Minsk is the capital and largest city in Belarus, situated on the Svislach and Niamiha rivers. Minsk is also a headquarters of the Commonwealth of Independent States(CIS). AS the national capital, Minsk has a special administrative status in Belarus; it is also the administrative centre of Minsk Region (voblast) and Minsk raion (district). It has a population of 1,836,808 inhabitants. The earliest historic references to Minsk date to the 11th century 1067, when it was noted as a provincial city within the principality of Polotsk. The settlement developed on the rivers. In 1242, Minsk became a part of the Grand Duchy of Llithuania. It received town privileges in 1499. Almost completely rebuilt after destructive WW II, nowadays it has wide streets, large parks, beautiful architecture, nice bars and restaurants. Minsk offers almost everything you need from a modern city, whether you came on business or enjoy weekend. Nowadays it has a resident population of 1828 thousand (as of 14.10.2009). It occupies an area of 255.8 sq.km . Administratively, it is subdivided into 9 urban districts.
During city tour you will have an opportunity to get acquainted with the most famous places of interest in Minsk. Excursion takes 2.5 – 3 hours (cars and walking). Sights : Victory Square, Independence Square, St. Helen & St. Simon Catholic church, Toritskoye Predmestiye (Trinity Suburb), Upper town, Railway station, Independence Av, Pobediteley Av, etc..
INTRODUCTION
The Belarusian State Medical University (BSMU) is a university in Minsk. It specializes in Medicine and Dentistry. In 1921 it became affiliated Medicine Department of the Belarusian State University. In 1930 it became a separate as Belarusian Medical Institute. In 2000 it was upgraded to university level with 6 departments.
The Belarusian State Medical University (Former Minsk State Medical Institute) is situated in the capital of the Republic of Belarus in Minsk. Minsk is one of the ancient cities, it was founded in 1067. It is a city with great historical and cultural past. Minsk is the main cultural and industrial center and one of the most beautiful cities in Belarus. Architectural ensembles of its avenues and squares, ideal cleanness of its streets, luxuriant greenery of its gardens and parks stretching on the banks of the Svisloch and its tributaries and historical monuments, old districts and recently built new blocks of building give the city inimitable charm and color.
The Belarusian State Medical University is the oldest and biggest educational establishment in Republic of Belarus. Its glorious history began in 1921 when Belarusian State University with the Faculty of Medicine as a part of it was founded. However, as an independent educational entity the Belarusian State Medical University has been functioning since 1930.
EDUCATION BASE
The Belarusian State Medical University is the largest constantly developing higher school in the Republic of Belarus. Nowadays the University comprises 18 scientific research laboratories and 61 chairs, about 5000 students there. Teaching and research work is carried out by more than 700 Professors and Lecturers and about 101 research workers. Wonderful traditions and great scientific school have been formed at the University. Material and technical basis of the University is constantly growing, facilities for studies and fruitful scientific work are becoming better. Practical studies are held at the best hospital which gives the opportunity to introduce the most advanced teaching methods. The students are trained at 7 faculties : General Medicine, Pediatrics, Dentistry, Preventive Medicine, Military Medicine, Faculty for Foreign Students with Preparatory department and the Faculty of Postgraduate study.
A Tutorial staff of 245 professionals, including 25 specialists with Doctor of Science (medicine) and 134 with Ph.D (medicine) degrees are involved in training and research activities at the Faculty of General Medicine. The Student population numbers 2500. Currently the faculty trains students mainly in the adult population disease treatment and prophylaxis. For the time being the Faculty has released about 28,000 medical specialists many of them are the acknowledged leaders in their special field including Professors E. V Barkovsky, B. A. Slouka, N.F. Soroka, G.P. Rychagov, S.I. Tretyak and others. After a compulsory one year intern course they are granted the Certificates officially allowing them to start medical practice. They may also choose further specialization in gastroenterology, cardiology, traumatology, urology, etc. and undergo a special training course in the corresponding field.
PROCESS & TRAINING OF OVERSEAS STUDENTS
The BSMU provides education to young people from a number of developing countries, thus contributing to the development of the financial and technical base o f the University and the Republic of Belarus in general. The work of the Medical Faculty for International students is important both from the international aspect and political as well. The development of contacts, attracting new countries the citizens of which would like to study at our University help improve international relations.
Overseas students are encouraged to get training at the preparatory Department. Our experience has proved that after a good training at the Preparatory Department the students make a much better progress in the study at the University. The medical Faculty of International Students, the Department of International Relations and the Department of Post Graduate Training have been actively working at recruiting foreigners to get quality training at the clinical residency and the Department of Post Graduate Training. Our university possesses a great scientific and clinical potential to provide such training.
The student who graduated from our University will pass the information about the Republic of Belarus, being in a way its advetizing agent. Consequently not only the cost of study but mainly the quality of medical education become of prior importance. The country the young specialist comes from will evaluate his level of training. In case a young doctor is not able to confirm his diploma it will have a very negative impact on the number of future students from this country.
The main goal of the activities of the Medical Faculty, the International Department, and the Rector’s boards to acquire our diploma an international status/repute. To make our diploma a 100% guarantee for international employers the teaching staff of the University should work real hard. The Medical Faculty for International students and the departments of the University are in constant search of improved curricula with an emphasis on specific pathologies in different countries; they work out methodical guides adopted for international students. The key to success in the educational process also depends on the basic level of future students.
AMENITIES
Students registering at University’s medical office are offered with full range of services free of charge throughout the year. Two trans European trains cross the region Paris – Moscow, Helsinki-Vitebsk-Gomel-Kiev-Ploudiv. The university is situated in the city center. A lot of University Departments are located here, together with library, electronic library, Internet center, sport halls, cafes etc. The availability of public transport is another great advantage of the University. Bus and trolley bus stations are just outside the University, giving easy access to the rest of the student accommodations and other clinical bases of the University, which are situated all over the city.
LIBRARY
The well equipped library facilities include reading halls, central networking of library database and 24 hour internet connection allowing students quick access to Word Wide Web.
HOSTELS
Belarusian State Medical University has comfortable students hostels with well organized services : laundry, kitchen, cafeteria, student café and so on . Prices for accommodation and meals are very reasonable and subsidized. The charges are inclusive of heating and electricity costs. Foreign citizens are placed in a comfortable International hostel which is at a few minutes’ walk distance from the university. It is provided with well equipped sport center, Reading rooms etc. The hostels are situated within the university campus, nearer to all major departments of study. The University cafes, restaurants are situated in their neighborhood.
Cultural life
Cultural life in the university is multinational in character. Every year there are several sports programmes organized : cricket tournament, chess competition, football championship and other sport events. The immense number of culture festivals and celebration, which take place all year long, demonstrate international cultural diversity. The feasts ; faculty days, national student union holidays with the wide range of cultural activities present a perfect chance for foreign students to display their skills and abilities.
