Greetings from UIMS - December Edition!

Dear members of the UIMS community,

As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible moments we've shared as a medical student community. In this edition, delve into an enlightening article on situs inversus in humans and a captivating interview with a distinguished professor. Discover the upcoming events that promise to add more vibrancy to our academic journey.

Amid our celebrations, we cannot ignore the recent tragedy in Prague, where lives were lost in a senseless act of violence. Our hearts mourn for the victims and their families, and we stand together in solidarity.

As we embrace the spirit of togetherness, joy, and learning, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support. May this holiday season bring you warmth, laughter, and moments of well-deserved relaxation.

Happy reading and, on behalf of the entire UIMS team, we wish you a Merry Christmas and peaceful holidays!

Warm regards,

The UIMS Team

In light of the recent incident in Prague, our thoughts are with everyone affected. If you or someone you know needs support, please consider reaching out to local authorities and seeking assistance from the following helplines and resources:

1. Charles University Support Services 

2. Counselling Services

3. Emergency Services outside of CU

4. If you would like to support the victims, you can contribute to The Endowment Fund of CU

    

Your well-being is a priority, and help is available. Stay strong, and please don't hesitate to seek assistance.

Community Submissions

History of tragedies in Charles university

"Several tragedies have befallen Czech universities, where students, at the forefront of social reforms and uprisings, paid the ultimate price for their convictions. The recent shooting on December 22, while highly unusual in Czech history, adds to a grim list of devastating events that have afflicted Prague's academic institutions. This article offers a concise overview of two pivotal historical incidents, both instigated by students.

On November 17, 1939, Nazi German forces occupied Czechoslovakia and initiated a dark chapter in the country's history. As part of their oppressive measures, the Nazis targeted Czech universities to suppress cultural and intellectual resistance. Nazi troops stormed Czech universities, arresting students viewed as potential leaders of any resistance. many of these students were sent to concentration camps, resulting in their untimely deaths. The universities were forcibly closed to oppress the Czech academy. 

After World War 2 a communist regime replaced the fascist. Fifty years later, on November 17, 1989, Czechoslovakia witnessed another pivotal moment in its history—the Velvet Revolution. This non-violent uprising against the communist regime was triggered by a peaceful student demonstration in Prague, commemorating the 1939 events and demanding political reforms. However, the police brutally intervened, beating the students and sparking widespread public outrage. A series of protests and demonstrations ignited across the country which eventually led to Czechoslovakia successfully transitioning to democracy.

On December 22, seemingly an ordinary day at the Faculty of Arts, the tranquility was disrupted by a shooting carried out by a fellow student. 14 students were killed and 20 injured.

Czech universities have been marked by a series of tragic events, where students, pivotal in social movements and uprisings, have faced the gravest consequences for their activism. The recent shooting on December 22, although atypical in Czech history, adds to the sorrowful narrative of devastating incidents impacting Prague's academic institutions." 

- Nadav Altman

Past Events

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