Doctor Darko Vasilevski ends six-day protest in front of Medical Faculty

Doctor Darko Vasilevski ended a six-day protest in front of the Dean's office of the Medical Faculty, saying he leaves with impaired health but with his head held high after making public what he describes as an injustice he faced.

After almost a week outside the faculty building, Vasilevski published a reflection on the days he spent on strike, the support he received and his disappointment with the reaction of institutions and some colleagues.

He said he hoped his case would encourage broader discussion about similar situations in medicine and the need for fair and transparent procedures for candidates.

Expectations unmet, tensions with colleagues

Vasilevski wrote that during the six days he had expected stronger institutional engagement and attempts to resolve the problem that prompted his action through dialogue. Following a short conversation with the dean of the Medical Faculty, he concluded that his expectations of institutions had been too high.

"Today, after a brief conversation with the dean of the Medical Faculty, I realized that like Don Quixote, I fight windmills and have excessive expectations of institutions," he wrote. He also said he had expected at least to be asked how he felt, to be talked to about his reasons for striking, or for someone to propose concrete remedies.

Vasilevski criticized the conduct of some colleagues, saying he had hoped for words of support and encouragement but instead felt publicly portrayed as not working. He claimed personal data were published to discredit him.

Despite this, he said he does not regret raising his voice publicly. He announced that he will pursue reviews of fairness and transparency before the competent inspection and judicial authorities, and that he will not abandon medicine: he plans to keep improving his skills and remain committed to his profession.

Vasilevski thanked people who offered help and visited him during the protest, as well as citizens who sent messages of support. He acknowledged that his health suffered but said he is proud he stood firm and did not give in to pressure.

"Thank you all for the support, and I will continue to go against windmills, I don't know any other way," he added.

Photo: press material from the event