DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

MEDICAL COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF RZESZÓW

FOR THE YEARS 2025-2030

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This strategy of Medical College is a response to the need for integrated development of our unit, whose unique structure is based on the cooperation of various faculties and specialized research and teaching centers.

Medical College, which includes:

• Faculty of Biotechnology together with the Center for Preclinical and Clinical Research in Werynia
• Faculty of Medicine together with the Natural and Medical Center for Innovative Research
• Faculty of Physical Culture Sciences with the University Athletics Center
• The Faculty of Health Sciences and Psychology together with the Natural and Medical Center for Innovative Research, together with the Center for Medical Simulation and the Center for Postgraduate Education of Medical Personnel, create a unique platform combining science, teaching and practice.

In addition, cooperation with our University Clinical Hospital is a key element enabling practical implementation of knowledge and innovation in a real medical environment. Our strategy sets ambitious goals that take into account both local and global challenges of modern medicine, health sciences, psychology, biotechnology and physical culture sciences.

Medical College's activities are based on key pillars: scientific excellence, innovative teaching methods, interdisciplinarity and response to social needs. The strategy is based on synergy between science, education and medical practice, focusing on interdisciplinarity and international cooperation. We believe that the development of modern technologies, innovative treatment methods and education of highly qualified medical staff will be key to the future of healthcare. The priority of our activities is to strengthen cooperation between faculties and centres, which allows for the optimal use of research and teaching potential.

Medical College is composed of individuals who are key to realizing our vision.

The Faculty of Biotechnology, in conjunction with the Center for Preclinical and Clinical Research in Werynia, is the foundation for the development of medical biotechnology, with an emphasis on biomedical research, which is becoming an increasingly important element of modern medicine. The development of new therapies, genetic tests, as well as modern solutions in diagnostics and treatment, remains one of the priorities of our strategy.

The Faculty of Medicine, supported by the Natural Sciences and Medicine Centre for Innovative Research, conducts clinical and translational research that enables the implementation of innovations in everyday medical practice.

In turn, the Faculty of Physical Culture Sciences , together with the University Athletics Center, incorporates elements of sports and health prevention into a comprehensive approach to medicine, placing great emphasis on promoting a healthy lifestyle. The Faculty of Health Sciences and Psychology with the Natural and Medical Center for Innovative Research, conducts scientific research in the discipline of health sciences and psychology, focusing on various aspects of physical and mental health. A holistic approach, combining different areas of knowledge, is the key to effectively dealing with the challenges of modern medicine.

Together we strive to make Medical College a centre setting standards in the field of medical sciences, health sciences, psychology, biotechnological sciences and physical culture sciences. Our Strategy is the result of the work of our entire collegial academic community, and its implementation will be possible thanks to the involvement of students, academic and administrative staff.

We approach the implementation of this strategy with full conviction, counting on the further development of our unit, which is becoming a leading center in the field of research, education and the application of modern medical, biotechnological and preventive solutions in the country and around the world.

I invite you to read this document and actively participate in the process of its implementation. I believe that thanks to our joint efforts we will achieve our goals and build a strong position of Medical College in a dynamically changing world.

Resolution No. 04/04/2025

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RZESZÓW FOR THE YEARS 2025-2030

MISSION

The mission of the Medical College of the University of Rzeszów is to shape the academic environment of medical sciences, health and psychology sciences, biotechnology sciences, physical culture sciences and related sciences, whose work in the field of educating new staff, conducting high-quality scientific research and commercial work will respond to global social, economic and environmental needs and will serve the development of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, Poland and Europe. The goal of the Medical College is to build a community of employees, students and graduates based on common values, scientific ethics, openness to modernity, creativity and innovation, and to create conditions conducive to personal and professional development.

GOALS

The assumptions of the Development Strategy of the Medical College of the University of Rzeszów are consistent with the Development Strategy of the University of Rzeszów for 2021–2030, and additionally include directions of activities taking into account new legal conditions and current socio-economic challenges. When developing the Strategy, the university strategic documents (including the HR4R UR Strategy, the Gender Equality Plan) were taken into account, as well as legal acts adopted at the regional level (including the Development Strategy of the Podkarpackie Province 2030, the Regional Innovation Strategy of the Podkarpackie Province for 2021-2030), the national level (including the National Science Policy, the Integrated Skills Strategy 2030), the European Union level (including the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation "Horizon Europe", the Regulation on Artificial Intelligence (AI Act), the European Health Data Space Strategy (EHDS) and the global level (including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development). The Strategy includes activities developed by working groups representing individual Faculties of the Medical College and included in documents describing the planned development of these units. Individual in-depth interviews with the authorities of Medical College and individual units of Medical College in order to develop detailed and operational goals. Based on the diagnosed needs, the Development Strategy of Medical College includes all the areas listed in the Development Strategy of UR for the years 2021-2030 and two additional areas such as International cooperation/Internationalization

Medical College and Medical College Accessibility:

1. Management of the Medical College
2. Material resources of Medical College
3. Human resources of Medical College
4. Science/Research Development
5. Education
6. Collaboration with the environment, commercialization of research results
7. Medical College International Cooperation/Internationalization
8. Availability

Each area of ​​development of Medical College has been assigned one strategic goal, operational goals and activities resulting from the specificity and development needs of Medical College for the years 2025-2030.

STRATEGIC GOAL 1 (Area I Management)

Development of Medical College as a distinguished unit with high work standards and the highest quality educational and research programs

Operational objectives within the first strategic objective

1.1.         Increasing the efficiency of management of Medical College

Activities

• raising the managerial competences of people holding managerial positions at Medical College
• implementation of a personnel policy that guarantees the proper selection of employees for the effective implementation of tasks by individual structures of Medical College
• development of a community of people working, students and graduates of Medical College based on common values ​​and strengthening the sense of connection with Medical College
• improving the information flow system
• effective cooperation of Medical College with other organizational units of the University of Rzeszów
• increase in the participation of Medical College representatives in national and international networks and associations
• optimisation of costs related to the activities of Medical College and increasing the share of financial resources obtained from domestic and foreign grants, e.g. the Horizon Europe Programme.

1.2.          Increasing the effectiveness of administrative staff in supporting scientific activities, the educational process and cooperation with the environment

Activities

• creating conditions for improving qualifications of administrative employees through training and courses
• 
  Establishment of the Research Project Managers and Administrators Competence Centre for projects implemented
  at the Medical College in the Office for Medical College

STRATEGIC GOAL 2 (Area II Material resources of Medical College)

Development of Medical College infrastructure for the needs of education and conducting high-quality scientific research and implementation work in line with European and global trends.

Operational objectives within the second strategic objective

2.1                Construction, expansion and modernization of the research and teaching infrastructure of Medical College in order to conduct the highest quality education processes, scientific research and implementation work in line with current trends and socio-economic challenges

Activities

• expansion of the University Hospital, through the creation of new hospital facilities located in Świlcza, along with the accompanying infrastructure in order to meet the educational, research and diagnostic needs and clinical trials conducted by Medical College
• establishment of the University Clinical Research Centre (commercial and non-commercial) within the structure of the University Clinical Hospital
• expansion of the Interdisciplinary Center for Preclinical and Clinical Research
• expansion and modernization of the Medical Simulation Center by purchasing advanced simulators
• launching an obesity treatment clinic with access to the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies
• expansion of diagnostic infrastructure enabling detailed genetic, molecular and biochemical tests
• creation of a geriatric department with full diagnostic and therapeutic facilities
• modernization of otolaryngology departments taking into account modern diagnostic technologies
• establishment of an organ transplantation center in cooperation with other clinical facilities
• creation of a specialized center for the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmological diseases
• establishment of the Medical Bioinformatics Laboratory
• construction of new laboratories dedicated to science and research in the field of advanced medical technologies, including surgical robotics, medical data analysis and genomics, medical biotechnology
• construction of the second stage of the investment, the Podkarpackie Academic Sports Center
• equipping teaching rooms with modern equipment enabling high quality of educational processes

2.2                Development of innovative solutions in the area of ​​digitalization of Medical College

Activities

• implementation of digital solutions in the field of IT, AR and AI into the educational processes, including e-learning platforms
• conducting scientific research on the application of digital solutions in medicine and related sciences (IT, AI, AR)
• implementation of regulations regarding the processing of medical data for the purposes of providing services in the European Union and the possibility of using medical data for secondary purposes, such as training AI algorithms, scientific research and clinical trials.
• creation of the position of Data Manager, i.e. "Data Officer", in Medical College, responsible in particular for data processing in international research and projects
• implementation of innovative, interdisciplinary scientific and implementation projects in the field of medical and related sciences concerning clinical trials, diagnostics, consultations, treatment, rehabilitation, patient care using digital solutions such as IT, AI, AR
• purchase of software and equipment for bioinformatics analysis, including tools for molecular modeling and omics data analysis
• creation of a database of biomarkers and targeted therapies, accessible to scientists and clinicians
• creation of a database of patients with rare diseases for the purpose of conducting clinical registries and epidemiological studies
• purchase of advanced diagnostic and research equipment, including genetic analysis systems, NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) technology and cell culture devices
• expansion of research laboratories adapted to conduct advanced toxicological studies
• investment in systems for analyzing large data sets, supporting research on targeted therapies and personalized medicine
• expansion of infrastructure enabling storage and analysis of sensitive data, in accordance with data protection regulations
• creation of a telemedicine platform for remote medical consultations, patient monitoring and patient data management in a manner consistent with GDPR regulations
• introduction of new didactic modules in the field of digital medicine, telemedicine and big data analysis in diagnostics in the study programs for medical, medical analytics and electroradiology faculties
• development of specialist courses and training in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, with particular emphasis on the use of machine learning algorithms in diagnostics and therapy
• development of postgraduate and doctoral study programmes in the field of digital medicine and telemedicine, adapted to the needs of the labour market
• establishing partnerships with leading technology companies to integrate the latest technological innovations into curricula
• organization of training and workshops for students and teaching staff in the field of advanced digital technologies and their applications in healthcare

STRATEGIC GOAL 3 (Area III Human resources)

Development of Medical College as a place attracting talents

Operational objectives within the third strategic objective

3.1 Development of processes supporting Medical College employees

Activities

3.1.1 ensuring compliance of the recruitment process with the European Charter for Researchers  

3.1.2 Creating career/development paths for employees

3.1.3 supporting the development of young scientific staff and creating conditions for the scientific advancement of employees

3.1.4 Implementation of a motivation system for all employee groups, dependent on internal evaluation mechanisms

3.1.5 Organising regular meetings between employees and their direct superiors to set and review development goals and support them in career planning, as well as to discuss problems and proposals for changes

3.1.6 supporting the participation of young scientists in scientific conferences and symposia, both domestic and foreign 3.2 Development of tools building a community of employees, students and graduates and promoting the achievements of employees, students and graduates of Medical College

Activities

3.2.1 strengthening the sense of identity with Medical College, e.g. through the participation of employees, students and graduates in integrating activities aimed at building trust, improving communication and developing a culture of cooperation, e.g. the activities of the Medical College Choir

3.2.2 involving the community of employees, students and graduates in pro-social activities and popularization of science

3.2.3 promoting the achievements of employees, students and graduates of Medical College

3.3.4 implementation of the Medical College Alumni Cooperation Program, including the establishment of a "loyalty program for graduates", promotion of the offer of Medical College study programs and acquisition of partners from the socio-economic environment through cooperation with graduates, inclusion of successful graduates in the functioning of Medical College, maintenance of direct didactic cooperation with actively working graduates

STRATEGIC GOAL 4 (Area IV Science/development of scientific research)

Development of Medical College as a scientific center recognizable in the country and abroad

Operational objectives within the fourth strategic objective

4.1 Strengthening the scientific position of Medical College

Activities

• strengthening the scientific position of Medical College in national and international rankings of scientific institutions
• improving the quality of scientific activities conducted at Medical College
• an increase in the number of scientific disciplines with a high scientific category
• maintaining existing and acquiring new academic qualifications
• significant increase in the activity of obtaining domestic and foreign grants and publishing activity
• raising the status of the scientific journal published by UR "European Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine"
• raising the status of scientific conferences organized by Medical College
• organizing workshops, trainings, consultations on the principles of preparing applications and obtaining funds for scientific research from external sources
• streamlining and supporting the activities of employees, PhD students and students in order to effectively obtain financial resources

4.2 Development of the research potential of Medical College

Activities

• development of the research infrastructure of Medical College
• development of a system to motivate research workers
• creating conditions encouraging recognized scientists, talented students, doctoral students and scientists at the initial stage of their scientific careers, e.g. as part of postdoctoral internships, PostDoc positions, to take up work and start education at the Medical College
• implementation of interdisciplinary projects by research teams

STRATEGIC GOAL 5 (Area V Education)

High level of education adapted to current socio-economic challenges

 Operational objectives within the fifth strategic objective

5.1 High quality of education in line with the needs of the labor market and using innovative forms of education, based on study programs that are in line with current trends, including postgraduate studies

Activities

• adapting the study programs of individual fields of study to the latest standards, guidelines, trends and socio-economic needs
• supporting the development of academic teachers’ scientific and teaching skills, in particular through continuous improvement of teachers’ qualifications in terms of acquiring theoretical and practical competences helpful in conducting classes with students
• obtaining financial resources to improve the teaching offer, in particular for the purchase of equipment and apparatus and the implementation of additional extra-curricular teaching activities
• creation of the pharmacy and dentistry major at the Medical College
• development of the Postgraduate Education Centre for Medical Staff at the Medical College
• introduction of digital teaching methods, including teaching based on medical simulations, telemedicine, AI and e-learning
• increasing the availability of open digital educational resources and knowledge bases
• supporting students in acquiring practical skills by organizing internships in hospitals and medical facilities, also abroad
• increasing the diversity of the offer of student internships and placements enabling contact with potential employers
• developing the offer of optional classes preparing for gaining professional qualifications
• supporting students in their academic development and acquiring practical skills by implementing mentoring and tutoring programs, as well as providing psychological support and career counseling to prevent the drop-out phenomenon
• developing a tutoring model that takes into account the individual needs of students and various specializations.
• implementation of tutoring as an integral part of the curriculum, with the possibility of including it in the teaching load of academic teachers
• training staff in tutoring skills such as motivating students, managing the teaching process and interpersonal communication
• regular assessment of tutoring effectiveness through student surveys and evaluation of achieved teaching results
• creating specializations that respond to current socio-economic and environmental challenges
• creating educational paths in English, including directions of study or courses
• development of the teaching base of Medical College
• activities aimed at achieving high results in the framework of programme and comprehensive assessment conducted by national and international accreditation institutions,
• monitoring the fate of graduates and taking actions to adapt education programmes to competencies useful on the labour market.

5.2 Development of students' scientific activity

Activities

5.2.1 Creating individual learning paths for talented students

5.2.2 creating conditions for support and incentives for students and student scientific groups and associations in obtaining funds for research grants

5.2.3 increase in the number of scientific publications with the participation of students

STRATEGIC GOAL 6 (Area VI Cooperation with the environment, commercialization of research results)

Active cooperation with the social and economic environment

Operational objectives within the sixth strategic objective

6.1 Development of cooperation between Medical College and social and economic partners

Activities

• implementation of the communication strategy and image policy of Medical College
• developing communication tools and promoting the research potential of Medical College among strategic external stakeholders
• organizing networking events and thematic seminars connecting scientists with potential project partners from the socio-economic environment
• increasing the number of joint projects with institutions from the socio-economic environment
• increasing employee activity in performing services ordered by external entities
• cooperation with employers and involvement in improving the health standards of the region's inhabitants
• increasing the number of implementation doctorates prepared in cooperation with external companies while improving the quality of doctoral theses
• developing transparent regulations regarding copyright and intellectual property
• broad promotion of Medical College's market research services among external stakeholders
• increasing the commercialization of research results by developing partnerships with external entities
• creating interdisciplinary consortia with external entities in order to prepare applications for funding for scientific research, research and development and implementation work

STRATEGIC GOAL 7 (Area VII International Cooperation of Medical College /Internationalization)

Development of Medical College as an entity actively participating in international partnerships

Operational objectives within the seventh strategic objective

7.1 Increasing Medical College's participation in international projects

Activities

• supporting employees, PhD students and students of Medical College in initiating international partnerships and building international consortia
• promoting initiatives aimed at creating international research networks and consortia
• obtaining external funds for the implementation of projects financing international networking networks, e.g. within the COST Programme
• supporting employees, PhD students and students of Medical College in implementing international projects
• Welcome to the Center New Researcher's Space development #KNM – EURAXESS Center about the Research Project Managers and Administrators' Competence Center
• promoting the achievements of research and teaching staff, students and graduates on international portals
• creating conditions for the formation of international research teams at the Medical College
• promoting and supporting the participation of Medical College staff and students in study visits, courses and trainings developing competences in the field of international cooperation, including language courses
• promoting solutions aimed at increasing the number of publications with foreign partners
• increase in the number of international conferences organized at the Medical College

7.2 Increasing the number of international mobility in the Medical College, research internships of foreign scientists and international events in the Medical College

Activities

• supporting initiatives aimed at implementing international scientific projects
• increasing the scientific mobility of employees, PhD students and students by increasing the number of foreign research internships, internships and study visits, including in renowned foreign research centers
• increasing the number of scholarships obtained by employees, doctoral students and students of Medical College for the implementation of foreign internships, traineeships and study visits,
• increasing the number of employees, doctoral students and foreign students undergoing internships, apprenticeships or study visits at the Medical College
• strengthening the activity of employees, doctoral students and students of Medical College in the scope of obtaining external funds for scholarships for foreign academic staff, doctoral students and students participating in study visits, summer/winter schools and other events organized at Medical College
• supporting the participation of employees, PhD students and students of Medical College in prestigious foreign conferences and competitions
• increasing the acquisition of funds for the organization of international scientific conferences, summer and winter schools, study visits for foreign guests at Medical College
• providing support through the Welcome Center to foreign scientists and students on research internships at Medical College
• organization of extra-curricular seminars and lectures conducted by foreign lecturers and experts

 7.3 Increasing the degree of internationalization of studies at Medical College

Activities

• increasing the offer of educational programs and courses in English
• increasing the number of foreign staff employed at Medical College
• promotion of the Medical College educational offer among foreign candidates for studies, including on portals with international reach
• building an international community of Medical College supporting foreign scientists and students
• organization of a place for integration meetings of the academic community with foreign staff and students
• activation of international cooperation within the framework of signed agreements and increasing the number of new partnership agreements with foreign universities and research institutions
• implementation of the Medical College Foreign Graduates Cooperation Program

STRATEGIC GOAL 8 (Area VIII Availability)

Development of Medical College while maintaining the principles of accessibility and equality

Operational objectives within the eighth strategic objective

8.1 Development of Medical College as an accessible, inclusive and sustainable entity

Activities

ensuring the architectural accessibility of Medical College facilities

• implementing solutions that improve the accessibility of Medical College in terms of information and communication
• raising awareness of the idea of ​​accessibility among the staff and students of Medical College

8.2 Development of Medical College's activities in the field of promoting the idea of ​​accessibility

8.2.1 developing innovative standards, products or services in the field of accessibility in cooperation with the socio-economic environment

• disseminating the principles of accessibility in the socio-economic environment

3. Implementation, monitoring and evaluation

The implementation of the Medical College development strategy will be based on the implementation of strategic projects for which indicators and implementation schedules will be defined. In the first half of 2025, tools for the implementation of individual activities, their monitoring and evaluation of effectiveness will be developed, in particular:

1. detailed implementation procedures, taking into account the structure of the University of Rzeszów and the Medical College, quality standards and potential risks
2. a list of key indicators for each strategic objective, enabling regular assessment of progress
3. a schedule for reviewing and evaluating the results of strategic actions, including comparative analyses with planned goals
4. template of the annual strategy implementation report,

4. Appendix No. 1. SWOT Analysis

The aim of the SWOT analysis is to assess the internal and external conditions of Medical College’s operations that may affect the implementation of the adopted strategic and operational goals.

SWOT analysis

INTERNAL FACTORS

EXTERNAL FACTORS

Resolution No. 04/04/2025

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RZESZÓW FOR THE YEARS 2025-2030

With respect,

Prof.dr hab.n.med. Artur Mazur,
Vice-Rector for Medical College