Medical education in Russia usually lasts 6 years for an undergraduate MD or MBBS. The curriculum for the first two years is the same at all Faculties. It includes preclinical and fundamental medical sciences that are the essential basis for any medical specialty. Medical specialization starts at the third year of studies; the curriculum includes propedeutics, biochemistry and pathology (pathological anatomy and pathological physiology) clinical and special subjects, depending on the orientation.

The principal feature of medical education in Russia for both the Faculties of curative medicine and pediatrics is the introduction of a new approach to the training of internists and pediatricians that implies a two-year continuing primary specialization, one year while at the institution and the other year after graduation. The nature of medical education in russia and its curriculum at these Faculties is designed to cover all the general medical education within five years.

During the third, fourth, and fifth years, students perform clinical work as nurses, feldshers, and clinical assistants. In the sixth year, medical students take their primary specialization in one of the following clinical subjects: Faculty of Curative Medicine (surgery, obstetrics, and gynecology) of Faculty of Pediatrics (pediatrics, including child infectious diseases, and pediatric surgery, including orthopedics). Sub specialization in clinical areas is not an option during the undergraduate program, as profound knowledge of the main clinical subjects is believed to be fundamental for adequate training of doctors.

After 6 years of medical education in Russia, students pass a state examination according to the curriculum, obtain a Doctor’s Diploma, and complete a one year internship in medical units under the supervision of specialists. Instruction in ophthalmology, otolaryngology, dietology, climatotherapy, endocrinology, clinical biochemistry, physiotherapy, and such aspects of surgery as oncology and neurosurgery is provided by the appropriate departments.

The instructional methodology in Russian medical schools includes lectures by the leading specialists and regular practical classes throughout the course of studies.

Training programs at medical schools in Russia are adjusted to the needs of population in accordance with health priorities. Thus, when in the 1950s the non-communicable diseases became a real health problem; these subjects were strengthened and introduced more widely into curricula. When the role of primary health care became more evident in the 1970s, medical education in Russia became adapted to this target-problem.

In Russian medical schools following the annual examinations at the end of the fourth and fifth years, senior students of all Faculties usually spend the breaks between semesters in professional training. Students are taught to use their knowledge, develop their professional skills, master up-to-date methods of diagnostics and treatment, and become familiar with all other work they will do in the future. It should be emphasized that at least 25 percent of the time within the training program of all specialties is devoted to practice at the primary health care level.

Finally after completion of medical education in Russia, students must pass state examinations in general and special medical subjects (depending on the orientation of a particular Faculty) to receive a diploma as physician of general medicine at the Faculty of Curative Medicine (VRAC), as pediatrician at the Faculty of Pediatrics, as sanitary officer at the Faculty of Hygiene, as stomatologist at the Faculty of Stomatology, or as pharmacist at the pharmaceutical institution or faculty.

Annually, about 60,000 students graduate from Russian medical schools. – Professor Felix Vartanian, MD Vice-rector of Russian Academy for Advanced Medical Studies December 2008

There are many myths about doing business in Russia and working with Russians. Some are true, others are not. Admittedly, gone are the bad old days, when people just walked into a hotel lobby and shot their competitors. However, there are still some things that you should know before taking the big step toward doing business there. After all, if this big step is in the wrong direction, it may well be the last one you will be taking.

In this article, Matthew Francis, a leading expert on Russian Business, looks at just some of the ways that Russian businesses ensure they stay one step ahead of their competitors. This advice is not to be followed by anyone thinking of setting up an office out there however, but it is certainly valuable information to be aware of!

WARNING, CONTINUE READING WITH CAUTION!

These are the top 5 ways to stay ahead of the pack when doing business in Russia.

Secret1

Make sure the business is not in your own name. Ideally find a student who has no idea what the document are that he or she is signing. Then if your company loses money or ‘forgets’ to pay its tax, the authorities won’t come and find you.

Secret 2

Hire the most attractive woman you can find, dress her in a short skirt and make sure she knows just one phrase in English, ‘Hello, is there anything you need?’ That’s all she needs to know.

Secret 3

Find the highest government official you can. Buy him a large German motor-car and pay for his children to go to a top school in England. Then, most important here, make sure he knows he owes you a BIG favour.

Secret 4

Meet up with foreign politicians, ideally those that have failed in a number of political roles. Convince them that you are really important in Russia by taking them for a ride on your BIG boat. The watch the contracts come flooding in, literally.

Secret 5

Gain a competitive advantage. Forget the management theory and throw away the textbooks. The only way to ensure your business is more successful than your competitors is to get rid of them. If Secret 3 and 4 have been achieved, there is nothing to worry about.