The Class of 2026 of Nicolae Testemitanu University: 966 destinies, a unified oath, and the dawn of a noble mission

June 16, 2026 was a day resonating with excellence, hope, and fulfillment, crowning an academic journey defined by dedication, responsibility, and tremendous effort. The 966 graduates of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova, Class of 2026, solemnly took the Oath of the Physician and Pharmacist. This ritual symbolizes the transition from years of university study to the assumption of a noble professional mission, where accumulated knowledge translates into responsibility for human life and health. In an atmosphere charged with profound emotion, the event brought together graduates, faculty members, and distinguished guests, celebrating the completion of a milestone and the beginning of a professional path built on devotion, empathy, and integrity.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Health, Professor Emil Ceban, who emphasized that the Republic of Moldova requires dedicated professionals, and that the graduates of Nicolae Testemitanu University represent one of the country's most valuable investments in its future. The official highlighted the essential role that young specialists will play in strengthening and modernizing the healthcare system, noting that physicians and pharmacists work not only with diagnoses and treatments, but also with people's trust, hopes, and needs.

"The Ministry of Health looks upon this new generation of specialists with great confidence. You are the generation that will contribute to the modernization and consolidation of the healthcare system, the integration of medical innovations, and the development of more efficient services that are closer to the needs of the population," stated Minister Ceban.

The First Vice-Rector, Professor Olga Cernetchi, Vice-Rector for Education and Academic Management at Nicolae Testemitanu University, expressed gratitude to the graduates and their parents for choosing an institution dedicated to education, research, and healthcare, which significantly contributes to public health promotion and quality of life enhancement nationally and globally. She emphasized that the Oath Ceremony represents the most anticipated milestone toward which the youths aspired throughout their academic years, marking the start of a new professional path filled with opportunities and challenges.

"The University graduates – Class of 2026 – possess the necessary training to become outstanding specialists and the capacity to assert themselves and succeed in life. You are the generation that demonstrated responsibility and civic spirit, engaging in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by organizing three vaccination marathons and participating in voluntary immunization campaigns within projects conducted in partnership with the World Health Organization. Through your demonstrated perseverance, successfully passed exams, and the knowledge and experience gained during your faculty years, you provide us today, once again, with reasons to be proud of our Alma Mater and our country. We look to the future with confidence, and your success represents a valuable contribution to the development of society and the healthcare system," declared the First Vice-Rector.

"The profession you have chosen grants you the privilege of standing by people during the most fragile moments of their lives. In such times, competence will open doors, but humanity will remain in their hearts. In this era of technology and artificial intelligence, the world is changing profoundly, and medicine along with it. These tools can help us find answers faster and make better-informed decisions, yet even the most advanced technology can never replace the gaze that inspires confidence, the hand that offers support, or the wisdom that listens before speaking. Wherever life may lead you, I encourage you to look to the future with hope, to trust in yourselves, in your destiny, and in your chosen profession, and to never give up. I encourage you to dream big and follow both your heart and intuition," emphasized the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine No. 1, Professor Gheorghe Placinta.

"We are proud of their achievements and the international spirit they brought to our university. Today we celebrate both the academic performance of the 122 international graduates and the personal transformation they underwent. They leave the Republic of Moldova equipped with solid medical knowledge, well-developed clinical skills, and a profound sense of responsibility for their future patients. Dear graduates, I am convinced that you will build successful and impactful careers, contributing to the improvement of human health wherever you practice," stated Dean Betiu.

In her address, Associate Professor Livia Uncu, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, expressed her pride in the graduates and extended gratitude to their parents and families for their support over the five-year journey. "You are entering a profession where knowledge and responsibility must walk hand in hand. Whether you choose to practice in pharmacies, production, or research, never forget that the true value of our profession lies in the care and well-being we bring to people," emphasized the Dean.

According to Associate Professor Andrei Mostovei, Dean of the Faculty of Stomatology, the Class of 2026 achieved its most significant objective – becoming members of the medical community: "These are emotional moments for you, for your families, and for us – those who stood by you on this path. At this moment, you have closed a chapter – five years of efforts, sleepless nights, moments of victory, and numerous challenges. Soon, all of these will become beautiful memories. From today, a new stage of life begins – that of a dentist – a profession that future generations will look upon with hope. I wish you success in all your endeavors."

Speaking on behalf of the Class of 2026, Victoria Cirpac, a graduate of the Medicine study program, delivered a message of gratitude to the academic community: "Today we stand at the threshold between two worlds. Behind us remain years of study, difficult exams, sleepless nights, and the first encounters with patients. We came to the University with questions and fears, and now we leave with the certainty that we succeeded. This transformation was made possible thanks to the professors who guided us with patience. They offered us much more than knowledge: they taught us to be persevering, to think critically, and to never forget that the human being is at the center of medicine. You were mentors, role models, and, at times, the support we needed. Thank you!"

This year, the solemn Oath of the Physician and Pharmacist was taken by 966 graduates, comprising 753 national citizens and 213 foreign citizens from 16 countries (India, Israel, Tunisia, USA, Ukraine, Romania, Turkey, Cyprus, Germany, Finland, Netherlands, Jordan, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Russia).

Out of the total number, the integrated higher education programs were completed by: Medicine – 590, Stomatology – 208, Pharmacy – 80; and the bachelor's degree programs by: Physiokinetotherapy and Rehabilitation – 36, General Nursing – 21, Public Health – 12, Optometry – 12, and Technologies in Radiology and Imaging – 7 young specialists. 

An additional 81 individuals completed their studies in master's degree programs: Public Mental Health – 15, Advanced Nursing – 14, Human Nutrition – 13, Clinical Optometry – 6, Molecular Technologies in Health – 4, Early Childhood Intervention – 1, and Management in Public Health – 28. 

The ceremony culminated in an exceptional artistic performance by the artist Satoshi (Vlad Sabajuc), who represented the Republic of Moldova at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, securing the 8th place in the grand final.

ALBUM FOTO