Charles University
Charles University was established in 1348 by Charles IV., King of Bohemia and Emperor of Holy Roman Empire.
Charles University is the oldest University in Central, Northern and Eastern Europe. Before that, all European universities were situated in South and Western Europe and England. In those times Charles University had 4 Faculties: Theology, Law, Medicine and Arts and this structure was preserved till the beginning of the 20th century.
Following in the steps of universities in Bologna and Paris, Charles University found international (appreciation or 'recognition') in a short time. It was possible to find professors and students not only from Bohemia, but also from Central Europe, for whom Prague had become an established and well-respected school "studium generale".
Under the influence of historical events Charles University was being transformed. Strong national political events of 1882 had caused the University to split into two universities: Czech and German. Until the end of 19th century both universities achieved high scientific levels.
The German University was renamed A. Einstein, and the Czech University to the name of professor T. G. Masaryk, the first President of independent Czechoslovak Republic.
The occupation of Czechoslovakia by Hitler brought big losses and tragedy. Universities were closed. The Czech University restarted its activities only after the Second World War in 1945. In that year new branches of the Medical Faculty were founded in Pilsen and Hradec Kralove. The German University finished its existence.
Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove
Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove started its educational activities on November 25, 1945 as the first university faculty in East Bohemia. Initially, the Hradec Kralove faculty was established as a part of the Prague Faculty of Medicine. Due to their co-operation and assistance it was immediately possible to establish both a high quality teaching staff and an effective departmental structure in Hradec Kralove. The first post-war Czechoslovak president, Dr. Edvard Benes, confirmed this successful development during his visit in 1946. Because of the "Cold War", the faculty was transformed into a Military Medical Academy for a short time. However, in September 1958, the Faculty returned back to Charles University. For its entire 57 years of existence, the Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove has been among the top Czech university institutions.