Dear professors and staff, dear students and graduate students! On behalf of the Academic Council of  Odessa National Medical University, I sincerely congratulate you on New Year and Christmas!

The passing year was very difficult for our team. We not only worked and studied, we fought! Together we overcame all the difficulties, went through a stream of accusations, dirt and lies. Together we endured. Together, we protected our common home, which someone wanted to take away, did not allow them to destroy its status as a leading medical school in Ukraine, known worldwide.

Thus, due to the provocative and raiding policies of the previous staff of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, together with those who betrayed their alma mater, we couldn’t accomplish lots of our plans. It is difficult to work when unlawful acts are applied both physically, morally and economically. It is difficult, but we worked, sought, developed, and even made one step closer to our goal – to make our university the scientific and medical Mecca in Ukraine. We have retained both advanced university clinics, and talented and recognized academics, and powerful departments and scientific schools. I am confident that in 2020 international cooperation will be stepped up and we will participate in even more European and world programs.

As difficult as this outgoing year has been, as we are seeing it out and we are looking forward to the future with hope. I wish you happiness, dear friends, fulfillment of your most cherished wishes, health and faith in tomorrow!

Happy Holidays!

Yours, Valerii Zaporozhan