A significant chapter in OSMU’s international journey began in July 2015, when the University joined the Association of Sino-Russian Medical Universities (ASRMU), opening new horizons for cooperation in education, research, and medical practice.
The memorandum was signed by ASRMU Co-Chairmen: Prof. Petr GLYBOCHKO, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Rector of Sechenov University, on the Russian side, and Prof. Yang BAOFENG, Academician and representative of Harbin Medical University (HMU), on the Chinese side. This marked the beginning of large-scale cooperation between Russian and Chinese medical institutions.
Over the past decade, numerous joint scientific and educational events have been held, with active participation from OSMU staff and students, along with colleagues from universities across China. Even during the pandemic, collaboration never ceased - medical and dental schools, tournaments, competitions, and scientific-practical forums and conferences continued actively.
The start of 2025 proved no exception. HMU invited Svetlana A. PISKLAKOVA, Head of OSMU International Affairs Department, the organizer of all joint initiatives, and Alexander N. ZOLOTOV, co-investigator of a joint Sino-Russian research project, to participate in a short-term internship program, accompanied by a group of students. The 10-day program was so intensive that even weekends were fully utilized to maximize learning and foster professional exchange.
The visit began with a tour of the University Museum, offering a rich narrative of HMU’s history, and continued with explorations of the anatomy museum and the university library. From there, the participants were warmly received by professors and doctors at the 4th University Hospital, where each day unfolded according to a meticulously planned schedule. The first day offered an immersive dive into clinical practice: the team delved into the operational structure of the Department of Cardiac Surgery, took part in morning rounds within the intensive care unit, and observed sophisticated cardiac procedures performed in the operating room.
The cardiology rotation offered a comprehensive clinical experience, featuring patient rounds alongside a professor and their assistants, in-depth analysis of complex clinical cases, and a visit to the rehabilitation unit specializing in cardiac care. Throughout the rotation, participants engaged in dynamic discussions on patient management strategies, recent scientific literature, and the benefits and limitations of modern pharmaceutical treatments in cardiology.
The following days were fully devoted to pediatrics and included the following components:
- In the outpatient pediatrics department, the group became acquainted with the overall organizational structure, observed patient intake protocols in action, and gained an understanding of the operations of the day hospital system.
- The neonatology rotation focused on the specific challenges of working with newborns, including discussions on standard care practices and an overview of common neonatal conditions.
- During the inpatient pediatrics segment, participants explored the department's structure, followed daily rounds, and reviewed a variety of frequently encountered clinical cases.
The internship concluded with a visit to the Department of Gynecology. Participants learned about diagnostic and treatment standards, record-keeping protocols, and observed prenatal consultations where pregnant women received monitoring for weight and nutrition, dietary guidance, and vital fetal function assessments.
A visit to the Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine was another highlight, showcasing an extensive collection of flora and fauna used in the production of medicinal preparations - a true revelation for many participants.
The scientific component of the trip focused on collaborative work with Prof. Jiamin LI, Deputy Director of the National Laboratory for the Development of Drugs to Treat Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases in Cold Climates. Together, they worked on the design of the research project entitled «Post-Traumatic Adaptation of Experimental Myocardial Contusion: Key Mechanisms and Pharmacological Modulation».
Internship outcomes:
- Discussion and preliminary drafting of a cooperation agreement between OSMU and HMU;
- Preparation of a review article for the Eurasian Journal of Life Sciences (published under ASRMU);
- Development and submission of a mobility grant application, funded by ASRMU, for the OSMU research team.
The collaboration is ongoing, with many plans ahead!
Svetlana A. PISKLAKOVA
Head of the OSMU International Affairs Department