Dr. József Szalma started his career at the lowest academic rank and years later became the Head of the Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Pécs Clinical Centre. The recently appointed clinical director believes that teamwork, high-quality education, and the appreciation of healthcare professionals are the keys to the future.
Martina Aknai-Kiss's interview
I qualified as a dentist in 2001, and I have been working at this clinic ever since – says the clinical director. He adds that he has not only improved professionally, but he has also experienced the development of the clinic firsthand over the past 25 years, both as a student and as an employee. I also saw a wide range of strategies, some of them were worth following and others less so. At the same time, an excellent team has come together here, which is one of the reasons I enjoy working here so much.
The early 2000s were a defining period in his career, because stricter requirements had to be met in order to move forward in the academic career path. He recalls that some colleagues resigned, because they felt that they would not be able to meet these expectations. Those who stayed received strong support from Professor Gyula Szabó: there was never any doubt that anyone could question that he was working in the best interests of the clinic. Most of those who now hold leadership positions emerged from that generation, they were selected during that period. Seven of us remained residents, and five of us stayed here as specialists as well. That speaks for itself. Working at the clinic was considered prestigious then, just as it is today. There was a strict selection process for specialists requiring exceptional performance.
The Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is one of the largest units at the University of Pécs today, employing 105 physicians and 67 healthcare professionals. The medical training of residents also plays a central role in our everyday operation, one-third of the medical staff are trainee specialists. We make the most of every opportunity to train the next generation of specialists – mentions the clinical director. Allowing students to participate in real patient care, always under close supervision, from an early stage makes the practical training unique: they perform fillings, root canal treatments, and minor surgical procedures. Strong focus on education of students is essential, given the clinic’s regional role in patient care. We receive patients from across the entire Transdanubian region.
There are three main pillars of the clinic’s activities: education, patient care, and research. We teach more than 160 courses in three languages, which represents a considerable workload – says József Szalma. Research is essential not only for professional development but also for academic advancement. No matter how many patients someone treats, that alone will not lead to career progression, therefore doing research is necessary. Several PhD degrees are awarded each year, while numerous research projects are carried out across a wide range of fields. Research always allows me to ask new questions, which provides a new source of motivation – he emphasizes. At the same time, scientific publications are important not only for individuals, but also for the institution, as they contribute to strengthening the international reputation of the University of Pécs.
Leading an organization of this size is a demanding task and a significant responsibility. József Szalma believes that is not a one-person job, nor should it be. From his point of view, effective management requires continuous consultation, which includes weekly leadership meetings and shared strategic decision-making. There are very few areas where decisions depend on a single person. He thinks that taking multiple perspectives into account and moving toward a consensus and teamwork are the keys to success. I receive tremendous support from my colleagues, which makes the day-to-day operation of the clinic much easier.
There is tension across the healthcare sector, and the clinic is no exception. According to him, one of the biggest current challenges is retaining healthcare professionals. He says that appreciation has two forms: financial aspect and everything else. While the leadership of the clinic is working to strengthen both community spirit and professional recognition among their colleagues, the private sector remains very attractive. A well-trained healthcare professional can often be recruited the next day for double the salary. As a result, staff turnover is already noticeable, which makes the retention of healthcare professionals even more important, otherwise the quality of patient care could ultimately be at risk.
Maintaining motivation over the long term is not easy in a profession like this. According to him, diversity is essential. The risk of burnout appears sooner in patient care than in research, because research always offers new questions. At the same time, the traditional concept of work–life balance is difficult to apply in academic healthcare. Work does not end when working hours are over – he says. It is often after clinical duties have finished that one can devote time to research projects and write scientific publications with PhD students.
Despite his professional commitments, he always makes time for his family and personal interests. He has been riding motorcycles for nearly twenty years. A hobby that is uniquely absorbing – he describes. It requires complete concentration, so there is simply no room to think about anything else. He has been considering organizing a motorcycle ride at the faculty or even university level, which would serve not only as a community-building event but also as a platform for accident prevention and safety awareness. As an oral surgeon, he has firsthand experience of the serious consequences that can result from inadequate protective equipment.
Regarding the future, József Szalma emphasizes the importance of strengthening the team, maintaining the quality of education, ensuring greater appreciation of healthcare professionals, and striving for continuous development. Specialist medical care must be delivered at the highest possible standard at a university clinic – he says. Achieving this requires professional expertise, stable institutional foundation, and a committed community.
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Photos:
Bálint Molnár