"Patients are Happy": Foreign Student-Physicians Started Their Practice at the Central Clinical Hospital SB RAS

Students fr om Iraq who study in the NSU Institute of Medicine and Psychology (IMP) English-language program "Medical Business", got their first practical medical experience as nurses at the Central Clinical Hospital SB RAS.

During the four-week practice that takes place after the second year, students administered injections to patients, provided first aid and attended operations.

According to the medical staff at the Central Clinical Hospital, trainees performed their duties perfectly. The doctors praised them for their attention to patients, curiosity and good Russian. The students said they enjoyed their role as nurses and were able to easily find a common language with the patients and that the most important thing was to demonstrate that you really care.  It is noteworthy that by the end of the second year almost all Iraqi students speak Russian at a level sufficient for easy communication.

"I liked this practical experience a lot", said Mushtaba Al Nashi, one of the interns, "We had the opportunity to observe the most complex operations and communicate with patients. It's very nice to know that you can help someone with something. Today there was a grandmother who went to reception, slipped and fell. I ran up to her, helped her to get up. She cried and complained about her knee but we were able to react quickly and helped her  find the right office. We brought her in, tried to calm her and gave her first aid. When it was over she thanked us for a long time. It was a priceless experience".

In June, 36 freshmen also underwent practical training at the Central Clinical Hospital wh ere they served as junior medical personnel.

The English-language training program for medical students was launched at NSU in 2015. During the first two years, students have lectures in English and simultaneously learn Russian. They switch to Russian-language teaching in their third year. As a result of the six-year training program, students will receive diplomas in the specialty "Doctor – Therapeutic Medicine”.

At present, 11 foreign students are entering the third year at the IMP and 38 are entering the second year.