chamsin Pharmacy” in 1996. It was the only one pharmacy in approximately large area. This helped me to gain popularity and people encouraged me to enter the Municipal election of Tripoli in 1998 and 2004 as an independent candidate. In 2010 I had a chance to be a member in the list which won the election. I became a council member in Tripoli Municipality and immediately I thought of the possibility to make a twinning with Kaunas Municipality since there were many common interests. I began the work towards twining in June 2010 and have continued this procedure up to now.
Along with my pharmaceutical work, I am engaged in political activities. I cooperate with the Lithuanian Honourable Council in Beirut to help solving problems of the people coming from Lithuania.
During my stay in Lithuania I was lucky to find my love and I married her. I have three lovely children, the oldest boy is seventeen, the girl is thirteen and the youngest boy is six years old.
I am proud to have graduated from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences and happy for receiving two certificates of appreciation from the University, one for hosting an LSMU delegate in Tripoli and the second for my contribution in the development of the study program to international level for 25 years.
I will never stop building up bonds between Kaunas and Tripoli because I believe that we can find many things in common.
Year of LSMU graduation: 2010
Studied programme in LSMU: Medicine
Workplace; Position: Resident at Tirat Carmel Mental Health Center, Israel
Opinion about studies in LSMU:
The studies in Kaunas University of Medicine is the best period of my life. I met many nice and interesting people, got my Medical Doctor ‘s diploma that I wanted so much. I recommend to all Israeli students to study in this University!!
If you are interested in studies at LSMU and wish to know my opinion or if you have just graduated from LSMU and need advice on starting work in Israel, I will kindly share my memories and experience!
If you have any questions to the graduate, please write your question by this e-mail: justina.vonzodiene@lsmu.lt
This piece comes to you as a token of remembrance of the extraordinary days I spent in the University of Health Sciences/Lithuania (previously known as Kaunas University of Medicine) during my dental study period.
I was born in Edinburgh, and this is where I would consider being my home. However, I moved around a lot when I was young, and I have had my fair bit of encountering different cultures. One of the main reasons why I got trained in Kaunas as opposed to a university in the UK was my passion for travelling and exploring the world.
I owe my achievements to date to the strong foundation I had at the beginning of my career in Lithuania, having completed a degree in Stomatology in 2001, followed by a degree in Prosthodontics in 2004. I then moved back to the UK and continued my postgraduate learning journey where I have accomplished various prestigious memberships diplomas; Diploma in membership of Joint Dental Faculties from the Royal College of Surgeons England (MJDF RCS Eng), and then a Diploma in membership of Primary Dental care from the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (MPDC RCSEd) and I have recently achieved my Masters in Restorative Dentistry with Merits from the University of Edinburgh/Dental Institute.
I am now a Senior Dental Officer with the British Army travelling the world and practising dentistry at its very best and commanding respect and recognition in my field of expertise.
I feel incredibly privileged to have had the opportunity to live in Lithuania, where I finished my degree and met the love of my life and made friends for life. I bow before all my teachers at this University who shaped my future and the present. Thanks to you all again!
Seven years have passed since the last time when I packed my bag returning to my home country Lebanon after I had spent six years in my second country Lithuania studying dentistry.
Although I was happy returning home to start a new life and face challenges, but I was also very sad leaving Lithuania, the country where I had spent the most beautiful moments ever.
Starting a new life in Lebanon was not so easy but I had a strong base in dentistry due to the hard work in my studies at Kaunas University of Medicine and also due to the help from qualified doctors which I received while studying.
The first challenge was passing a state exam in Lebanon which was my main goal in order to start practicing dentistry. Luckily I passed a state exam easily and then I started making future plans. In the beginning I practiced in a big policlinic for one year and at the same time continued studying aesthetic and implant dentistry. On 1st November, 2009 my dream came true, I opened my own dental policlinic consisting of three dental units, which offer different kinds of dental treatment.
Thanks to the great experience which I gained during my studies at Kaunas University of Medicine and thanks to hard training and continuous education my present work is improving every year. My other dream was to create my own family. Indeed, I got married and now I have a daughter Tia.
In the end, I would like to thank Lithuania and Kaunas University of Medicine for the wonderful experience and the received knowledge due to a well-based odontology program. Besides, I would like to thank prof. Gediminas Žekonis, prof. Gintaras Joudžbalis, prof. Ričardas Kubilius for assisting me during my academic years.
Thank you, Lithuania, for the beautiful time I spent and for the opportunity to discover new traditions, culture and language.
Year of LSMU graduation: 2018
Studied programme in LSMU: Medicine
Workplace; Position: Geriatrician M.D. at the Hospital Severo Ochoa of Leganes, Madrid, Spain; Tutor/coach at Curso Intensivo MIR Asturias, Spain.
Opinion about studies in LSMU:
My name is Santiago Cotobal Rodeles, a proud LSMU Alumni. Years ago, when I decided to go to Lithuania, it was an adventure. I didn’t know what I were going to find but it was the best decision I had ever made. Since I were a child, I wanted to become a medical doctor. When I finished my high school studies, I started searching places and options and I found LSMU – a university in a beautiful country and an even more beautiful, cultural, sport famous and multicultural city of Kaunas.
The problem-based learning system and subjects per month were the main point for deciding to study at LSMU. Also being an international student gives you an opportunity to graduate knowing people from almost all the countries in the world and that is one of the most valuable experiences you can have.
I have learnt everything at LSMU. You don’t graduate only with a Master’s degree in Medicine and ready for work. You also graduate knowing a lot of different cultures, having friends all around the world, knowing how to make yourself from zero, knowing a lot about Lithuanian culture and traditions… This is the best decision you can make! Come and join us as a LSMU STUDENT!
If you have any questions to the graduate, please, write your question here: justina.vonzodiene@lsmu.lt
Year of LSMU graduation: 2014
Studied programme in LSMU: Odontology
Workplace; Position: Dentist in Beirut Arab University clinics; A Master degree programme student at Prosthodontics department in Beirut Arab University, Lebanon
Opinion about studies in LSMU:
I flew a thousand miles away from my home to the country which I knew very little at the beginning. I remember that cold September evening when I first arrived in Lithuania in 2009. Five years of studies passed very quickly. During my stay, I experienced the best years of my life. One of the most valuable was an experience of the dental doctor’s profession. It includes a lovely atmosphere, a high quality educational program, excellent support services for international students and the stunning nature and culture.
Thank you, Lithuania, for the lovely time I had. Thank you, dear doctors and professors, for the support you gave me to achieve what I am now. Finally, thank you, University, for giving me more than I had asked for. I strongly believe in my LSMU and I definitely recommend it for everyone who dreams of the dental doctor’s profession.
If you are interested in studies at LSMU and wish to know my opinion or if you have just graduated from LSMU and need advice on starting work in Lebanon, I will kindly share my memories and experience!
If you have any questions to the graduate, please write your question by this e-mail: justina.vonzodiene@lsmu.lt
Year of LSMU graduation: 2013
Studied programme in LSMU: Medicine
Workplace; Position: General practice specialist registrar trainee year 1 Royal South Hants Hosptial, Southampton, United Kingdom
Opinion about studies in LSMU:
I thoroughly enjoyed my studies at LSMU. The opportunity to study abroad amongst a large collection of different nationalities was very rewarding. The studies were challenging and of high standard, and I feel it prepared me well for my future career.
If you are interested in studies at LSMU and wish to know my opinion or if you have just graduated from LSMU and need advice on starting work in United Kingdom, I will kindly share my memories and experience!
If you have any questions to the graduate, please write your question by this e-mail: justina.vonzodiene@lsmu.lt
Year of LSMU graduation: 2017
Studied programme in LSMU: Odontology
Workplace; Position: owner of two dental clinics in Israel (in Modiin and Ramla), lecturer of implantology, maxillofacial surgery and prosthodontics worldwide
Opinion about studies in LSMU:
I am Asaf Harel. Today I own two dental clinics in Israel – one in Modiin and one in Ramla. I’m giving lectures of implantology for beginners in implant company and until today I have given lectures for more than 200 doctors. I made a lot of dental courses in implantology, maxillofacial surgery and prosthodontics worldwide.
LSMU is the best choice I have ever made! The high-quality studies and the students’ life in Lithuania is amazing! Studies are organized in a high level with great teachers. The university is helping a lot for foreign students in every question they have!