association
The Hungarian Medical Association of America (HMAA) an organisation of doctors and researchers of Hungarian origin, founded in 1968 to preserve and promote the medical tradition. Its purpose is to bring together physicians of Hungarian descent living in the United States in a professional and friendly environment.
In 2009, at the request of the parent organisation (HMAA), the SAC changed its name and continued its work as the HMAA Hungary Chapter, under the leadership of Dr Eszter Bodnár. The congresses in Balatonfüred remained the most important events of the association, with the participation of many famous doctors and specialists.
The 2010 conference made a very big difference: more than one hundred and fifty participants have already registered for the event, with more and more American guests arriving.
A Congress held in 2011 was also supported by the Hungarian Lung Society, the Hungarian Medical Chamber, the Hungarian Medical Students Association, the RETURN Alumni Organisation and the Hungarian Medical Association. The number of participants and the number of papers submitted has already reached an all-time high: more than 200 health science students studying at Hungarian universities presented the results of nearly 150 scientific research projects in Hungarian and English.
The professional programme was also enriched by often groundbreaking presentations by invited speakers and workshops on a wide variety of topics. In addition, a rich social and networking experience was offered to participants at the Füred2011: the delicious and well-deserved Borcsa dinner, the quizzes, the waffle party and the traditional water polo match - all eagerly awaited events. The main theme of the conference was smoking and smoking prevention. The Hungarian Lung Society presented its activities in this field in a special section.
A 2012 Congress was of similar interest, with a focus on prevention of cardiovascular diseases in women; lifestyle, health education, healthy ageing, epigenetics; brain diseases and their radiological imaging; and iron metabolism. The congress was attended by an unprecedented number of guests of honour: more than twenty eminent personalities accepted the invitation. Since 2007, the conference has been held annually, with a different theme each year. The event attracts hundreds of participants each year. The organisers expressed their thanks to the distinguished speakers who, through their participation and presentations, have raised the quality and reputation of the conference for over a decade. Huge thanks are due to the tireless team of organisers for their professional organisation, who are very active months before the conference, sparing no time or energy.
The biggest thanks go to the management of the Balatonfüred State Heart Hospitalthat the impressive venue has been secured for the Congress since 2007.
A Sarasota, Florida, has been designated as the location for the annual meetings, where many Hungarian doctors come from all over the world. Every year, the HMAA supports medical students in Hungary by supporting the They will have the opportunity to spend 3 months in an exchange placement at the University of Buffalo in New York State.
The medical association decided to form the Sarasota Alumni Club in 2007 (SAC), which was designed to bring together students and doctors who had attended the Sarasota conference and the Buffalo exchange training. The inaugural meeting took place in March 2007 in the library of the State Heart Hospital in Balatonfüred, where the HMAA was represented by Dr. Sándor Matolcsy (Boston, USA). The inaugural meeting was also attended by Dr. István Mikola, former Minister of Health. The inaugural meeting was hosted by Prof. Dr. Gábor Veress, Director of the Balatonfüred State Heart Hospital, who proposed to hold the annual meetings of the nascent organization at the Heart Hospital. After its successful establishment, the first annual conference was held in Balatonfüred in August 2007 with the participation of about seventy people, and since then the number of participants has been increasing every year.
The aim of the congress is to bring together those who have already been to the sixth annual exchange in Buffalo organised by the HMAA, will also provide a forum for the promotion of the HMAA among Hungarian medical universities and doctors, and will introduce the work of the medical association to colleagues during a two-day scientific event on the shores of Lake Balaton. In addition to the scientific lectures, the congress will also include sports and cultural activities.
contact details and documents
- Postal address: 7627 Pécs, Tátra utca 1.
- Registered office: 7627 Pécs, Tátra utca 1.
- President: Dr. Gábor Horváth
- Bank Account: Hungarian Medical Association of America Hungary /AMOSZ MTE
- Account number: HU79 1070 0244 6732 7821 5110 0005, CIBHHUHB
- Bank name: CIB Bank
- Adószám: 18273744-1-02
- E-mail: hungary@hmaa.org
- Skype: hmaa_hungary
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hmaaorg/
association information
Members of the management
Gábor Horváth MD, PhD
President
He served as the Hungarian liaison to the American parent organization of the HMAA from 2016 to 2022, after which he began supporting the organization's work in the United States as an Alternate Board member. Since 2025, he has been actively working towards the organization's goals as president of the Hungarian Chapter.
He has been a member of the HMAA Hungarian Chapter (HC) since 2007 and became a member of the HC Board in 2010. Initially, he worked as the student representative of the HMAA HC in Pécs until 2014, and then for five years he was the national representative of the exchange programme. From 2020 to 2025 he was a member of the Advisory Board of the Association.
He served as the Hungarian liaison to the HMAA's American parent organization from 2016-2022, and then began to support the organization's work in the U.S. as an Alternate Board member, and will be active in the organization's mission as President of the Hungarian Chapter from 2025.
His hobbies include sports (running, handball, tennis) and reading.
Klára Vandermark, DBH, LCPC
Vice President
Dr. Klara Vandermark earned her Doctorate in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University School of Health Solutions. Prior to that, she received her Master of Science in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
Her experience includes various professional experiences including, but not limited to working as an Emergency Psychiatric Evaluator for 12 years at various hospitals all part of the University of Maryland Hospital System. In the last few years, she has opened a private practice.
She has been active with the Hungarian Medical Association of America since 2019. She was one of the founders of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Hungarian Medical Association of America, which includes eight states: Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
She is currently the liaison between HMAA and HMAA-Hungary Chapter and the vice president of the Hungarian Chapter. Her hobbies include dancing, tennis, hiking, and reading.
Dr. Beáta Kőrösi
Secretary
Beáta Kőrösi graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Semmelweis University in 2015. She has been a member of the Hungarian Chapter of the HMAA since 2012. Since 2025, she has held the position of secretary in the HMAA-HC organization. During her studies, she completed two rotations in the United States.
She participated in scientific research at the Department of Pulmonology of Semmelweis University, and later at the Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Semmelweis University. Since 2019, she has been working as a general practitioner in Budapest. In 2023, she became a teaching family physician at Semmelweis University. In her free time, she enjoys winter sports, swimming, and traveling.
Dr Aliz Persely
Treasurer
Aliz Persely is a board-certified neurologist who began her medical studies at Semmelweis University in 2012. From early on, she considered both scientific work and community engagement important: in 2016, she joined the twin studies at the Department of Medical Imaging, with a particular focus on neuroradiological research, and in February 2017 she became the Budapest student representative for the HMAA-HC team.
She graduated summa cum laude in 2019 and began her neurology residency the same year, obtaining her board certification in 2024. Neuroradiological research continues to be an integral part of her professional work. She has held the position of treasurer within the HMAA-HC since 2023.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling and discovering new cultures; Japan is especially close to her heart and remains her most cherished destination.
Dr. Leticia Szadai Ph.D.
Treasurer
Dr. Leticia Szadai graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Szeged in 2019. Following her graduation, she began her PhD studies and dermatology residency training at the Department of Dermatology and Allergology of the University of Szeged, where she is currently a fourth-year resident. She successfully defended her PhD thesis in May 2025, focusing on the proteomic investigation of biomarkers in malignant melanoma.
She first became acquainted with the HMAA during her first year of medical school and was accepted into the Buffalo exchange program in 2018. In 2020, she became actively involved in the HMAA, contributing to the development of the Szeged community. Initially, she participated in the promotion of exchange programs and currently serves as treasurer of the organization. In addition, she plays an active role in leading the civic and organizational activities of the HMAA’s Szeged student representatives.
She is available to assist with questions related to joining the HMAA student representation in Szeged, organizational activities, and financial matters. Her future plans within the HMAA include improving the transparency of the association’s financial management and re-engaging in the leadership and organization of exchange programs. Her goal is to provide students with more international training opportunities and to increase interest in and support for exchange programs.
In her free time, Leticia primarily enjoys sports, learning languages, and traveling.
Dr. Péter László Kanizsai
DEAA, med.habil. Ph.D.
Scientific adviser
He has been actively involved in the HMAA since 2014. He works in the field of emergency patient care at PTE.
Currently, she is still actively involved in bedside care, with her research team investigating sepsis and the role of artificial intelligence in emergency care.
He worked for several years in the UK, but basically PTE is his „base”. It was a pivotal time for him to start emergency care at the SE, and he and his colleagues have a successful teaching career.
He received his PhD degree from the PTE in 2011, habilitated in 2022, and as an associate professor he heads the Emergency Clinic of the PTE.In 2025 he was awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary for his professional work.
He was the president of the HMAA HC for two years, he loved working with the team and shared many experiences.
He has three sons and enjoys sailing and other water sports.
Sára Vida
Conference/Programme Officer and PR Officer
She began her medical studies at Semmelweis University in 2022. Alongside her university studies, she has been involved in undergraduate research since her first year, working in the Neuroimmunology Research Group at the Institute of Experimental Medicine. Her project focuses primarily on microglia–neuron interactions and the role of microglial cells in neurodegenerative processes.
She joined the HMAA team in 2025 as a student representative and later took on additional responsibilities as a conference/program coordinator and PR coordinator. Her tasks include organizing the Várgesztes summer conference and other events, creating communication materials, and— as a student representative—promoting exchange programs and academic opportunities among medical students.
In her free time, she enjoys voice acting, aerial sports, and traveling with her friends or family whenever possible. She is committed to helping build a supportive, active community and encouraging students to take advantage of diverse professional development opportunities.
Dr. Bálint Lippai
Liaison Officer for External Relations and Exchanges
ADVISORY BOARD
Andrea Trajtler, MD, PhD
Andrea Trajtler has participated in the work of HMAA HC since 2011. After being a student representative, she was a member of the Advisory Board between 2021 and 2023, then she was the scientific advisor between 2023-2025.
After completing her medical degree in 2013, she assessed glioma patients with advanced imaging methods as a PhD student at Pécs Diagnostic Center. After her dissertation, she continued her research as a post-doctoral fellow at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She examined an alternative, iron-based contrast agent in glioma patients, then she assessed metabolism on the deep grey matter of multiple sclerosis patients with a 7T MRI.
After passing the USMLE steps, she started her residency in Oregon. She returned to Hungary to complete her training as a radiologist. She participated in mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students. She co-authors 13 papers, and she presented her work at many national and international conferences. She participated in exchange programs at University of Salamanca, in Buffalo, Porto and Taipei as a medical student and at Kings College Hospital in London as a scholar of the European Society of Radiology.
She was the chair of the Society of Hungarian Radiologists’ Youth Committee between 2023-2025 as well as the delegate of ESR’s Radiology Trainees Forum. She is a board member of the Hungarian Society of Neuroradiologists. Her main interests are neuroradiology, head and neck radiology and the improvement of resident and undergraduate education.
She speaks English and Spanish fluently and German at a medium level. Her hobbies are trail running, orienteering, hiking, wild camping and music.
Ádám Domonkos Tárnoki
Ph.D., med.habil.
Associate Professor Head Physician Semmelweis University National Institute of Oncology
He graduated from Semmelweis University in 2008 and became a specialist radiologist in 2013. He works at Semmelweis University and the National Institute of Oncology. In addition to general radiology, his areas of expertise include chest and cardiovascular imaging, as well as abdominal and pelvic ultrasound examinations. He has been working for the Hungarian branch of the HMAA since its founding in 2007 (predecessor organization: HMAA-SAC), serving as vice president for an extended period. He is a member of the executive committee of the Youth Committee of the Hungarian Society of Radiologists and the Hungarian Chapter of the American Hungarian Medical Association, and is also a member of the European Society of Radiology and the European Respiratory Society, among others.
He regularly attends international and domestic conferences and continuing education courses. In addition to patient care, he is also involved in research, focusing on imaging, genetics, and epigenetic research, with an emphasis on twin research. He is the author of more than 100 domestic and international publications. He obtained his PhD degree from Semmelweis University in 2013 and habilitated at the University of Szeged in 2019. He has completed professional internships in several countries, including three months at the HMAA exchange program in Buffalo in 2007, and studied pulmonary diseases alongside world-renowned Professor Cáceres in Barcelona thanks to a scholarship from the European Society of Radiology.
He is a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. He speaks English and German and teaches Hungarian, German, and English medical students at Semmelweis University. He also participates in resident and specialist training. From September 2016 to 2020, he was deputy head of the Ultrasound Laboratory at the Radiology Clinic of Semmelweis University. In November 2016, he received the Junior Prima Award from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. He is the editor-in-chief of the Hungarian Radiology journal. For many years, he was the secretary and then president of the imaging section of the European Respiratory Society. Since 2020, he has been the head physician of the Oncological Imaging and Invasive Diagnostics Center at the National Institute of Oncology. In 2024, he obtained a specialist degree in nuclear medicine.
Dr. Dávid László Tárnoki Ph.D., med.habil.
Associate Professor Acting Head of Department, Semmelweis University Medical Imaging Clinic, Department of Nuclear Medicine National Institute of Oncology
He graduated from Semmelweis University in 2008 and became a radiologist in 2013. He works at Semmelweis University and the National Institute of Oncology. He has been active in the Hungarian branch of the HMAA since its founding in 2007 (predecessor organization: HMAA-SAC), serving as a member of the board for an extended period. In addition to general radiology, his areas of expertise include chest wall (pleura) and cardiovascular ultrasound examinations. As a radiologist at Semmelweis University, he is a consultant in radiological imaging of interstitial lung diseases (pulmonary fibrosis). He was a member of the executive committee of the European Society of Radiology's Youth Committee (RTF). He also serves on the executive committee of the American Hungarian Medical Association. He is a member of the Hungarian Society of Radiologists, the European Society of Radiology, the European Society of Nuclear Medicine, and MONT. He has been active in the organizing committee of the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) for many years.
He regularly attends international and domestic conferences and training courses. In addition to patient care, he is also involved in research, focusing on imaging, genetics, and epigenetic research, with an emphasis on twin research. He is the author of more than 100 domestic and international publications. He obtained his PhD degree from Semmelweis University in 2013 and habilitated at the University of Szeged in 2019. He has completed professional internships in several countries, including a three-month HMAA exchange program in Buffalo in 2007, followed by professional training in chest wall ultrasound in Oxford, where he also gained professional experience in imaging interstitial lung diseases.
He is a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the Scientific Committee for Medical Diagnostics. He speaks English and German, teaches Hungarian, German, and English medical students at Semmelweis University, and is the academic supervisor for the English program. He also participates in resident and specialist training programs. In November 2016, he received the Junior Prima Award from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Since 2018, he has been a member of the Hungarian Society of Radiology. He also participates in the training of residents and specialist candidates. In November 2016, he received the Junior Prima Award from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Since 2018, he has been a member of the editorial board of the Hungarian Radiology journal. From 2016 to 2020, he was head of the Ultrasound Laboratory at the Radiology Clinic of Semmelweis University, and from 2020 to 2025, he was chief physician at the Oncological Imaging and Invasive Diagnostics Center of the National Institute of Oncology. In 2024, he passed his specialist exam in nuclear medicine. Since September 2025, he has been acting head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the Medical Imaging Clinic of Semmelweis University.
Zsuzsa Dudás
Membership manager (editing newsletters, website)
Dr. Dorottya Szabó Steigerwald
Dr. László Csáthy
Dr Cs. Bence Szabó
Dr. Bálint Környei
HONORARY MEMBERS:
- Dr. Eszter Bodnár former President
- Dr. László Csáthy, former president
- Prof. Dr. Katalin Nagy
- Prof. Dr. Gábor Menyhei
- Prof. Dr. Gábor Veress
- Dr. Vilmos Dani Former Vice President
- Prof. Dr. Ákos Koller former President
hallgatói képviselők
semmelweis university
Veronika Dora Foti
She began her studies at the Faculty of Medicine of Semmelweis University in 2022, where she is also actively involved in research at the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy.Her research focuses on the modernization and improvement of clinical protocols for the management of pulmonary embolism. Her clinical and scientific interests are primarily centered on anesthesiology and intensive care medicine, as well as radiology.
In 2025, she joined the Hungarian Medical Association of America (HMAA) as a Student Representative. In this role, her key responsibilities include representing and supporting Hungarian medical students. She is an active member of the Association’s PR team, contributing to communication and community-building efforts and is also involved in the organization of the Várgesztes Conference.
Her motivation is strongly driven by a passion for travel and for learning about new cultures. Through her travels, she has had the opportunity to gain insight into the healthcare and cultural environments of several countries, including the United States. These experiences have reinforced the importance of an international perspective and her commitment to cross-border professional collaboration. Within the framework of HMAA, her goal is to actively support international experience and professional development opportunities for Hungarian medical students and young physicians.
In her free time, she enjoys running and swimming, both of which contribute to her physical and mental well-being. She places great value on spending quality time with friends, which she considers a key element of a balanced life.
Szonja Boróka Kovács
She began her studies at the Faculty of Medicine of Semmelweis University in 2022. In 2024, she joined the Neuropathology Research Group at the Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, where she works on the diverse topic of pediatric and adult central nervous system tumors as part of her Scientific Students’ Association (TDK) research. In addition, she plans to pursue a career in pediatric surgery in the future, both in terms of research and clinical specialization.
She joined the HMAA team in 2025 as a student representative. As part of the PR team, her responsibilities include supporting the work of the Association and assisting in the organization of the Várgesztes conference. During her years at a bilingual high school, she became familiar with the United States from a cultural perspective and learned the importance of international cooperation. Her goal is to support Hungarian–American relations and to provide her fellow students with every possible opportunity to gain international experience.
Sports, arts, travel and spending time with friends have always played an important role in her life.
Olívia Szepesi
Olivia Szepesi began her medical studies at the Faculty of Medicine of Semmelweis University in 2021. Since 2022, she has been conducting research at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Semmelweis University, focusing on the genetic and ultrasound-based evaluation of fetal developmental anomalies, particularly congenital heart defects. In the future, she aims to pursue a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology, with special interest in fetal ultrasound diagnostics and gynecological endocrinology.
She joined HMAA in September 2025 as a student representative. Her motivation to become part of the organization was strongly shaped by a high school study semester she spent in the United States in 2018, where her relatives live. This experience inspired her to deepen the professional and cultural links between the American and Hungarian medical communities later on. Within HMAA, her goal is to support students in gaining international experience and to strengthen collaborative opportunities between the two countries’ medical fields.
Her hobbies include running, swimming, functional strength training and rock climbing, as well as reading and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Anna Borbála Kárpáti
Anna Borbála Kárpáti began her studies at the Faculty of General Medicine of Semmelweis University in 2022. She began the Scientific Student Work (TDK) in her second year. She started the TDK at the Institute of Pharmacology and then continued at the Radiology Department of the National Oncology Institute (OOI).
Her current supervisors are Dr. Ádám Domonkos Tárnoki and Dr. Dávid László Tárnoki who are the heads of the Radiology Department of the OOI. Her research topic is the radiomic examination of CT scans of patients with kidney tumors. In addition she is also participating in twin research.
The Tárnoki twins gave her the opportunity to join the HMAA-HC association in 2025. She is present in the association as a student representative. In her relationship with the association, she plans to assist the work of previously joined members and student representatives.
Her hobbies are reading books, traveling, going to the theater, and watching movies.
Beatrix Beszedics
University of Debrecen
Petra Szalontai
Petra Szalontai is a third-year medical student at the University of Debrecen with a special interest in Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. Currently conducting research at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Debrecen Clinical Center, focusing on altered blood–labyrinth barrier permeability and its relationship with developing tinnitus.
Since 2025 she has been promoting the mission of HMAA and contributing to the organization of the Várgesztes conference as PR Manager. Her goal is to introduce as many medical students as possible to the opportunities offered by professional exchange programs and conferences, while authentically representing the identity and spirit of HMAA. Students from Debrecen are encouraged to reach out to her with any questions.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and playing ultimate frisbee. She also likes to attend festivals with her friends.
University of Pécs
Hanna Dorottya Szabó
Hanna Dorottya Szabó is a medical student at the Faculty of General Medicine of the University of Pécs, where she began her medical studies in 2022. She completed her secondary education in the United States, in the state of Colorado, which early on strengthened her international outlook and her interest in healthcare. Alongside her studies, she actively participates in educational and community activities and works as a student demonstrator at the Institute of Anatomy, where she assists in teaching junior students. She is particularly interested in clinical medicine, especially internal medicine and diagnostic fields, which she strives to deepen through both domestic and international hospital internships. During her studies, she has taken part in several professional and volunteer programs that have further strengthened her commitment to the medical profession.
She joined the Hungarian Medical Association of America (HMAA) in 2024 as a student representative. Within the HMAA, her responsibilities include representing students, supporting communication, and actively participating in professional and community programs. Students are welcome to contact her with questions related to student matters, international opportunities, or communication between the HMAA and medical students.
In the long term, her goal within the HMAA is to strengthen the connection between the Hungarian and American medical communities and to support students in professional orientation and gaining international experience. She is motivated by being part of a supportive, active, and professionally committed community.
In her free time, she enjoys sports, running, and traveling, as well as learning about different cultures. Community work and mentoring are important to her, and she values participating in initiatives that create long-term impact.
university of Szeged
Bence Pósa
He will obtain his medical degree in 2026 at the University of Szeged, Faculty of Medicine, and continue his studies as a PhD student at the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy. His research focuses on cardiovascular pharmacology, with a particular interest in improving the diagnostics of cardiovascular diseases and identifying prognostic biomarkers. He regularly participates in national and international conferences in this field.
In 2025, he joined the HMAA community through the Szeged Medical Students’ Association (SZOE), where he served as Pannon-HMAA coordinator for two years. Initially, his responsibilities included promoting the association’s activities and international mobility opportunities among students, but he later aimed to strengthen his involvement and collaboration with the organization.
During his residency training, gaining international experience is among his goals, a path he has already begun through his activities within the association, which provided numerous opportunities for networking and sharing experiences.
Beyond his academic and professional work, his interests include films, series, international literature, and history.
Barbara Ambrus
She began her studies at the University of Szeged, Faculty of Medicine, in 2021. She joined HMAA in September 2024, where she is a student representative. She conducts research at the Department of Dermatology and Allergology in Szeged, focusing on psoriasis and its immunological background.
Within HMAA, she aims to take an active role in coordinating the exchange programs in the future. It is particularly important to her that an increasing number of students gain access to international academic and clinical opportunities. Her motivation comes from community building and supporting professional development. Her hobbies include traveling, hiking, and reading.