First Lady opens Baku branch of Sechenov Moscow State Medical University
By Nigar Orujova
The Baku branch of I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University opened with a solemn ceremony on September 15.
First lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony.
Aliyeva along with Russian Healthcare Minister Veronika Skvortsova and the rector of I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Petr Glybochko, Azerbaijani government representatives, and public figures viewed the new branch.
Addressing a meeting with the first students and the teaching staff of the university branch, Mehriban Aliyeva said that opening of branch of the First Moscow State Medical University in Baku is a large-scale and significant event.
“The First Moscow State Medical University named after Sechenov is famous for its history and traditions, its atmosphere of responsibility and sensitivity, the ability to combine sound conservatism with innovative research,” the first lady stressed.
She went on to add that graduates of the University are outstanding scientists, doctors, known writers, journalists and public figures.
“Today first Azerbaijani boys and girls cross the threshold of the institution, taking the first steps towards their future profession. They will learn from high-class teachers, listen to lectures of scientists, world-renowned scientists will lecture them. I am convinced that there are all conditions for high quality education and for the formation of a constellation of well-educated practitioners and medical scientists,” she said.
Aliyeva noted that opening of a new institution of higher education, especially the branch of the world-famous university, shows well Azerbaijani policy in the sphere of education and science.
She also stressed the state approach to medicine.
“We can say that most clinics, health centers, diagnostic centers were all newly renovated or newly built not just in the capital but also in regions over the last year in Azerbaijan. They are equipped with modern equipment, which meets all modern requirements. However, with all this we understand that the quality of health services depends primarily on the doctor. Therefore, what is happening here with our participation –the opening of the branch of the university, which implemented the most essential educational programs and introduces innovations needed in medical practice – I am sure that all this will have a very good effect on the level of medicine in our country,” Aliyeva stressed.
She also touched upon humanitarian cooperation, cultural ties, science relations between Azerbaijan and Russia.
The first lady noted that about 300 schools that are taught in Russian are functioning in Azerbaijan, while education in the Russian language is available in the most of the higher educational institutions of the country. She also noted that the Baku branch of the Lomonosov Moscow State University has been functioning successfully in Azerbaijan for several years.
Aliyeva said that the opening of the branch of the Moscow State Medical University has a special meaning for her, as she studied at this university. “I am an honorary professor of the university, and I'm thankful to fate for my student youth, student years, that passed in the walls of this university in the spirit of high culture, spirituality, and professionalism.”
“It is said that the university is a temple of science. However, it seems to me that the medical university is also a temple of mercy. Medicine is a special occupation, and in addition to basic knowledge, in addition to practical skills, the man who dedicates his life to medicine should have a sensitive soul, must be able to be compassionate, should be able to empathize, to hear the pain of others,” she said.
Addressing the students, Aliyeva urged them to ensure themselves that after many years, when they will have already achieved success in their professions, they would not lose this mercy in their daily professional routine.
“Medicine, the medical profession, is a mission and a vocation. Therefore, I wish you all success in this profession, success in this vocation,” she added.
Veronika Skvortsova said the First Moscow State Medical University is a leading medical school of Russia that determines the ideology of medical education in the country.
She also expressed confidence that the Baku branch will be a professional scientific center.
Petr Glybochko, noted that the Baku branch of the University is the first branch opened abroad and they are proud of this fact.
One hundred Azerbaijani students are enrolled to the Baku branch, established on May 15, in the first academic year for the General Medicine faculty.
The university includes two anatomy classes, computer halls, histology audience hall, and a department of medical history. The higher educational institution is supplied with modern manuals and interactive training equipment.
Teaching at the university will mainly be conducted by the university’s teaching staff in accordance with the new generation Russian state education standards. At the same time, world-renowned Russian scholars will participate in the teaching process. While training physicians-specialists at the branch, application of innovative education technologies and conducting of master classes are planned.
The aim of the Baku branch is to improve medical education in Azerbaijan, the expansion of relations in this field with prestigious educational centers of the world, as well as meeting the desire of citizens to receive education in medical schools in Russia.