In previous decades, the sociology of health, disease and medicine at UMCS was subject to intensive institutionalization and formalization. The research team gradually consolidated and developed, which was manifested, among others, by their national and international activities. The positive assessment of these activities was expressed, among others, by in the appointment of W. Piątkowski as the coordinator of ESHMS activities in Poland (1990-1993) and multiple election as the chairman of the Sociology of Medicine Section, later the Section of Health Sociology and Medicine of the Polish Sociological Society (2001-2013). The implementation of regional, national and international research projects was accompanied by intensive cooperation with sociologists representing other centres dealing with issues of health-disease-society. The cooperation with the Medical University of Lublin is reflected in the joint implementation of research programs and grants as well as mutual publications. This brings good results for both parties and is a positive distinguishing feature of the Lublin socio-medical center (Piątkowski, 2013). Cooperation with well-known research centres in Poland and abroad takes a similar shape (contacts with world-famous sociologists with Prof. W.C. Cockerham - University of Alabama and Prof. S. Geyer - Medizinische Hochschule Hanover deserve particular attention).
