Celebrating the Statehood Day: Awards to the LSMU Professors from the President
In celebration of the Statehood Day, marking the Coronation of King Mindaugas of Lithuania, and the National Anthem Day, Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, honoured both Lithuanian and foreign citizens with the state orders and medals in recognition of their services to the Republic of Lithuania and their efforts to enhance its global reputation.
The award ceremony also honoured professors from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU).
Prof. Mindaugas Kliučinskas, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, doctor of medical sciences, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at LSMU, was bestowed the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas. This honour was given in recognition of his significant contributions to Lithuania’s medical science, and his administrative work that ensures coherence between clinical practice, research, and education.
Likewise, Prof. Virgilijus Uloza, an MD, habilitated doctor of sciences, and Head of the Laringology Sector at the Department of Nose, Ear and Throat, was granted the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas acknowledging his substantial, long-term contributions to Lithuanian medical science, introduction of innovative practices in clinical work, and his efforts to share these innovations on an international scale.
Photo courtesy of the Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania / Robertas Dačkus
“On this momentous Statehood Day celebration, we pay tribute to the extraordinary citizens who have joined hands in various initiatives and accomplished remarkable feats within their respective fields. It fills me with immense pride and honor to present the State Awards, a symbol not only of our deep respect for Lithuania’s exceptional creators but also a testament to our profound pride for our country,” shared the Head of State during the gathering.
The President emphasized that the recipients of the prestigious Lithuanian and foreign awards had attained significant heights across diverse spheres of public life. Their unwavering dedication to serving the people through their work stands as an invaluable example and a wellspring of inspiration for countless others. The Head of State expressed heartfelt gratitude to these extraordinary individuals for their brilliant and meaningful achievements, each contributing to the continuous growth and prosperity of the State of Lithuania.
A total of 76 individuals were bestowed with the Presidential Decree on this momentous day.
Tribute of Respect in Kaunas and Kaunas District
Amidst the Statehood Day celebrations in Kaunas and its surrounding district, the name of LSMU was repeated numerous times with pride and recognition.
Prof. Dr. Rimantas Benetis, the esteemed Rector of the University, was bestowed with a great honour – he was declared an Honorary Citizen of Kaunas City. This prestigious award recognized Rector’s active efforts in promoting the name of Kaunas both within Lithuania and internationally through his exceptional contributions to the field of health.
In honour of outstanding personalities who have contributed to Kaunas, the 2nd degree Santaka Honorary Medal was awarded to Dr. Olivija Dobilienė, cardiologist, Head of the Ischaemic Heart Disease Unit, Department of Cardiology of LSMU Hospital Kaunas Clinics.
On the occasion of the Statehood Day, three representatives of the Kaunas Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) were awarded with honorary badges of Kaunas city and Kaunas district:
Prof. Dr. Diana Žaliaduonytė, a professor of LSMU and cardiologist, and the medical director of LSMU Kaunas Hospital, received the 1st level Kaunas District Honorary Badge for her outstanding contributions to medicine and science, her innovative leadership, her efforts in spreading knowledge about heart failure, and her commitment to educating society.
Liucija Juodžiūnienė, a medical doctor, Head of the Resuscitation and Intensive Care Department of LSMU Kaunas Hospital, was awarded the 2nd degree Kaunas Santaka City Honorary Medal in recognition of her exceptional service to medicine and her many years of commendable work.
Justinas Dzidzevičius, the Deputy Medical Director of LSMU Kaunas Hospital, was presented with the 3rd Degree Kaunas City Santaka Honorary Badge of Honour, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to medicine and his commendable work.