Professor Zbigniew Religa as a role model and example for students and future doctors

Professor Zbigniew Religa, patron of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the Academy of Silesia, is a figure who uniquely combines the qualities of an outstanding scientist, a doctor by vocation, and a man of extraordinary determination. His life and scientific achievements are an inspiration to all medical students, especially those who are just beginning their professional careers in the service of others.
 
Today marks the 40th anniversary of the first successful heart transplant in Poland, performed by Professor Zbigniew Religa and his team in Zabrze. This event has gone down in the history of Polish medicine, becoming a symbol of courage, scientific breakthrough, and human sacrifice. Recalling that day, Professor Andrzej Bochenek, a cardiac surgeon and member of Professor Religa's team, now Vice-Rector for Medical Affairs at the Academy of Silesia, said:
“I didn't quite believe it would work, but when the heart started beating, we knew we had achieved something that seemed impossible.”
Professor Bochenek also recalls the atmosphere of that groundbreaking moment:
"The weather was terrible, cloudy, with drizzling rain. Religa said: there will be a transplant. I already knew that I wouldn't be going home for at least two days. The patient was in critical condition. The donor was brought in from Warsaw. Religa drove him himself to transport him to Zabrze in perfect condition.
This memory perfectly captures Professor Religa's determination and enormous commitment. His courage, faith in science, and steadfastness in the face of adversity have become symbols of the passion and dedication that every doctor should have. For medical students, it is proof that true progress comes from the courage to push boundaries and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
 
Professor Religa was also a man of great empathy and respect for his patients. He taught that medicine is not only science and technology, but above all the art of helping people – requiring sensitivity, understanding, and an ethical approach. For future doctors, his attitude is a reminder that behind every clinical case there is a human being – with their emotions, hopes, and fears.
 
His role as a teacher and mentor cannot be overlooked either. Professor Religa educated successive generations of doctors, passing on not only knowledge but also values – responsibility, humility towards life and science, and a willingness to make sacrifices. His way of working and his commitment to scientific research show how important it is to constantly improve, seek new solutions, and work together as a team.
The choice of Professor Zbigniew Religa as the patron of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the Academy of Silesia is no coincidence. His life and legacy embody the ideals that the university wishes to instill in its students—a passion for learning, courage in action, humanism, and responsibility for others. Today, on the anniversary of this historic event, his figure takes on special significance – reminding us that medicine is not only a profession, but above all a mission.

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