On 17 April 2024, a bilateral cooperation agreement was signed between the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University (VU MF) and the company UAB Eglės sanatorija (Eglė Sanatorium), represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Dalius Jatužis and the head of the Sanatorium Dr. Kęstutis Skauminas. The agreement’s main objective is strengthening cooperation between the two institutions in studies, placements, career guidance, lifelong learning, research and experimental development activities in medicine and health sciences. The collaboration will be closely linked to the activities of the Institute of Health Sciences, the training of physiotherapy professionals and the education of advanced practice nurses.
Photo: Dr. Tomas Aukštikalnis, Dr. Kęstutis Skauminas, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laura Nedzinskienė, Prof. Dr. Dalius Jatužis, Prof. Dr. Natalja Istomina, and Ms. Mileta Kaminskė
According to Prof. Jatužis, the Faculty of Medicine constantly expands the cooperation circle, seeking like-minded partners in studies, research, project management and innovations. “Physiotherapy is a significant occupation that is in constant high demand. The shortage of physiotherapy professionals is obvious. This issue must be acknowledged and addressed properly. Decision makers would probably pay more attention to it if not only universities but also potential employers spoke up”, said Prof. Jatužis.
“In our Sanatorium, we offer an extensive range of rehabilitation treatments. However, our reputation as one of the leading rehabilitation centres in Lithuania is not yet sufficiently known. We need to ensure the quality of service. However, we are also interested in developments at the academic level, namely how future professionals are being trained”, said Dr. Skauminas. According to the head of the Sanatorium, given that the training of medical professionals and health service providers is impossible without sufficient experience gained in personal healthcare institutions, and given that the best way to strengthen practical medical and health care, and thus assistance to people, is the integration of science, pedagogy, medical and health care practice; therefore, this agreement is essential.
Signing of the contract / MF archive
Under the agreement, the Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine undertakes to promote the development and implementation of joint international and national projects, develop scientific research and development activities, organise the professional practice process of the Faculty students, invite the representatives of the Sanatorium to take part in the events organised by the University, provide information about study opportunities at the University, as well as publicise and promote the results of the cooperation between the Sanatorium and the University.