Medical school opens permanent exhibition on the Evolution of Cardiac Diagnosis in Cyprus

The Medical School has officially opened a permanent exhibition entitled The Evolution of Cardiac Diagnosis in Cyprus, showcasing a unique collection of historic cardiology instruments dating from the 1940s to the 1980s.

The opening took place on Wednesday, 21 October, in the presence of Dr Lakis C. Anastassiades and Dr Agis G. Antonopoulos, two of the donors, alongside members of the Medical School’s faculty, staff and student community. The exhibition was officially opened by Professor Adonis Ioannides, Dean of UNIC Medical School.

The collection was generously donated by Dr Lakis C. Anastassiades, Dr Agis G. Antonopoulos and Dr Andreas A. Petsas, co-founders and partners of the Cardiovascular Diagnostic Centre in Nicosia, established in 1977 as Cyprus’s first multidisciplinary private cardiology centre.

The exhibition traces the development of cardiac diagnosis in Cyprus through a collection of electrocardiographs and echocardiography systems, from early portable devices to pioneering ultrasound technology. Among the highlights is the Ekoline 20 M-Mode Echocardiograph, installed at the Centre in 1977 and recognised as the first ultrasound imaging system used in Cyprus. The collection also includes equipment that marked the introduction of real-time echocardiography in Cyprus in 1984.

Professor Adonis Ioannides, Dean of UNIC Medical School, said:

‘This exhibition preserves an important part of Cyprus’s medical history and recognises the contribution of the physicians who helped advance cardiology in our country. It also reminds us of the patients who placed their trust in these pioneering diagnostic techniques and contributed to their introduction and development. We are grateful to Dr Anastassiades, Dr Antonopoulos and Dr Petsas for this generous donation, which will serve as a valuable educational resource for our students and future generations of healthcare professionals’.

Dr Anastassiades has also made a valuable contribution to medical education through the Dr Lakis C. Anastassiades Prize in the History of Medicine, awarded annually since 2021–2022 to a medical student in recognition of their contribution to the School, the community, science or education. The prize is based on his book, Κυπρίων Ιατρών Έργα: Ιστορία της Ιατρικής στην Κύπρο 1950–2015, which received an award from the Academy of Athens.

The exhibition is located in the atrium of Block A at the Medical School. It offers students, staff and visitors an opportunity to explore the evolution of cardiac diagnostic technology and its role in shaping modern cardiovascular care in Cyprus.