Faculty of Pediatrics Celebrates Its 90th Anniversary!
On November 20, OSMU Faculty of Pediatrics, one of the oldest faculties in Siberia and the Far East, turned 90 years. It was established in 1931 as a Mother and Child Welfare Faculty in order to teach future pediatricians and obstetricians and gynecologists. Professor Olga D. SOKOLOVA-PONOMAREVA, an Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences, was the founder of the Faculty and the first person who brought together academic science and practical health care.
By the mid-1950s, the Omsk school of pediatricians gained recognition not only in Russia but also abroad. Olga D. SOKOLOVA-PONOMAREVA, together with her disciple Valentina P. BISYARINA, presented scientific ideas at the international forums. Valentina Bisyarina participated in the Great Patriotic War as a major in medical service. During the War years, she defended her PhD thesis. From January 1946 until the last days of her life, Valentina Bisyarina worked at the Omsk State Medical Academy. She wrote scientific works which were published abroad, participated in the international forums, and contributed to the training of healthcare professionals – 78 theses were prepared and defended under her supervision. In 1965, Valentina Bisyarina became a corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences; in 1969, she was elected a full member of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences. For her great contribution to the development of medicine, in 1974, she was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Omsk and in 1982, she was awarded the Order of Lenin and the Gold Medal of the Hero of Socialist Labor.
The foundation laid by the founders of the Omsk school of pediatricians has passed the test of time. More than 10 thousand pediatricians have been trained at the pediatric faculty since its establishment. Today, the Faculty of Pediatrics of Omsk State Medical University is the second-largest after the Faculty of General Medicine. It is presented by ten departments headed by Professors and Associate Professors – PhD in medical sciences. The scientific knowledge of the faculty’s staff ensures a high level of theoretical training. Practical skills students can gain in the Omsk Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital, Omsk Children’s Clinical Hospitals №2 and №3, and OSMU Skills Center.
After the third year of study, students of the Faculty of Pediatrics can pass an exam and work as a nurse, and after the fifth year of study, they can work in Children Outpatient Clinics as an assistant primary care pediatrician. Here they learn to make decisions and think independently, to bear personal responsibility, and to learn to work with the child and his family.
OSMU Press Center