Dr Schmidt Zsuzsanna PhD
+36 20 282 2907
+36 1 212 6082
head physician in rheumatology
About the ORFI
ORFI, in a nutshell
The National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy (OMINT) is the centre of Hungarian rheumatology, providing therapeautic and preventive rheumatologic care, scientific research, graduate and postgraduate education, as well as nation-wide co-ordination and methodological tasks.
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The National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy (OMINT, formerly ORFI), or as it was previously known, the National Rheumatology and Balneology Institute, was founded in 1951 with the merge of the Rheumatology Hospital (St. Lucas and Cesar Baths) and the state-owned Charity Hospital. Other buildings were later added, providing home to the central outpatient and the active inpatient departments. The so-called “Golden Era” of the institute was between 1957-82, when the ORFI became an internationally acknowledged top national institute. In the 80s the rapid development halted, and with the separation of the Charity Hospital, the ORFI had a critical period to survive. Without the essential diagnostic and clinical units, belonging to the Charity Hospital, work in the ORFI had to confront many difficulties. It took a great effort to structurally recreate the institute and restart the national rheumatology functions. New centralised -routine and immunology- labs, molecular biology diagnostic and research laboratories, digital X-ray, a “cutting edge” MRI, a new pharmacy and an intensive care unit were all built, while the old ORFI buildings were reconstructed.
Nowadays, the ORFI has approximately 400 beds, 5 active and 3 rehabilitative inpatient departments. A separate building houses the Central Outpatient Department, performing obligatory regional rheumatology care as well as the national tasks of progressive medical care. With the establishment of the National Osteoporosis and Arthritis Network, the ORFI has developed into one of the centres of inflammatory, autoimmune and metabolic rheumatic diseases, and plays an important role in expanding biologic therapy in Hungary.
Moreover, the Institute has undertaken the mission of rheumatologic rehabilitation, and as a Division of the III. Clinic of Internal Medicine at Semmelweis University, it takes part in the training of future rheumatologists with the organisation of PhD programs, as well. Postgraduate courses organized by the ORFI are highly respected throughout Hungary (Hélia Congress, Osteoporosis in Siófok). The high standard of research work is reflected by the number of scientific degrees deriving from the Institute. A wide range of collaborations exist with national and international organizations.
The greatest success of Hungarian rheumatology dates back to 1991 when the European Rheumatology Congress (EULAR) was held in Budapest, and the president of the EULAR was elected from the ORFI, Hungary. Furthermore in 2011, in connection with the Hungarian presidency of the EU, an international congress on the burden of rheumatologic diseases held in Budapest was organized by the present head of the Institute.
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As a result, the reconstructed ORFI once again fulfilled its nationwide leading role in rheumatology, as originally proclaimed at its foundation.
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Since 2020, the Covid pandemic and parallel structural changes in healthcare have reshaped the life of the Institute. In April 2020, the National Institute of Locomotor System Diseases and Disabilities (OMINT) was established through the merger of the National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy (ORFI) and the National Institute of Medical Rehabilitation (OORI). This new organisation was led by Professor Gyula Poór, a Széchenyi Prize-winning academic, who had already guided the hospital through numerous difficulties and challenges. ORFI continued its work as the ORFI Campus within the larger OMINT structure.
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However, in March 2024, OORI was separated once again and became part of Semmelweis University as the National Medical Rehabilitation Center. Over the past year, the remainder of OMINT (i.e. ORFI Campus) was led first by Professor Emese Kiss and later by Professor György Nagy.
Key developments during this period included the rehabilitation of the CT/MRI laboratory with the involvement of new radiologists, the revival of scientific work and graduate/postgraduate education, the optimal utilisation of inpatient and outpatient care capacities, and communication training for staff. These efforts reflect the Institute's mission and strategic goals.
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As of 1 March 2025, ORFI has become part of Semmelweis University under the name Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, led by Professor György Nagy. The Clinic is funded by the University’s foundation, Foundation for National Health Care and Medical Education. In addition to patient care, research and education have taken on greater importance. Expanded facilities and an increased medical staff are now in place to meet higher expectations.