Materia Medica Malaysiana

Russian medical options

WHEN it comes to studying medicine, Russia is probably not the first destination that comes to mind. Most students would cite the United Kingdom or even Australia as their top choice.

But before you dismiss Russia on grounds that you simply couldn't possibly master the Russian language or withstand those absolutely freezing temperatures, think again! Studying medicine in Russia might just turn out to be the best option for you if your financial resources are limited.

More and more Malaysians today are looking at Russia for a medical degree. Abdullah Mohd Salleh will tell you that studying medicine in Russia is not without its advantages His daughter, a fourth year medical student in Moscow Medical Academy, is not only under the tutelage of some of the finest doctors in the world but has also picked up the Russian language and is actively involved in student life.

''My daughter Nor Azimimah or Azie as I call her, has always wanted to be a doctor. I checked out a few countries such as India and the United Kingdom but the costs were prohibitive. Then I discovered that studying medicine in Russia over a period of six years only costs about US$25,000 (RM95,000), including accommodation. The fees could also be paid in affordable instalments, so I decided to send her there,'' shares the proud father.

Abdullah says Azie was among the pioneer batch of eight Malaysian students who went to Russia in 2000.

''I have no regrets sending her there as she picked up the Russian language and is now very fluent. When my wife and I visited her last December, she impressed us with her command of the language when she took us around.

''She is also the president of the Moscow Malaysian Students' Association and rents an apartment near the metro (Moscow subway system) with two friends,” he adds.

Russia is an interesting option for Malaysian students.
Marik Singh, whose daughter Jaspal Kaur is a third year medical student in Moscow Medical Academy, also has no hesitation in recommending Russia as a study destination to anyone.

''Jaspal was doing her 'A' levels in one of the private colleges here in Kuala Lumpur when we found out about Russia. We were impressed by what we were told. The fees were also very affordable. I think we are fortunate that Russia accepts Malaysian students to study medicine there.

''She adapted very well and is very happy,'' he says, adding that he and his wife are planning to visit her soon.

Marik says his daughter needs about RM300 for rental, food, travel and other personal expenses per month.

''Jaspal has learnt to be a good cook and we are very proud of her,'' he adds.

Numbers growing annually

The figures on the popularity of Russia as a destination for medical studies speak for themselves. From a mere 100 students in 2001, the figure has grown six-fold to over 650 students studying medicine in various universities throughout the country.

Although Russia is a relatively new destination for Malaysians wishing to pursue higher education courses, it has long been popular with Asian countries such as India, China, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam Vladimir Morozov says Russia has been opening the doors of its universities to youths from many countries for many years.

''Students have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art training and research facilities. The latest laboratories, teaching aids, instruments, simulators and specialised libraries combined with your lectures will help you achieve your dream of becoming a specialist in your chosen field,'' he says when he attended the high tea reception marking the opening of the Kuala Lumpur office of Russian Resources Sdn Bhd last Wednesday.

''We hope that the knowledge and skills our students acquire will help provide high quality medical services to the people in Malaysia,'' he says.

Besides receiving an education of international standing, students will also enjoy the enriching experience of living in a country steeped in culture, history and beauty.

''I hope the students will make new friends and help foster ties to promote better understanding between Russians and Malaysians,” he says.

Studying in Russia

The Public Services Department in Malaysia recognises medical degrees from the Moscow Medical Academy, Russian State Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod State Medical University, Volgograd State Medical University and Kursk State Medical University. The six-year medical degree in Russia includes clinical experience.

Both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has ranked Moscow Medical Academy and Russian State Medical University as second and third in the world.

Honorary consul of the Russian Federation Teoh Seng Lee says Russian medical universities offer highly affordable medical degrees compared with other countries, without compromising on quality.

A Russian university medical degree costs between RM130,000 to RM180, 000 compared to between M500,000 and RM800,000 in other countries.

''This estimate covers tuition fees, hostel accommodation, use of university facilities, annual return air fare and living expenses,'' he says, adding that costs may vary depending on the city.

Living in Moscow for instance, would be more costly than living in smaller cities like Volgograd and Nizhny Novgorod

Although the medium of instruction for medical degree programmes in several Russian universities is English, students need to be able to speak Russian by their fourth year.

Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy surgery department head and vice dean of overseas admissions Dr Vladimir Zagainov explains that students need to speak Russian in order to communicate with patients and clinical staff.

''Besides anatomy and physiology classes in the first year, students will also be taking Russian language classes. They will be meeting patients in hospitals in their fourth year so they should be able to speak the language by then.''

Dr Zagainov says the academy currently has students from 26 countries, with some 80 Malaysian undergraduates.

''Some have difficulty in pronouncing certain words in Russian but Malaysians in general are able to pick up the language,'' he says.

He says the academy is expecting 55 more Malaysians to join the university in September.

Describing Malaysian students as hardworking, Moscow Medical Academy vice-rector for international affairs Prof Renad Alyautdin says they usually obtain good results.

''Although the minimum entry requirement into medicine in Russia are Bs in Science subjects or a CGPA of 3.0, most of the students have As in all subjects,'' he adds.

Prof Alyautdin says the academy has opened a new hostel this year and is currently renovating older hostels.

Volgograd State Medical University vice chancellor Prof Alexander Spasov says there are 170 Malaysians at his university.

''Most stay in the hostels although some have opted to rent apartments in the city with friends,'' he says.

Teoh, who is also the director of Russian Resources Sdn Bhd, explains that the company assists Malaysian students in their applications to Russian universities and institutes.

To date, the company, founded in 1996, has successfully assisted over 300 Malaysian students in pursuing tertiary education in Russia.

''We act as a liaison between the Russian institutions and students.

''Russian Resources ensures that applications to institutions, visas, initial travel arrangements and housing arrangements are properly coordinated,'' he says.

He adds that students leaving for the first time to Russia will be accompanied by a company representative and met at the airport, and will also be brought to the university for registration.

Presently, the company represents Moscow Medical Academy, Russian State Medical University, Volgograd State Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy and Moscow State Aviation Institute.

For more information about studying medicine in Russia, contact Roline Ong at Russian Resources Sdn Bhd, Suite 3.05, 3rd Floor North Block, The Ampwalk, 218 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, or tel 03-2171 1226, or fax 03-2171 2329. You may also contact Ng Ting Ah at The Registrar, Education Russia, Russian Resources Sdn Bhd, 37 Green Hall, 10200 Penang, or tel 04-262 2944, or fax 04-262 4926.