organized events
people on the steering committee

2020 marks the 800th anniversary of the University of Medicine in Montpellier
The year 2020 marks the 800th anniversary of the University of Medicine of Montpellier. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted plans for the 800th-anniversary celebrations of the founding of the University of Medicine of Montpellier; ironically, the celebrations will conclude at the end of 2021, just as they did in 1921.
These celebrations served to highlight the unique status of the Montpellier Faculty of Medicine as the oldest medical university, following its designation as an *Universitas medicorum* by the Apostolic Legate Conrad of Urach on August 17, 1220, and to highlight the values passed down from generation to generation by our Faculty of Medicine, whose Hippocratic doctrine remains more relevant than ever
In 1220, Montpellier was a multicultural and tolerant environment that fostered the establishment of a university
In 1220, medicine was recognized as a discipline, on par with theology, law, and philosophy. This period of the Middle Ages saw the emergence of numerous faculties across Europe. However, it was in Montpellier that the first medical university was established for various geopolitical reasons; yet we particularly like to highlight the multicultural and tolerant environment that existed at that time. The concept of a university implies a hub for the production, certification, and dissemination of knowledge—a concept that takes on full significance in light of today’s scientific skepticism. The university remains the guardian of knowledge, and by definition, it exists in symbiosis with its local community, the city of Montpellier, with each nourishing the other over the centuries.
Our Hippocratic tradition, more relevant than ever
Our Faculty, rooted in the Hippocratic tradition, places the patient at the center of our approach, yet our teaching has always been grounded in observation and research. This explains the wealth of teaching and research resources that constitute our incomparable heritage, namely the Anatomy Conservatory, the Atger Museum, the treasures of the historical library, the importance of anatomy and its collections, and the Jardin des Plantes. This excellence in teaching and research continues at the dawn of the 21st century, as evidenced by new simulation-based teaching facilities as well as a strong commitment to the well-being of all and to ethics.
An important anniversary for our community to celebrate
This underscores how important it is for our medical community, our academic community, and every resident of Montpellier to celebrate these 800 years of medical history. The program of celebrations was unveiled on December 19, 2019; these celebrations are organized by the Faculty of Medicine, the University of Montpellier, and the City of Montpellier, with the participation of all local authorities. The program was developed under the leadership of the 800th Anniversary Steering Committee, chaired by Professor Bertrand Lavabre, with numerous participants who, through preparatory meetings, helped bring forth a wide range of projects, underscoring the significance of these celebrations for our community.
More than 36 events marked our anniversary
The celebrations began in January 2020 and concluded in December 2021. In total, more than 36 conferences, events, or exhibitions allowed every doctor, every academic, and every resident of Montpellier to celebrate these 800 years, each in their own field. In addition to published books, these events led to the production of six films or television programs, not to mention the numerous radio broadcasts and articles in the national and regional press covering these celebrations. Of course, we may have regretted the inability to gather in large numbers, but these 800 years will leave a legacy for future generations through this program, writings, films, commemorative plaques, works of art, and statues, as well as through the “800 Years” section of the Faculty of Medicine’s website, thanks to the energy and professionalism of Ms. Minard and her teams. You will be able to relive, discover, and share this wonderful adventure as you read these richly illustrated pages.
Thank you to everyone: contributors, partners, supporters, and the public
We would like to thank the entire medical community for participating in these celebrations, which demonstrate their commitment to our centuries-old medical school and, above all, to its spirit. We would also like to thank all our supporters, partners, and institutions who helped us in this endeavor. Finally, we would like to thank everyone who came to attend these events.
Long live the Montpellier-Nîmes School of Medicine!
books published for the occasion
partners and supporters

Professor Michel Mondain
Downtown Montpellier: Historic Building
2 rue École de Médecine
CS 59001
34060 Montpellier cx 2
04 34 43 36 00
North Montpellier
641 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud
34070 Montpellier
04 34 43 35 00/01
Nîmes
186 Chemin du Carreau de Lanes
CS 83021
30908 Nîmes Cedex 2
04 66 02 81 81
Montpellier Botanical Garden
34000 Montpellier
















