How to take care of global health
Awarder with the WUM Rector’s Scholarship for academic excellence, Michail Koutentakis strives to build a future where healthcare will be based on cooperation and available to all.
Michail Koutentakis from Greece is in his last year of studies at the Faculty of Medicine of the Medical University of Warsaw. In those six years he distinguished himself in learning, leadership, and research, contributing to development of over twenty organisations and having significant impact on the global health and on medical education.
As the leader in the Student Government (English Division), Michail acted as the secretary, vice-president, and social media coordinator, and his achievements included improving communication with the WUM management. As a passionate researcher, he won competitive grants and published several articles in peer-reviewed periodicals. He is the author of five chapters in leading books on medicine and surgery. His works cover cardiology, surgery and translational medicine, mirroring the young researcher’s devotion to broadening knowledge and patient care.
Michail’s engagement with multiculturality brought about his active involvement in organisations such as Project IMG, IMG Unity, IFMSA, AMSA, and InciSioN Global. As the Director of Education at InciSioN he initiated the “Global Surgical Education Leadership” (GSEL), facilitating contacts between the world experts in order to eliminate differences in surgeons’ education.
“Apart from academic achievements, Michail has been an invaluable guardian of the WUM research community during the last three years. He conducted important research under the guidance of prof. Marek Postuła at the WUM Centre of Pre-Clinical Research. He played a key role in securing two main research grants and financing options, including PRELUDIUM and FIT-OBI. Michail also published several important scientific articles,” says MD. Hab. Jacek Sieńko, vice-dean of student affairs, English Division of the WUM Faculty of Medicine. Michail’s passion for global health and education reaches far beyond our university’s walls. He spearheaded the “Global Surgical Education Leadership” (GSEL) series, targeting the differences in surgical education in countries with low incomes and limited resources, and he also established a programme connecting mentors from USA with international medical students. These initiatives demonstrate his devotion to eliminating the global gaps in access to healthcare and education.
“Poland became my second home, the country that combines rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality,” Michail says. “Life in Warsaw was an inspiring experience, and accessible prices and dynamic student life provide unlimited opportunities for development. As for the Medical University of Warsaw, it was a cornerstone both for my individual and academic development. It is a place that poses challenges, supports, and provides tools to transform dreams into reality.”