Category: Uncategorized

The University of Parma is proud to announce an important innovation enriching the educational offering of its Healthcare Post-Graduate programmes within the Department of Medicine and Surgery: the introduction of an English-language workshop in each program’s curriculum.

As highlighted by Prof. Antonio Bonacaro:

“This initiative stems from the desire to offer our students a learning experience from an international perspective, in a multicultural and multiethnic context. The goal is to develop specific language skills directly connected to the scope of practice cultivated in each program.”

Why an English-language workshop?

Although delivered in Italian, the Healthcare Master programs at the University of Parma aim to prepare professionals capable of addressing the challenges of an increasingly globalized healthcare sector.

The introduction of these workshops offers students:

• An immersive learning experience to acquire and refine professional healthcare terminology in English;

• An international training context that fosters openness to collaboration with foreign institutions;

• An added value to their professional profile, essential in an ever-evolving healthcare and social landscape.

These workshops will be led by Prof. Michela Canepari, Rector’s Delegate for Language Training, who stated:

“I enthusiastically welcome this opportunity to collaborate with the healthcare and health professionals’ community, firmly believing in the transformative potential of these initiatives, which are strongly oriented toward inclusivity and interactivity for students, regardless of their initial level of English proficiency.”

This initiative strengthens our commitment to international orientation, promoting dialogue with healthcare and academic institutions worldwide. It not only broadens the educational horizons of our students but also prepares them to seize opportunities for professional growth and development in a global context.

With the arrival of the festive season, Professor Antonio Bonacaro, on behalf of the entire team of the Healthcare Post-Graduate Programmes within the Department of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Parma, extends heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season to all students, professionals, and readers who follow us.  

The holidays are a special time for reflection, rejuvenation, and spending delightful moments with loved ones. We wish each of you serene and joyful days ahead.  

Please note that from 20th December, the activities of our team will be temporarily suspended in line with the University’s closure and will resume as usual on 7th January 2025.  

Looking ahead to the new year, 2025 promises to be particularly rich in initiatives and new educational opportunities. We will be at the forefront of innovative projects and growth opportunities, which we will continue to share through our website and official social media channels.  

Thank you for being with us throughout this year and for your continued support. We look forward to embarking on new goals and opportunities together with you in the coming year.  

Season’s greetings and a happy new year!

On Monday, 31st March 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the Aula Magna at the University of Parma will host the official inauguration of the Healthcare Post-Graduate Programmes within the Department of Medicine and Surgery. This event marks the beginning of a new academic year for these advanced specialisation programmes in healthcare, recognised both nationally and internationally.

The event will be presided over by the Rector, Professor Paolo Martelli, with a keynote Lectio Magistralis delivered by Professor Edoardo Manzoni, titled: “Living Health Today Amidst Complexity and Change in Italian Society.”

Professor Manzoni, a prominent figure in Italian healthcare, will share his invaluable insights on a highly relevant topic: health in the contemporary era, shaped by social, cultural, and technological transformations. His discussion will highlight the pivotal role of educational programmes, such as Master’s degrees, in preparing professionals to navigate the challenges posed by complexity and change.

The Lectio Magistralis offers a unique opportunity to delve into the cross-disciplinary skills essential for today’s healthcare professionals. Professor Manzoni, a graduate in Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, boasts a distinguished academic and professional career. He is a lecturer at the University of Milano-Bicocca, General Director of the Palazzolo Institute in Bergamo, and author of numerous studies on the history of death and dying—topics central to understanding the evolution of healthcare practices.

The event, moderated by Professor Antonio Bonacaro, will be live-streamed on the official YouTube channel of the University, ensuring broader participation.

The academic community, healthcare professionals, and all interested individuals are warmly invited to join this significant moment of learning and dialogue, which officially inaugurates the Healthcare Post-Graduate Programmes as centres of excellence for education and innovation in the field of healthcare.

Do not miss this event that bridges education, research, and a vision for the future of health.

Technological advancements and changes in healthcare delivery models have made it essential for nurses to acquire advanced skills across various domains. Among these, the ability to master innovative Technological advancements and changes in healthcare delivery models have made it essential for nurses to acquire advanced skills across various domains. Among these, the ability to master teleconsultation, digital platforms for clinical data management, and artificial intelligence applications is crucial to ensuring effective and personalised care. Simultaneously, the growing complexity of care scenarios demands leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving, enabling nurses to respond swiftly to daily challenges and unexpected situations.

Digital healthcare and artificial intelligence are revolutionising care delivery models. Nurses must be proficient in using these tools while adopting a patient-centred and ethical approach. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and an ageing population necessitate specialised training in chronic disease management and integrated care to enhance patients’ quality of life through personalised care strategies.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the significance of infection prevention and risk management. Nurses play a pivotal role in implementing containment measures, raising patient awareness, and educating colleagues and the wider community. Additionally, there is a growing recognition of the need to adopt sustainable healthcare practices to reduce the environmental impact of the sector, including efficient waste management and resource optimisation.

Another critical aspect is health education and continuous professional development. Innovative teaching methods, such as simulation and gamification, along with the ability to integrate research into clinical practice, are fundamental for ensuring evidence-based care that meets patient needs and addresses the demands of the healthcare system.

In a global context marked by geopolitical instability and humanitarian emergencies, nurses often find themselves on the front line, providing healthcare, psychological support, and operational coordination in crisis situations. These scenarios require not only advanced clinical preparation but also relational skills and the ability to work in highly complex environments with limited resources.

In this dynamic and challenging context, the Healthcare Post-Graduate Programmes at the University of Parma serve as a benchmark for advanced training of healthcare professionals. These educational pathways are specifically designed to address the current and future challenges of the healthcare system, equipping nurses with the skills needed to navigate the sector’s transformations with confidence and expertise.

Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates theory, practice, and research, the Healthcare Post-Graduate Programmes offer:

• Training in advanced technologies and digital healthcare, preparing students to utilise tools such as telemedicine and digital platforms for clinical management, as well as to integrate artificial intelligence into daily practice ethically and effectively.
• Development of managerial skills, including leadership, communication, and problem-solving, enabling students to assume leadership roles within healthcare organisations.
• Focus on sustainability and infection risk management, with modules dedicated to promoting eco-friendly practices and preventing infections.
• Chronic disease and ageing management, equipping students with specific skills for planning and implementing integrated and personalised care strategies.
• Innovative teaching methods, such as simulation and gamification, providing practical and engaging learning experiences that prepare students for real and complex scenarios.
• Integration of research into clinical practice, fostering an evidence-based approach to improve care outcomes and actively contribute to the sector’s development.

Through continuous interaction with expert faculty and industry professionals, participants in the Healthcare Post-graduate Programmes develop a comprehensive and up-to-date perspective on the nursing profession, gaining practical tools to meet the healthcare system’s needs.

With a strong focus on innovation, professional growth, and the integration of clinical practice and theory, these courses offer a unique opportunity for nurses aspiring to position themselves as leaders in their field. They are preparing to build a more resilient, sustainable, and effective healthcare system for the future.

The Healthcare Master’s team within the Department of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Parma celebrates a significant international achievement: the appointment of Professor Antonio Bonacaro, Associate Professor and a key figure in the department’s advanced healthcare education programmes, to the Executive Committee of FINE (European Federation of Nurse Educators) for the 2024–2027 term.

This prestigious appointment not only recognises Professor Bonacaro’s personal contributions but also strengthens the University of Parma’s position as a leader in nursing education at the European and international levels.

The European Federation of Nurse Educators (FINE) is dedicated to:

• Promoting educational excellence, addressing the ever-evolving health needs of society;
• Encouraging innovation and research, fostering evidence-based educational practices;
• Supporting international collaboration, facilitating the exchange of best practices and professional growth among educators.

Professor Bonacaro’s presence on the Executive Committee serves as a tangible bridge between European academic initiatives and the advanced training pathways offered by the Healthcare Post-Graduate Programmes at the University of Parma.

The Healthcare Post-Graduate Programmes within the Department of Medicine and Surgery fully embody the mission of internationalising education. These courses not only provide cutting-edge training but also create global growth opportunities for students.

Key strengths include:

• A multidisciplinary and international approach, ensuring a constant dialogue between theory and practice;
• Enriched learning experiences through internships and collaborations with leading European healthcare institutions;
• Access to an international professional network, essential for those aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.

For those dreaming of a career in global healthcare, the Healthcare Post-Graduate Programmes at the University of Parma represent the first step toward a future of excellence and innovation.

The Healthcare Post-Graduate Programmes’ team at the University of Parma is pleased to announce a series of four webinars dedicated to showcasing the educational offerings of the Healthcare Post-Graduate Programmes. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights into the training and professional opportunities provided by the Department of Medicine and Surgery.

Webinar Dates (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM):

• 12th December 2024
• 20th December 2024
• 9th January 2025
• 17th January 2025

During these webinars, participants will be introduced to the various educational pathways, course content, and potential career opportunities. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions, making it an invaluable event for those interested in pursuing specialisation in the healthcare field, enhancing their skills, and opening up new career prospects.

How to Participate:
Registration is open! Visit the official website or follow us on our social media channels (Instagram and Facebook) for further details and to access the registration link.

Thanks to the Unified Call for European and International Mobility for Internships, the University of Parma provides students with opportunities for professional and personal growth through curricular and extracurricular internships in international settings. Among the recent highlights is the experience of a student enrolled in the Healthcare Post-Graduate Programme in “Management/Coordination of Healthcare-Associated Infection Risk Services”, who participated in the Short Mobility programme. This initiative offers short-term physical mobility opportunities for PhD candidates, residents, and Post-Graduate Programmes students.

The student completed a brief internship at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland, where she developed practical and digital skills with the constant support of the University.

Describing her experience, the student shared:
“The collaboration with the organisation went very well, and I felt comfortable throughout. The University of Parma was a crucial point of reference, providing all the necessary administrative support and simplifying the documentation process. The host organisation welcomed me with professionalism and availability. I would certainly recommend this experience, even in a short format like the one I chose.”

Professor Antonio Bonacaro emphasised:
“I am proud of the experience accomplished, and we will continue to support student mobility projects as a valuable opportunity for both personal and professional growth.”

The Short Mobility programme allows students to immerse themselves in European work environments for periods ranging from 5 to 30 days. In addition to offering valuable networking opportunities, this type of experience aims to develop advanced digital skills, such as digital marketing, data analysis, graphic design, and artificial intelligence.

Supported by ERASMUS+ INDIRE and the Italian Ministry of University and Research, the University of Parma continues to promote a mobility model that integrates theoretical education with practical application, making high-value international experiences increasingly accessible.