A large group of relatives and friends came to celebrate and congratulate the new graduates of the bachelor’s and master’s programmes of the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Sciences, Medicine, and Nursing.

The festive celebration traditionally began with the national anthem. The Chair of the Senate, Prof. Dr Jūratė Macijauskienė, welcomed the attendees.

“After countless emotional, joyful, and perhaps sometimes less joyful moments, the years of study have passed. This day gives meaning to your entire journey,” said Prof. Dr J. Macijauskienė.

During the solemn ceremony, the Chancellor of the Medical Academy, Prof. Habil. Dr Daiva Rastenytė, congratulated the graduates on their successful academic journey and reminded them that they are always welcome to return to their Alma Mater.

“Today, health professionals who have completed their studies will have the power to influence and determine the health of other people. This is truly a huge responsibility. Everything that the University’s professors have given you, everything you have gained during your practical training, volunteering, and interacting with each other, will stay with you for the rest of your lives. I congratulate you on your decision to embark on this difficult path,” said the Chancellor, addressing not only the graduates, but also their loved ones and lecturers.

Prof. Dr Mindaugas Malakauskas, Chancellor of the Veterinary Academy, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, emphasised that the graduates will become part of history.

“The diplomas awarded testify to the efforts made, the desire to acquire knowledge and skills, and remind us that the step taken a few years ago was well thought out and decisive. Every graduate is very important. Your names will be recorded in the history of our University,” said the Chancellor, expressing the gratitude to graduates for promoting the name of LSMU.

The President of the LSMU Alumni Association, Prof. Habil. Dr Ramunė Kalėdienė, encouraged graduates to stay in touch with friends and professors they met during their studies and invited them to contribute to the building of the social capital by joining the association. Meanwhile, Rugilė Kriaučiūnaitė, President of the LSMU Student Union, wished everyone success and encouraged them to continue their studies with confidence.

For three graduates of the Faculty of Animal Sciences, the graduation ceremony was even more special. Ernesta Mitkutė was awarded a Magna Cum Laude diploma for her high academic and scientific achievements, while Deimantė Sereičikaitė and Rūta Strumskytė received Cum Laude diplomas.

The culmination of the festive celebration was filled with loud applause, congratulations from loved ones and the melodious songs by performer Gabija Lokytė. Having completed their studies, the graduates are ready to share their knowledge with society, and the skills they have acquired will form the basis for responsible decisions.

View all photos

The post Diploma Ceremony Marks Milestone for LSMU Students appeared first on LSMU.

The celebration was attended by distinguished guests and alumni: University Rector Prof. Dr Rimantas Benetis, Vice-Rector for Research Prof. Habil. Dr Vaiva Lesauskaitė, Vice-Rector for Studies Prof. Dr Kęstutis Petrikonis, President of the LSMU Alumni Association Prof. Habil. Dr Ramunė Kalėdienė, Dean of the International Relations and Study Centre Prof. Dr Ingrida Janulevičienė, Vice-Dean of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies Dr Evelina Pajėdienė, and a fairly large group of the alumni, representing the total of 324 Swedish graduates who completed their studies at LSMU over the past two decades.

The evening’s atmosphere was filled with warmth, sincere friendship, pride in shared achievements, and fond memories of the years spent in Kaunas. The event opened with an official reception accompanied by a performance by the Stockholm Lithuanian Choir Upė, which created a festive and nostalgic mood.

During the official part of the event, a welcome address was delivered by University Rector Prof Dr Rimantas Benetis, who highlighted the importance of the relationship between the University and the Swedish student community. Greetings were also conveyed by the Lithuanian Ambassador to Sweden, H.E. Linas Linkevičius, and the Swedish Ambassador to Lithuania, H.E. Lars Wahlund, both emphasising the close academic and cultural cooperation linking the two countries.

During the evening, the choir performed beloved Lithuanian and Swedish folk songs – Oi lekia lekia gulbių pulkelis and Uti i vår hage – filling the hall with emotion, pride, and a sense of togetherness.

At dinner, the President of the LSMU Alumni Association, Prof. Habil. Dr Ramunė Kalėdienė, welcomed those gathered and thanked the Swedish graduates for maintaining their connection with their Alma Mater. Inspiring reflections were later shared by Dr Egidija Šakinienė (Class of 1986) and Gaziza Shamsi (Class of 2017), who spoke about their professional experiences and their pride in being part of the LSMU community. Brief speeches were also given by Dr Jonas Nordquist, Prof. Per Svenningsson, and Andrius Veršinskas, who highlighted Kaunas’ impressive growth in recent years and the city’s increasing international profile.

One of the most moving moments of the evening was the open sharing session among alumni. Many participants spoke of their memories, expressed gratitude, and offered heartfelt words to the LSMU community. The hall resonated with laughter, warm conversations, and the joy of reuniting after many years.

The event concluded with a cultural tour of the Fotografiska museum and informal socialising. This gathering not only reflected two decades of Swedish students’ history at LSMU but also showcased the strong friendship and long-term cooperation between Lithuania and Sweden.

Gallery

View all photos

The post 20th Anniversary of the LSMU Swedish Alumni Marked in Stockholm appeared first on LSMU.

The ceremony, held at the Kaunas “Žalgiris” Arena, was attended by graduates from the Faculty of Medicine, Odontology, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health, Veterinary, and Animal Sciences, along with their family members and friends.

High demand on the Lithuanian and international job markets

Today‘s medical doctors are expected to possess not only outstanding specialised knowledge but also strong teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills. LSMU is the university, which cultivates long-standing traditions in medical training and, at the same time, keeps pace with the most advanced global trends in the training of health professionals. 

According to Prof. Kęstutis Petrikonis, the LSMU Vice-Rector for Studies, the training of medical and health specialists at LSMU is indeed exceptional. Theoretical studies building on the latest scientific knowledge are combined with practical, simulation, problem-based learning, providing key professional skills, teaching collaboration, and fostering responsibility.

 “The University maintains close ties with healthcare institutions, including our major partners Kaunas Clinics and Kaunas Hospital, which provide the clinical base for the studies. We place significant focus on practical training, which covers much more than hospital-based training. Medical simulation is one of the advanced learning methods actively applied at LSMU. In medical simulation, clinical practical skills and situational problem-solving competences are honed using mannequins, dummies, training equipment, or simulated patient environments.

Problem-based learning has been applied at our University for over 20 years, enabling the students to demonstrate not only knowledge, but also their skills in a structured way. LSMU is highly international, and we have acquired one of the world’s most popular independent learning platforms. The course content developed by the world’s leading specialists is suitable for independent learning and can be integrated with artificial intelligence systems,” explained the Vice-Rector for Studies.

According to Prof. K. Petrikonis, LSMU graduates have been and will be in high demand on the job market. Those wishing to pursue their medical careers abroad will benefit from the obtained accreditation of the LSMU medical studies according to the World Federation for Medical Education standards.

“This is a recognition of the alignment of medical studies in Lithuania with the global standards. We are a global player competing not just nationally or within Europe, but on a global scale,“ – noted the LSMU Vice-Rector for Studies. “The accreditation enables the graduates to pursue their careers in the U.S., keeping in mind that the U.S. standards are higher than the European ones in certain cases, and this also helps further enhance our study programmes,“ – added Prof. K. Petrikonis. 

The received accreditation makes considerable difference for the foreign nationals pursuing their degrees at LSMU and making up more than 25% of all students at the university. 

According to Prof. K. Petrikonis, in many countries, medical and health study programmes admit only a very limited number of applicants, and young people explore other options to obtain a high-quality education degree. LSMU is attractive to foreigners due to its solid clinical base, opportunities to engage in scientific research, and multicultural environment.

Dream came true

Mindaugas Sėjūnas, TV presenter and graduate from the LSMU BSc programme Animal and Human Interaction, shares that the studies were very interesting and encourages everyone who are enthusiastic about nature and animals to apply to the Faculty of Animal Sciences at LSMU. It took 30 years for him to come to this realisation and 50 years to fulfil his dream. He therefore advises not to delay or hesitate, as life flies by at an incredible speed.

“Completing these studies was not very easy, but very interesting. In biology lectures, I returned to forests, the depths of the earth, and the entire diversity around us. Chemistry and biochemistry taught us the structure of substances, from which all living things are made. In morphology lectures, we would assemble the bones of various animals like “Lego” pieces, learning about joint connections and their names. Through a microscope, we would observe the movement of cells and other microorganisms. We would count red blood cells – erythrocytes – and finally saw up close what we only used to refer to in our conversations,” – shared M. Sėjūnas.

Recommends opting for LSMU

Judita Klusaitė, this year’s graduate from the LSMU Midwifery programme has already received a job offer to work at a maternity ward, and highly recommends opting for Midwifery studies.

“After secondary school, it was like a breath of fresh air, providing scientific, work, and life experiences,” – explains J. Klusaitė. “These studies reflected a high academic level. Here, I met wonderful people and learned practical skills based on the latest guidelines from teachers and professionals working in the clinical departments. This University offers excellent opportunities to participate in international events, courses, conferences, Erasmus+ programmes, and to join university communities.”

In turn, the graduate of the MSc programme Wellness and Rehabilitation of LSMU and occupational therapist, Greta Židžiūnaitė emphasises that LSMU is one of the leading medical universities in the Baltic countries, training high-level specialists. Studies at LSMU provided her with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that she has been using in her work every day.

“Moreover, the MSc programme curriculum has been designed in a way to enable the MSc students to work. The teachers are eager to cooperate and support students. Having gained the BSc degree, I was invited to work at one of the teacher’s institutions, and I still work there. I therefore believe that studies at LSMU offer a great opportunity for young people to develop, grow as individuals, and build strong careers,“ – smiles G. Židžiūnaitė.

Liveta Karpaitė, graduate of the Pharmacy study programme agrees with her peer. According to Liveta, the studies provided a great deal of theoretical and practical knowledge essential for becoming a great specialist. The most enjoyable part for the graduate was applying theory during laboratory work, creating various chemical reactions, observing colour changes, and producing various pharmaceuticals forms of drugs, such as tablets, capsules, or suppositories.  

L. Karpaitė recommends the Pharmacy study programme to people who are enthusiastic about health sciences, chemistry, and biology, want to help people, possess analytical thinking skills, and are responsible and thorough.

“Currently, I work in the same pharmacy where I did my internship,” – shares the LSMU graduate. “The first time that I started at a job that corresponded the field of my studies was after the completion of my second year. It is really not difficult to find a job for a pharmacist (even if you are still studying to become one). There are various events within and outside the University where you can network with the representatives of pharmacies or pharmaceutical companies. It is nice that so many job or internship opportunities are offered to students as well.”

L. Karpaitė says that career opportunities for the graduates of the Faculty of Pharmacy are very broad: some pursue careers in pharmacies, others – in pharmaceutical distribution companies or laboratories conducting pharmaceutical research.

“These studies became a great start and opened opportunities to work in the desired field in a pharmacy. I really enjoy interacting with people, and feel great being able to listen to so many interesting yet different stories and complaints, and to find the best solution to their problem. Having completed my studies this year, I can now confidently say that I am happy with my choice to study at LSMU,” – smiles the graduate.

…….

This year, the diplomas were awarded at Žalgirio Arena to 447 graduates of the Faculty of Medicine, 134 graduates of the Faculty of Odontology, 172 graduates of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 63 graduates of the Faculty of Pharmacy, 139 graduates of the Faculty of Public Health, 192 graduates of the Faculty of Nursing, and 27 graduates of the Faculty of Animal Sciences – a total of 1,174 graduates, 275 of whom came from 48 countries.  

Photos of the graduation ceremony can be viewed here.

Gallery

View all photos

The post Diplomas Awarded to LSMU Graduates: Turning Dreams into Reality with World-Class Recognition appeared first on LSMU.

Professor, why did you choose cardiology out of all the possible fields of medicine? Do you feel that you have found your path?

It seems that I knew from birth that I would grow up to become a doctor. It’s very strange, because there weren’t many doctors in my family, so I didn’t have the chance to witness medicine up close. But it was obvious that I was going to be a doctor when I was at school. Even in my earlier years at the University, I wasn’t sure about the field to specialise in. Perhaps it was only after the cardiology cycle that I realised that this was a field that offered a lot of opportunities to fulfil oneself. Cardiology is a very broad specialty ranging from prevention to intervention, and I thought that I would find the best place for me to fulfil myself. If I had to choose again, I would choose the same path without giving it a second thought.

What is the most vivid aspect of your studies you remember?

Like everyone else, I was not only learning, but also living the life of a student. I still feel quite stunned when I remember our on-call midwifery cycle. The rule was that if at least one of the students who are on duty fell asleep and missed that night’s delivery, none of the students would be credited. We would spend the night in the training class, with one of us on duty and the others sleeping on wooden benches “covered” with teaching posters. Nowadays this would be even impossible to imagine, but we couldn’t even think of complaining. Of course, there were wonderful professors, real Teachers in the true sense of the world. They were our role models and sources of inspiration for the future. I was lucky to have had wonderful friends in my class. We still maintain close contact with them today. We have a tradition of meeting at least twice a year. One of those times is always at my holiday home – we get together, bring our spouses, interact, and have fun. I am very happy because if I have a problem or need support, I can always turn to them. Even in the election of the “Kaunas Woman of the Year”, my classmates were my biggest supporters. Since the beginning of my studies, we have been like one inseparable bunch. I am very proud of that and consider it to be the greatest value of my studies.

How did you start your professional career?

Times were different when I was in cardiology residency. Both salaries and scholarships were very low. At that time, I was already married, we were a young family, both doctors, so we had to think about what we were going to do for a living. We decided that my path was to be a cardiologist and my husband chose business, so his path as a doctor was over. There was no doubt that I would never trade my cardiology residency for something else. This is where I started. Then I did my PhD in Germany, since I had contacts and I spoke German well. I did very interesting research and clinical work there and defended my thesis in two years. Then I returned to Kaunas Clinics, and then there was another shift – I switched to Šiauliai Republican Hospital, where I headed the Cardiovascular Centre for three years, and since 2016 I have been the Head of the Consultation and Diagnostic Department. I have also worked in Departments teaching fundamental subjects. I  taught Histology for a year and worked at the Institute of Anatomy. It was very interesting to revisit anatomy again, and I tried to teach the students from a clinical perspective, so I think they found it useful and interesting too.

Your medical studies led you to television. Had you ever imagined that as a doctor you would embark on such an adventure?

I suspect it had been programmed since childhood, because I used to host events and act in plays at school. I love being on stage. At the beginning, I was invited to be a guest speaker on the Ask the Doctor show. After a while, a producer called and said he wanted to see me as a host. It took me quite a while to think this through, as one might hear people in the academic world saying that serious professors don’t do the show because they have more important things to do. There was a lot of hesitation, but I also saw a great sense in hosting the show. After all, television is an effective “tool” that to reach a huge audience, and if you are really talking about important things, if at least a few people have recognised the symptoms of a disease, saw a doctor on time, or have even recognised life-threatening situations, then there is great sense in doing that.

You can’t reach as many people through lectures and conferences as you can through television. If you stay true to your values, maintain a strong moral backbone, and don’t just become a publicity face, then you can use this opportunity to do something really good. I am grateful to fate that I ended up on that show and that I was able to see the inner kitchen of television. It was a very interesting and enriching experience.

What advice could you share with current or future students of the Faculty of Medicine at LSMU?

If you have already started studying medicine, it’s probably for good reason. It’s all about knowing what you want, seeing the goal and being consistent in achieving it. And even if things don’t always work out the way you want them to, there are always opportunities, so you have to be brave and take them. This said, I encourage you to stay true to yourself, your values, your humanity, and remain authentic and unique the way you are. You should seek to become a better version of yourself, and not compare yourself to others. For a doctor, it is also very important to cherish the fundamental love to people, because a doctor’s work requires sacrifice, empathy, and compassion.

What would you wish for the LSMU alumni community?

I would like us to be a community that shares broad interests and focus, and supports each other. Our work is not easy, so support, a kind word, an encouraging look, help a lot. I just wish for more sincere communication and a bit less focus on personal importance.

Last question: what is your secret to looking so good?

Thank you for the kind words. I don’t do anything special, but I would be lying if I said it was just genetics. Of course, I look after myself. Dance, sports, long walks in the woods, massages, and regular skin care help me a lot. Now I think I would like to have more time for myself, but I still don’t know how to do it, as I still prioritise work over SPA treatments. But I guess the most important thing is your inner state and the energy one spreads. If you are in harmony and at peace with yourself, if you love life and choose to be happy, then everything is reflected in your appearance. 

View all photos

The post LSMU Alumna Prof. J. Plisienė: My Classmates Brought the Greatest Value to my Studies appeared first on LSMU.

Today, Renata Lipskienė is the regional manager of one of the largest pharmacy chains in Lithuania, and even though her activity is not directly related to medicines at the moment, the mysterious smell of medicines, the business-like atmosphere of the pharmacy fascinates her to this day. In the first work – the answer to a question from childhood.

“From my childhood, I remember powdered vitamins packed in a pharmacy, which were very tasty. Passing by, I was always curious as to how the production takes place inside, how the pharmacists find the necessary medicines in such an abundance of them. When I had to make a decision, perhaps I would have preferred university studies in cosmetology, but there was no such option back then.

The choice to study pharmacy was finally decided by twin sisters Kristina and Lina Kučinskaitė from my hometown Tytuvėnai, who were already studying pharmacy. I remember flipping through their lecture notes, listening to stories about what they were learning, what they learned to make,” recalls R. Lipskienė.

Pharmacy studies at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences ( LSMU ) were not easy, the first year was surprised by the huge volume of lectures and settlements, after getting used to hard, consistent work.

“I was most attracted to practical, laboratory work, it was interesting to try what we learned theoretically in practice. Medicine technology is extremely interesting, when we made various forms of medicine with our own hands. In the summer, we collected and dried plants and made herbariums. And how many chemistry lectures with work in laboratories, how many problems, formulas have been learned! Microbiology was very engaging – we sowed crops, practically observed how antibiotics work,” said the interviewer.

The first real work at the pharmacy began during my studies. At the then “Pagalbos Vaistinė” Kaunas Dainava Polyclinic, the student was arranging and handling goods. It was the first great experience. Gradually, an understanding came, an answer to a question from childhood – how do pharmacists find the necessary medication in such an abundance of them.

“When you touch the packaging, you see who belongs to which group – you practically learn, you understand a lot. I combined studies and work easily – especially when work was what I was studying. According to the procedure at that time, drug prescriptions had to be entered into the computer, errors corrected, and given to the patient’s coffers. I closely observed how patients are consulted, how various situations are solved in the pharmacy, and later I was able to serve and advise clients myself.

Career , development, experience

After graduating, I started working as a pharmacist in the same pharmacy. Everything was much simpler, I already knew a lot, I had a great team and I was happy that I started working in a pharmacy while still studying. Later, I had to try myself in other pharmacies as well, I worked as a manager of a pharmacy – head of pharmaceutical activities”, said the interviewer. She has been working at Camelia Pharmacy for ten years, and for the past five years as a regional manager.

This includes responsibility for more than 50 pharmacies in Lithuania, planning, selection and management of personnel needs, work organization, control, motivation, communication and cooperation with company departments, ensuring quality and professional customer service in the region.

A modern pharmacist is also a medicine expert who has broad knowledge and abilities, communication, healthcare basics in the fields of internal medicine and immunology, knows pharmaceutical innovations, modern technologies, knows how modern pharmaceutical preparations are created, has a science-based modern approach to pharmacotherapy and broad coverage of pharmaceutical care.

“Perhaps the most difficult thing recently is the search for employees: there is a shortage of pharmacists today. The most satisfying thing is when employees come back – often they have already tried themselves in other pharmacies,” says R. Lipskienė.

The pharmacist’s hobby in her free time – dancing in the women’s collective of the Tytuvėnai cultural center “Uliava” – is already being prepared for the 100th anniversary song festival.

The interlocutor is convinced: even in these times of technology, robotics and artificial intelligence, and in the future, a professional pharmacist will be needed: nothing can replace real live communication, listening, pharmaceutical service, professional, empathetic advice. “Robots and artificial intelligence are only an auxiliary tool, both for the pharmacist and in other fields. And a professional pharmacist will inevitably have to be able to take advantage of innovations and apply them in daily work, constantly learn and improve”, Renata Lipskienė, head of the Camelia pharmacy region, is convinced.

Interesting facts about pharmacy studies The employability of LSMU pharmacy study program graduates reaches over 97% in the first year after graduation. Future pharmacists practice in simulated classrooms – laboratories: in an environment that simulates reality, they work with simulated educational equipment, mock-ups, mannequins, and acquire new professional skills. In the premises of a simulated pharmacy, students directly experience the specifics of working in a pharmacy: they learn to work with cash registers, quick drug searches, drug compatibility programs, and gain experience in patient counseling.

In the interactive E-prescription classroom with modern computer equipment and software, you learn how to use the electronic prescription system. In a special laboratory, you learn to provide health check-up and beauty services, choose various preventive tests, measure blood pressure, check vision, determine the amount of fat in the body with special scales, and provide various other services.

Extended practice pharmacists trained by LSMU are already vaccinating residents against tick-borne encephalitis, seasonal flu, COVID-19 disease, and pneumococcal infection in pharmacies. Working as a pharmacist is only one of the areas of activity of a specialist who has completed pharmacy studies at LSMU. Studies perfectly prepare for a career as a scientist, researcher, drug developer. More about pharmacy studies at LSMU: LINK .

The post From a pharmacist to a regional manager: a childhood dream led to a favorite job  appeared first on LSMU.

Empowered with knowledge to help others

“We see value as something we actively pursue. I haven’t had a sip of alcohol for many years and I’ve developed an enjoyable exercise schedule, take care of own sleep hygiene and emotional health. I also have a few guidelines when it comes to diet, but there are no strict rules here, as with other aspects of my lifestyle. Rather, there is flexibility and adaptation. This allows a sense of harmony.

That’s why, like any other person, I sometimes eat purely for pleasure, and when I’m feeling a bit lazy, I allow myself a few days without exercising. I would advise those who cannot find a balance not to be too hard on themselves. The best results come when we act out of acceptance and compassion rather than tension, rigidity, and haste. Lifestyle is not a sprint, but a marathon,” says the graduate of the Lifestyle Medicine programme at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU).

Kotryna didn’t enrol in the MSc in Lifestyle Medicine immediately after completing her undergraduate degree. It happened only a few years after she obtained her BSc in Public Health. She used the time between her studies to learn more about herself.

“During the gap years, I travelled, became interested in spirituality, and completed a yoga instructor course. From there, I developed the desire to explore the human being as an indivisible whole – physically, mentally, and spiritually. Driven by a thirst for knowledge that links all these aspects, I came back to Lithuania. Here, I noticed an advertisement for the last available place on the MSc programme in Lifestyle Medicine and decided to give it a try. I felt that the securing a spot was the sign that I had chosen the right path”, she says. The experience she gained during her studies and in various courses encouraged her to begin sharing her knowledge with others. She chose the social network Instagram for this purpose.

“The spiritual and physical practices had undeniable effects that I felt. I wanted to share this with others, especially since Buddhist philosophy and the Hindu religion based on yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises, were not yet popular at that time. As my competences developed, so did the number of topics I covered on Instagram. Very organically, I began to link physical health, food fears, and eating tensions, the damage of dieting on body image and self-acceptance, with tools helping me to be comfortable in any state. In this way, the content I create has increasingly engaged a female audience.”

Unrealistic beauty standards continue to persist

According to Kotryna, women are more inclined to attempt to conform to the standards of appearance dictated by society. “Every day I receive a lot of emails filled with pain, tension, and self-loathing. It makes me realise the damage that the socio-cultural pressure to conform to standards of beauty and the ideal body has done and continues to do. The feedback from women motivates me to take action and to create at least some counterbalance to this pressure”, says the lifestyle medicine specialist.

She says that each client’s story is unique and sensitive in its own way, and that people of all ages, builds, and professions seek help. “I remember one woman, approaching retirement age, who came in because of her increasing weight and fear of food. When asked at what age she started dieting, she said at 13. Then her mother asked her to keep her company with slimming efforts while she was still a teenager. The patient realised that she had never stopped since then. A few months later, it was good to see her discovering the freedom of food and, after so many years of fear, getting to know the pleasure of it.

I still remember a young woman accomplished as a professional in sports training who, because of her body size and shape, had been afraid to fulfil her dream of becoming a sports instructor. A few weeks later, inspired, she not only gave up her habit of weighing herself every day and restricting her food intake, but also set out to make this dream a reality. She is now a successful sports instructor. I meet men at work too. I witness some of them risking not only their families but also their lives in the office, when they dare to make their first call to an addiction centre. These stories, though commonplace, are individually immensely important,” says the specialist.

So many activities to choose from

While many young people dream of becoming doctors and never consider as a lifestyle medicine specialist, Kotryna says it is an increasingly recognised field that offers a wide range of self-fulfilment and financial opportunities. The key is to be motivated and willing to take advantage of them.

“If you’re passionate about something and consistent, your passion will eventually be noticed and appreciated. For me, appreciation has never been solely about the financial return. It’s much more motivating to hear back from my clients, to see the changes in their lives. Perhaps that is a sign that I am on the right path to fulfilment. Today, there aren’t enough lifestyle medicine specialists, there are increasingly more job opportunities available, so employers offer really competitive conditions and are keen to attract specialist and adapt. The specialty is broad and covers many aspects of lifestyle, so you can definitely find your niche. Social media can also be used as a tool”, says Kotryna.

The extensive scope of this field can sometimes present challenges, she says. She has experienced first-hand how setting overly ambitious has left her with insufficient inner resources to meet them.

“After graduating, I worked at two clinics and as an assistant with graduate students in Lifestyle Medicine. Simultaneously, I was also becoming increasingly active on Instagram. Because I was passionate about what I was doing, I started to do well, and I received various other offers that were becoming increasingly difficult to refuse. My aim was to help patients to find their own way in life, but I began to feel that my own life was becoming overly challenging.

Working at the expense of personal life and experiencing empathy fatigue among health professionals have prompted me to reduce my time spent on counselling and dedicate more time to creative activities. Now that I can devote time to my other goal, writing a book about the challenges on the path towards comprehensive well-being, life has definitely become much more balanced. Of course, it was not an easy decision to make, but it was backed by the experience I had gained during my clinical career, the faith I have in myself as a professional, and the trust I have earned from patients, clients, and my audience on social media. I am happy to be where I am now.”

Gallery

View all photos

The post Lifestyle Medicine Specialist Shares Tips on Instagram: ‘I’m Happy Where I Am’ appeared first on LSMU.