HelMSIC-Herakleion

University of Crete

University of Crete was founded in 1973 and has always had the European values at the core of its existence. This becomes clearer if one looks at the emblem which depicts a mermaid in the navel of Europe, according to the creator the mermaid symbolizes the Mediterranean Sea and therefore the University of Crete embraced by Europe and at the same time being at the center of its academic past, present and future. Located just a few minutes far from the Minoan Palace of Knossos and having established a great quality of research programs, University of Crete can be recognised as a rightful passage to the future. Advanced projects are being held by many of the professors in collaboration with students and the FORTH (Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas) to help students better acquaint themselves with the field of research.

The Faculty of Medicine

The department opened its doors to the students across Greece in 1985. The Medical School also has high appreciation for ‘peer to peer’ education. This particular system of combining professor lectures with laboratory work built and overviewed by well trained students is applied to the majority of our anatomy and histology classes. It helps keep all the students engaged in important fields, it establishes a way of communication between students of all years and builds the moral within the premises of the University. Last but not least, a big part of the education is dedicated to hospital visits in order to get as much practice and hands on experience as possible since the University highly values a complete set of practical and communication skills. 

The University Hospital

PAGNI University hospital covers approximately 650.000 people and has over 750 beds that give the medical students the opportunity to witness a variety of cases during their clinical practice. Students start their visits to the hospital in the 3rd year and during the 5th and 6th year they spend their semesters having full time rotations in the hospital having an active involvement in the day to day work and gaining an holistic clinical experience through all the different departments. During their medical training, they are supervised by the educational staff and the specialized doctors of the hospital, who are always eager to transmit their knowledge and excellence in medical practice. 

The city of Herakleion

Apart from the University, Heraklion as a city itself has a lot to offer to the students and all of its visitors throughout the year. The heartbeat of the town is in Lions’ Square, a must see location for all locals and visitors, with shops, restaurants, cafeterias and bars within a walking distance. The island of Crete has a very diverse landscape that keeps visitors’ interest all year round with snowy mountains, endless fields, and all different kinds of beaches from rocky with clear waters to long sandy ones, which are perfect for relaxing or partying. A very popular sight of Heraklion is the castle by the sea called ‘Rocca a Mare’ and the 3km walk from it to the lighthouse at the end of the port; a very popular place where one can see people visiting the castle, runners, families having a walk and groups of friends just sitting and sometimes singing with the company of a guitar.