Kirov State Medical University continues to strengthen its role in the global educational landscape through its long-standing partnership with the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA). This collaboration, active since 2014, facilitates a vibrant exchange of knowledge and culture, bringing the world to Kirov and sending its students abroad.
The latest experience features Marina Adjer, a medical student from the Republic of Moldova, who completed a month-long internship at the Center for Psychiatry named after academician V.M. Bekhterev. This deep dive into Russian psychiatric practice offered her not just clinical skills, but a potentially life-changing perspective.
Marina's work spanned various patient categories, but it was in child psychiatry where she found her passion ignited. "Each clinical case revealed a new layer of this complex profession," Marina shares. "One particularly memorable case involved a young girl with mutism. It was a powerful lesson in how family dynamics can significantly impact the treatment process."
A major highlight was her introduction to Biofeedback Therapy (BFT-therapy), an innovative method not yet practiced in Moldova. This technology helps patients learn to manage their psycho-emotional states through interactive, game-like formats. "It was a revelation," Marina notes. "This cutting-edge approach left a lasting impression on me and showed me the future of patient care."
The unique professional environment and the attentive guidance of her supervisors made such a profound impact on Marina that she is now seriously considering building her future career in Russia. "Here, I truly felt that psychiatry is not just a job - it's a calling," she asserts.
A significant part of this positive experience was her mentor, Tatyana Petrova. "I am endlessly inspired by her and feel incredibly fortunate to have been under her guidance. She has so much to teach," Marina concludes.
Beyond the hospital walls, Marina immersed herself in the culture of Kirov. The city's museums, including those dedicated to space exploration and the famous Dymkovo toy, captivated her. But it was the city's atmosphere that truly won her over. "In Kirov, I found a sense of peace and tranquility I didn't expect," she says. "What surprised me most was how deeply the locals know and sincerely love their city and country's history. In just a month, Kirov started to feel like home."
Marina's internship is a testament to the high caliber of training at Kirov State Medical University. This fruitful international cooperation enriches the professional toolkit of future doctors and fosters invaluable cross-cultural dialogue within the global medical community, proving that medicine knows no borders.
