The Health Faculty of the University of Poitiers, encompassing midwifery, medicine, speech therapy, pharmacy, dentistry, and physiotherapy programs, has officially started its new academic year. Pr Marc Paccalin, the Dean of the faculty, provided an overview of the key changes and challenges for this academic term.
A strong emphasis is placed on student quality of life. As of September 1st, second-year students participated in an interactive session raising awareness about sexist and sexual violence and harassment. Information materials in lecture halls and common areas have been updated. Additionally, the three-day HappyDoc seminar, in partnership with the Faculty of Sports Sciences, offered practical advice on nutrition, community living, and daily well-being to new students.
The abolition of the numerus apertus has led to an increase in medical and pharmacy student numbers. Second-year medical students rose from 223 to 257. Midwifery has 26 students, and physiotherapy has 75, with 60 based in Poitiers. The dentistry branch, affiliated with Bordeaux's dentistry UFR, will welcome 36 sixth-year students from the 2028-2029 academic year. This rise in enrollment presents significant challenges regarding infrastructure, staffing, and finances. Pr Marc Paccalin highlighted the urgent need to increase the number of hospital-university practitioners and enhance the faculty's attractiveness, with support from the Regional Health Agency for funding associated teaching positions.
The recruitment of new educators will enable the expansion of clinical placement sites for second-cycle students across the region, diversifying specialties beyond pediatrics and gynecology. The aim is to allow territories to benefit from the increased student numbers and encourage future professionals to settle in the region. However, logistical hurdles remain, particularly concerning accommodation and transport support for regional internships, requiring the mobilization of local authorities.
Close attention is being paid to maintaining a balance between different programs, ensuring that the strong appeal of medical studies does not negatively impact other equally vital health-related fields. The integration of the midwifery program into the Health Faculty is scheduled for September 1st, 2027, necessitating financial assurances for teaching midwives. The dentistry program, led by Dr Franck Florentin, an associate professor, plans to expand its number of dental chairs by 2028.
The planned construction of a new building for paramedical programs, set for 2028, underscores the partnership between the CHU de Poitiers and the Health UFR. This future health campus aims to harmonize student reception and optimize traffic flow and parking, complementing existing facilities.
