Current Visiting Professors at FMED CU

Max Gassmann

Home Institution: University of Zurich (Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Physiology) and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiolgy (ZIHP), Switzerland

Host Institution at FMED CU: Institute of Physiology

Prof. emer. Prof. h.c. Dr. med. vet. Max Gassmann is Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Physiology at the University of Zurich, where he also served as Director of the Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Chair of the Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP).

His research focuses on hypoxia, erythropoietin (EPO), high-altitude physiology, and the molecular mechanisms of adaptation to oxygen deprivation. He completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University under Nobel Laureate Paul Berg and has published extensively in the fields of physiology and biomedical sciences.

Professor Gassmann is a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the European Academy (Academia Europaea), and the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences.

He also serves as Honorary Professor at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru.

Valentin Djonov

Home Instituion: University of Bern (Faculty of Medicine, Institure of Anatomy), Switzerland

Host Institution at FMED CU: Institute of Pathological Anatomy

Prof. Dr. med. Valentin Djonov is Professor of Anatomy and Embryology at the University of Bern, Switzerland, where he serves as Director of the Institute of Anatomy.

He is internationally recognized as one of the world's leading experts in anatomy, histology, vascular biology, and regenerative medicine. He is the originator of the concept of intussusceptive angiogenesis, a pioneer of Microbeam Radiation Therapy (MRT), and the developer of non-destructive 3D micro-CT angiographic imaging of whole organs at a resolution of 4–6 µm. His pioneering work has significantly advanced the understanding of modern anatomy and translational oncology.

His research focuses on angiogenesis, tissue engineering, placental biology, and the molecular mechanisms underlying tissue development and regeneration. He is the author and co-author of hundreds of scientific publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals, with an h-index of 61, and is actively involved in international research projects and academic collaborations.

In recognition of his outstanding scientific and educational achievements, Professor Djonov has received numerous international awards and has made a longstanding contribution to strengthening cooperation among European universities in the field of biomedical sciences.

Marek Schwendt

Home Instituion: University of Florida (Department of Psychology; Director of Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Program), USA 

Host Institution at FMED CU: Institute of Physiology

Dr. Marek Schwendt, PhD. is a Slovak neuroscientist currently serving as a researcher and lecturer in the field of behavioral neuroscience at the Department of Psychology, University of Florida, USA. Prior to joining the University of Florida, he worked at the Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, USA.

His research focuses on the neurobiology of addiction, mechanisms of relapse, cognitive impairments associated with chronic substance use, and the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of addiction. His work combines experimental models of addiction with behavioral, pharmacological, and molecular biology approaches to investigate drug-induced changes in the nervous system.

He is the author and co-author of numerous scientific publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals (h-index: 26) and is actively involved in international research projects and scientific collaborations. He is a member of the Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), the McKnight Brain Institute, and the Center for OCD, Anxiety & Related Disorders (COARD).

His appointment at the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University contributes to the internationalization of doctoral education within the Medical Neurosciences PhD programme, where he teaches the compulsory course New Trends in Medical Neurosciences.

Da-Zhi Wang

Home Institution: University of South Florida, USA

Host Institution at FMED CU: Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

Prof. Da-Zhi Wang, MD, PhD. is Professor at the Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida (USA), where he is affiliated with the Department of Internal Medicine and the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology.

He is internationally recognized as one of the leading experts in the fields of molecular biology, cardiovascular research, and regenerative medicine. His scientific work focuses on the molecular mechanisms regulating gene expression, the role of microRNAs in cardiac and skeletal muscle development and disease, as well as the development of innovative therapeutic approaches in regenerative medicine.

Professor Wang is the author and co-author of more than 200 scientific publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals and is among the most highly cited researchers in his field (h-index: over 100). His research has significantly contributed to understanding the role of microRNAs in the development, function, and regeneration of muscle tissue, opening new perspectives for the development of gene and cell-based therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

For his outstanding scientific achievements, Professor Wang has received several prestigious international awards, including the Established Investigator Award from the American Heart Association (AHA). He is a Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA), an honorary distinction awarded to scientists who have made significant contributions to cardiovascular research.

His research has been continuously supported by competitive grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association (AHA). He is actively involved in international research projects and in fostering scientific collaborations among leading biomedical institutions worldwide.

Grant N. Pierce

Home Institution: University of Manitoba (College of Medicine), Canada

Host Institution at FMED CU: Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology

Prof. Grant N. Pierce, PhD. is Professor of Physiology and Pathophysiology at the College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Canada, where he serves as a leading researcher in the field of cardiovascular sciences.

He is internationally recognized as an expert in cardiovascular research, cellular physiology, and the mechanisms underlying chronic cardiovascular diseases.

His scientific research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiovascular disorders, particularly the role of oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, metabolic alterations, and ion channel regulation in cardiovascular damage. A significant part of his research is also devoted to studying the biological effects of functional foods and natural bioactive compounds in relation to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Professor Pierce is the author and co-author of more than 250 scientific publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals and is among the most highly cited experts in his field (h-index 58).

For his outstanding scientific contributions, he has received numerous prestigious distinctions, including being named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC) and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS). He has been awarded multiple competitive research grants and has made significant contributions to advancing international scientific collaboration in the field of biomedical sciences.

His appointment at the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava represents a significant contribution to the development of international collaboration, scientific excellence, and the internationalization of education in the fields of medicine and biomedical sciences.

Robert H. Henning

Home Institution: University of Groningen (Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology), Holland

Host Instituion at FMED CU: Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology 

Prof. dr. Robert H. Henning is Professor of Pharmacology at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands, where he is affiliated with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG).

He is internationally recognized as an expert in the fields of experimental pharmacology, molecular medicine, and translational biomedical research. His expertise encompasses pharmacology, biomedical research, and biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying disease processes, with a particular focus on the study of hibernation.

His scientific work focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of natural protection during hibernation and exploring the potential application of these insights in modern medicine, particularly in the areas of organ protection, metabolic regulation, cellular adaptation, and translational research. He has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms that enable hibernating organisms to withstand extreme metabolic changes without tissue damage, opening new perspectives for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies in human medicine.

Professor Henning is the author and co-author of numerous scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals and is actively involved in international research projects.

He is a member of the Certification Board of the Dutch Society of Pharmacology and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Sulfateq BV. He also served as the organizer of the 16th International Hibernation Symposium, further confirming his prominent position within the international scientific community dedicated to hibernation research.

Artur Pasternak

Home Institution: Jagiellonian University (Medical College), Kraków, Poland

Host Institution at FMED CU: Institute of Histology and Embryology

Dr. hab. Artur Pasternak, MD, PhD. is Professor at the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Poland). He is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of clinical anatomy, surgical anatomy, and general surgery.

His academic and scientific work bridges anatomical research with clinical practice, contributing to the advancement of anatomy as a foundation for modern surgical education and patient care.

His research focuses on clinical and topographical anatomy, anatomical variations relevant to surgical practice, hepatobiliary surgery, diseases of the gallbladder and biliary tract, and the application of anatomical knowledge in minimally invasive surgery. He has made significant contributions to the study of the morphology of the hepatobiliary system and the anatomical factors influencing the safety and effectiveness of surgical procedures.

Professor Pasternak is the author and co-author of nearly 100 scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals and is recognized as a respected researcher in his field (h-index: approximately 18).

He actively collaborates with several European research institutions and is committed to advancing anatomical education, clinical research, and international scientific cooperation.

His appointment at the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava contributes to strengthening international academic collaboration, enhancing the quality of clinical anatomy education, and supporting the internationalization of undergraduate and doctoral medical education.

Pedro Antonio Regidor

Home Instituion: Exeltis Europe & Global Projects (Medical Director), Germany

Host Institution at FMED CU: 5. Department of Internal Medicine

Prof. Dr. med. Pedro Antonio Regidor is a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and currently serves as Medical Director, Exeltis Europe & Global Projects. Throughout his professional career, he has held prominent clinical and academic positions at the University of Duisburg-Essen and the Westfälische Wilhelms University Münster (Germany), where he worked as a consultant gynaecologist specializing in gynaecological endocrinology and reproductive medicine. His professional activities integrate clinical practice, scientific research, and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches in the field of women's reproductive health.

His research focuses on gynaecological endocrinology, reproductive medicine, gynaecological oncology, hormonal contraception, endometriosis, and menopausal medicine. He has made significant contributions to clinical research aimed at developing novel therapeutic approaches for women's health and translating research findings into clinical practice.

Professor Regidor is the author and co-author of approximately 175 scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals. He actively collaborates with international professional societies and is a frequent invited speaker at leading European and international congresses in the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology, reproductive medicine, and women's health. He also successfully leads international medical projects focused on the development of innovative pharmaceutical solutions for women's healthcare.

At the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Professor Regidor will contribute to the education of medical students and physicians in undergraduate medical education and residency training by delivering selected lectures in the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology, reproductive medicine, and gynaecological endocrinology.

Dariusz Patkowski

Home Institution: Wroclaw Medical University (Department of Pediatric Surgery), Poland

Host Institution at FMED CU: Department of Paediatric Surgery

Prof. Dariusz Patkowski, MD, PhD. is Professor of Paediatric Surgery at the Wroclaw Medical University, Poland, and Head of the Department and Clinic of Paediatric Surgery. He is recognized as one of Europe's leading experts in paediatric surgery, particularly in minimally invasive surgery for neonates and children.

His scientific and clinical work focuses on minimally invasive surgical techniques, neonatal surgery, congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems, paediatric urology, and modern surgical approaches in paediatric surgery. He has made significant contributions to the development of thoracoscopic and laparoscopic procedures in neonatal and paediatric patients and has played a key role in introducing innovative surgical techniques into clinical practice. Professor Patkowski developed the PIRS (Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing) technique for the laparoscopic repair of paediatric inguinal hernia, which has become widely adopted in many countries.

Professor Patkowski is the author and co-author of more than 200 scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals and is a highly respected expert in his field (h-index: approximately 27). He is actively involved in international research projects and is a member of several professional societies, including the European Paediatric Surgeons' Association (EUPSA) and the Polish Association of Paediatric Surgeons. He is a frequent invited speaker at major international congresses and is actively engaged in the education and training of young paediatric surgeons across Europe.

Professor Patkowski has been actively collaborating with the Department of Paediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, and the National Institute of Children's Diseases (NÚDCH) since 2011. In 2025, he successfully performed a thoracoscopic repair of oesophageal atresia at the institution. He is internationally recognized as one of the world's leading experts in this highly specialized surgical technique.

Jorge Luis Salinas

Home Institution: Stanford University and Stanford Health Care, USA

Host Institution at FMED CU: Institute of Epidemiology

Dr. Jorge Luis Salinas, MD is a physician, epidemiologist, and specialist in Infectious Diseases at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care (USA).

He is internationally recognized for his expertise in hospital epidemiology, infection prevention and control, antimicrobial stewardship, and the epidemiology of infectious diseases. His professional work integrates clinical practice with scientific research aimed at improving patient safety and the quality of healthcare.

His research focuses on healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial resistance, infection prevention strategies, and the application of epidemiological methods and healthcare data analytics to improve clinical outcomes. He is actively involved in the development of evidence-based approaches to reducing healthcare-associated infections and optimizing antimicrobial use in clinical practice.

Dr. Salinas is the author and co-author of numerous scientific publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals and actively participates in international research projects in the fields of infectious diseases and hospital epidemiology. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and is a frequent invited speaker at major international scientific conferences.

Collaboration with Dr. Salinas provides an opportunity to enrich education and research in healthcare epidemiology with international expertise and experience from one of the world's leading academic medical institutions.

Dóra Zelena

Home Institution: University of Pécs (Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology), Hungary

Host Institution at FMED CU: Institute of Physiology 

Prof. Dóra Zelena, MD, PhD. is Professor of Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs (Hungary), where she is affiliated with the Institute of Physiology and the Centre for Neuroscience. She is internationally recognized for her expertise in neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, and the physiology of stress. Her scientific work focuses on the mechanisms of the stress response and their role in the development of neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders.

Her research primarily focuses on the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, the neurobiology of stress, behavioural neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, the mechanisms underlying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and neurodegenerative diseases. She has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of adaptation to stress and their relationship to cognitive function, behavioural disorders, and neuroinflammatory processes.

Professor Zelena is the author and co-author of more than 220 scientific publications, which have received over 4,000 citations. She leads the Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group and the Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Research at the University of Pécs and is actively involved in numerous national and international research projects. She is a frequent invited speaker at international scientific conferences and has made substantial contributions to advancing neuroscience research and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Her appointment at the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava will strengthen international collaboration in the fields of experimental physiology, neuroscience, and biomedical research. Through her lectures and scientific cooperation, she will enrich undergraduate and doctoral education with the latest knowledge in neuroendocrinology, stress physiology, and translational research.

Sebastian Cotofana

Homae Institution: Vanderbilt University (School of Medicine), Cotofana Anatomy Corporation, USA

Host Institution at FMED CU: Institute of Histology and Embryology

Prof. Dr. med. Sebastian Cotofana is an internationally recognized anatomist and physician affiliated with Vanderbilt University Medical Center (USA). He is regarded as one of the world's leading experts in clinical anatomy, plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. His scientific work has made a significant contribution to advancing the understanding of facial anatomy and its practical application in modern surgery and aesthetic medicine.

His research focuses on the clinical anatomy of the face, the three-dimensional organization of soft tissues, vascular anatomy, retaining ligament systems, and age-related anatomical changes. He has made major contributions to elucidating the anatomical principles underlying the safe performance of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. His work has fundamentally influenced the contemporary understanding of facial anatomy and has provided the scientific foundation for the development of safer surgical techniques and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures that are now widely adopted worldwide.

Professor Cotofana is the author and co-author of more than 300 scientific publications and book chapters, which have received thousands of citations (h-index: approximately 43, Scopus). He is a frequent invited speaker at the world's leading congresses in plastic surgery, dermatology, and aesthetic medicine and is internationally recognized as one of the most sought-after instructors in cadaver-based anatomical training courses for physicians.

He is also the founder of Cotofana Anatomy, an internationally renowned educational platform dedicated to advanced training in clinical facial anatomy and the safety of aesthetic procedures.

His appointment at the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava represents a valuable contribution to strengthening international scientific collaboration, advancing anatomy and surgical education, and supporting the internationalization of medical training. Through his lectures, he will provide medical students and physicians with the latest knowledge in applied clinical anatomy, plastic surgery, and translational biomedical research.

Helena Aziri

Home Institution: Highbury Hospital, Great Britain

Host Institution at FMED CU: Department of Psychiatry

Helena Aziri, MD is a Slovak physician currently working at Highbury Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom, where she is involved in clinical practice in the field of psychiatry. She has been working within the British healthcare system (NHS) for many years and is actively engaged in medical education, professional collaboration, and the development of healthcare services.

Her professional interests include psychiatry, mental health, modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders, as well as improving the quality of healthcare through multidisciplinary cooperation and the implementation of international best practices.

Dr. Aziri is the founder of the Association of Slovak Healthcare Professionals in the UK, a professional organization established to connect Slovak physicians and other healthcare professionals working in the United Kingdom, promote professional cooperation, facilitate the exchange of experience, support mentoring of young healthcare professionals, and develop international partnerships between Slovak and British healthcare and academic institutions. Through this initiative, she has made an important contribution to strengthening professional networks within the Slovak medical community abroad and fostering collaboration between healthcare professionals across countries.

At the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, Dr. Aziri will contribute to undergraduate medical education and professional activities focused on psychiatry, international healthcare systems, and the organization and functioning of the British healthcare system. Her engagement represents a valuable contribution to the development of international academic cooperation, the exchange of clinical experience, and the further internationalization of medical education.

Amulya K. Saxena

Home Instituion: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital (London), Great Britain

Host Institution at FMED CU: Department of Paediatric Surgery

Prof. Dr. Amulya K. Saxena, MD, PhD, DSc(hon), FRCS(Glasg) is an internationally recognized paediatric and neonatal surgeon based at Chelsea Children’s Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College London (United Kingdom). He is one of the leading figures in European paediatric surgery and has made significant contributions to the advancement of modern surgical approaches, particularly in the fields of minimally invasive and neonatal surgery.

His clinical and scientific expertise includes minimally invasive surgery in neonates and children, laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgical techniques, congenital malformation surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, thoracic surgery, and reconstructive paediatric surgery. He has significantly contributed to the development of modern surgical techniques and to improving the safety and quality of surgical care for paediatric patients. His expertise in paediatric endoscopic surgery and surgical education has influenced clinical practice in many countries worldwide.

Professor Saxena is the author and co-author of more than 180 scientific publications, author of over 75 chapters in specialist medical textbooks, and editor of several important publications, including “Essentials of Pediatric Endoscopic Surgery” and “Chest Wall Deformities”.

He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Pediatric Endoscopic Surgery and is regularly invited as a keynote speaker at major international congresses and advanced training courses in paediatric surgery.

From 2021 to 2024, he served as President of the European Paediatric Surgeons’ Association (EUPSA), one of the leading professional organizations representing paediatric surgeons in Europe.

He is a member of several professional societies, including the European Paediatric Surgeons’ Association (EUPSA), European Society of Paediatric Endoscopic Surgeons (ESPES), British Association of Paediatric Surgeons (BAPS), and the British Association of Paediatric Endoscopic Surgeons (BAPES). For his contributions to the development of paediatric surgery, he has received several professional distinctions and international recognitions.

His appointment at the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava represents a significant contribution to the development of international collaboration in paediatric surgery, the exchange of clinical expertise, and the internationalization of medical education. Through expert lectures and collaboration with medical students, young physicians, and doctors undergoing specialist training, he will contribute to the transfer of the latest knowledge and innovations in modern paediatric and neonatal surgery.