2024 of the “Ratings” magazine. in the ranking of state universities, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) took second place after Vilnius University. LSMU maintains this position for the second year.
State universities of the country were evaluated according to five criteria and could score a maximum of 100 points. LSMU received the highest ratings based on the following criteria: Added value created by alumni and employer evaluation (32.8 points out of 35 possible), Students and studies (20.3 points out of 25 possible), Current and future academic staff (3 points out of 5 possible) .
The results are all the more important because LSMU is a specialized university, and it successfully competes with larger, more comprehensive higher education institutions in the country.
According to LSMU vice-rector for studies prof. Kęstutis Petrikonis, the stable results of LSMU in the national rankings show that the university has chosen the right strategic direction.
“The demographic situation forces higher education to look for opportunities to work together, so LSMU is constantly renewing itself, looking for forms of cooperation with other universities, and in the future – probably with colleges as well”, assessed prof. K. Petrikonis.
Although the assessment of the value created by LSMU graduates and the satisfaction of employers is one of the highest, according to the vice-rector for studies, this indicator reflects not only the high value of health professionals, but also the huge need for them, which is currently in short supply in Lithuania.
“Five years ago, we already talked about the expected large shortage of doctors in the future. However, the predictions of the Ministry of Health were the opposite. However, it becomes clear that it is worth listening to the voice of the university”, remarked prof. K. Petrikonis.
According to the vice-rector, the value created by alumni has not been and still is not allocated enough state funding for many years: pharmacy, physiotherapy, a large part of medicine and dentistry students study at their own expense.
“For many years, young people have supported the health care system themselves by paying for their studies – and after all, this is a huge investment for them and their families. Maybe it’s worth redistributing funding according to the needs of the state?”, said the vice-rector.
Moreover, LSMU competes not only in the country, but also on a global scale. Since this year, LSMU’s medical study program has received global recognition, as it is accredited by the World Medical Education Organization (WMO). World Federation for Medical EducationWFME) standards.
Other solid results have been achieved in the past year; the university is accredited for the maximum period, is a leader in the field of medicine and health sciences in Lithuania, and maintains high positions in international rankings.
