The Academics of the Teaching Staff of the Medical-Surgical Institute in Cluj – 200 Years since the Founding Of the Academy and 250 Years since the Opening of the Institute

Abstract In 2025 we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. In the same year, we also celebrate the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the Kolozsvár/Cluj High School of Training Surgeons and Midwives (HTSM). Seven professors of this institution later became members of the Academy. In 1770, Empress Maria Theresa enacted a law regulating healthcare in the Habsburg Empire, which also addressed the training of medical personnel. At that time, most of the population was treated by surgeons trained in guilds, who had no anatomical knowledge. Midwives, in turn, learned practical techniques informally from one another. According to the new law, Surgical Faculties were established in most countries of the Empire. The Kolozsvár HTSM was founded in 1775 under the direction of a master surgeon. He trained apprentices from the guilds in one-year courses and awarded them certificates, while also instructing 15–20 midwives each year in one-month courses. In this early period, the HTSM functioned as part of the Jesuit University, later becoming affiliated with the Academic Lyceum. Instruction was offered in all three local languages (Hungarian, German, and Romanian). Gradually, the number of professors increased, and the program was extended first to two years, and later to three. In 1850, the HTSM became an autonomous institution under the leadership of a medical professor. Professors were selected through competitive examinations. Most had studied at the universities of Vienna or Pest, and many pursued further training abroad, making them highly qualified for their roles. However, opportunities for scientific research were lacking in Kolozsvár/Cluj, so whenever a vacancy arose at the University of Pest, many sought transfer there. Seven such scholars became fellows of the Academy: József Lenhossék, Jenő Jendrassik, Tivadar Margó, Kálmán Balogh, Aurél Török, Antal Genersich, and Vilmos Schulek. This study presents their careers. The HTSM was closed in 1872, when it was reorganized as the Medical Faculty of the newly founded university. For 97 years, the HTSM played a vital role in the training of medical professionals.