Poems in French
Zoltán Novák MD is professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Szeged. He has not only been elected to be one of the best 100 physicians of Hungary, but he also recites in French in his free time. In their working time, they teach university students while they are in search of a remedy for incurable diseases, they create innovative inventions or explore the secrets of space.
- How long have you been pursuing your hobby?
- Poetry recitation is an old love of mine. I even won a national poetry recitation contest when I was young and I played with professional actors as a member of Paál István’s Szeged University Stage. For example, in 1972, I played with prominent actors such as Ági Margitai and Miklós Tolnai in the piece ‘Eternal Electra’. I also took part in a Poetry Day show with Attila Nagy and Gizi Fekete. Later, as a member of the ‘Minerva’ literature stage, I had the honour to work with director Árpád Árkosi and László Konter, who became the director of the theatre in Békéscsaba. Recently, marking the 100th birthday of the legendary French teacher Béla Kovács, I recited a poem in French from my beloved poet Verlain.
- What do you enjoy in reciting, what does it add to your life?
- The experience gained from performing on stage helps a lot in holding professional lectures, it gives you a routine.
- What’s the most memorable experience in connection with your hobby?
- Our group, the Szeged University Stage achieved great success when performing Peter Handke’s absurd piece. We played four and we were all offered to attend the Institute of Theatre Arts. Three of my other friends did so: a graduate of the Hungarian-French major of the University of Szeged, Tamas Dunai is now a famous Mari Jászai award-winning actor; teacher trainee Ildikó Fehér, who is an actor now and János Ács, who became a well-known Mari Jászai award-winning director. I was a medical student at that time and I stayed as I had been preparing for a medical career since the age of 10 – I wanted to heal children.
- What is your field of research?
- As a pulmonologist I’m dealing with respiratory examinations. I have published papers on this field, for example in the journal of the Hungarian Respiratory Society (MTT). We are trying to bring the age limits of respiratory function tests forward as early as possible and our methodology has also been published in international journals. Being the head of one of the units of the Paediatric Department of the Szent-Györgyi Albert Health Centre of SZTE, I am dealing with pulmonary problems. Also, 90% of child patients in my general care practice are also treated with respiratory diseases.
- Is there a relationship between your work and your hobby?
- Yes, there is, for example, I have recited poetry at events dedicated to professionals specialized in pulmonary. My affinity towards theatre also helps me in my university teaching. I always find it challenging to attract and hold students’ attention. I also deliver lectures at professional programs of paediatricians and pulmonologists. I am often interviewed by journalists in order to disseminate information, for example during the pollen season or on the World Day of Smoking. This is just as much a part of my medical work as when I give a video interview for the further training of general practitioners about allergic illnesses of the airways.
Ilona Újszászi
SZTE Experience
Olney Rodrigues - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
My name is Olney Rodrigues de Oliveira and I am from Brazil. I am currently pursuing my PhD studies in the Doctoral School of Education at SZTE. I chose the University of Szeged because it’s one of the best universities in Europe, especially in the field of education. I personally love Szeged because it is safe and I love the architecture, the cultural events, the local Market Mars Tér and so many other beautiful destinations. For my studies I wanted to have an excellent university in a good quality life city and Szeged offers me that. It’s neither too big nor too small, I can ride my bike to go to my classes and practically everything is within a walking distance. I would advise the prospective students to enjoy the city during their stay, the cultural and historical events, know other international students and make a lot of friends, visit other cities in Hungary and make good memories. I am pretty sure that you will be proud of this priceless experience. Before coming to Hungary I worked several years as a teacher. I love the academic environment, the libraries, relationship with students and the feeling to be involved in the acquisition of new knowledge. That is why I plan to be part of a University as a professor as well as to keep researching in different aspects of the process of education. I am so thankful to be here and I believe that the Universe brought me to Szeged because the city and the University are the experience that I need in my life now.
Ahmad Adha - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
I am Ahmad Adha from Indonesia and currently a 3rd year student in Theoretical Linguistics PhD program. I chose the University of Szeged (SZTE) as my study destination because it is located in the center of the town and it is also the highest ranked university in Hungary. The university staff and the professors were very accommodating and understanding when I decided to change the program that suits my research topic. I am so glad that I can be a part of my current department, and of course SZTE, since it is also the Center of Pragmatic Research which aims to promote advanced linguistic pragmatic research with international collaborations. After graduating, I wish to continue to work in my academic field as a professor and a researcher. My advice for prospective SZTE students is to choose a university with a good academic reputation that fits their passion.
