In 2009 the Russian Economic Summit was a chance for many nations including the BRIC Nations; Brazil-Russia-India-China to give their
disapproval of the Global Economic Crisis, and they like most blamed the United States of America. The 2010 Russian Economic Summit was a totally different scene, rather than complaining or pointing fingers, it was all about the future, growth, and strength of the economic recovery.

When watching the world news, especially the international business news, one needs to understand there is a lot to know, more than any one person could, or most likely would. It is for this reason I like to discuss such world events with the experts. Imagine my good fortune to meet a scholar of US-Russian post cold war relations? Indeed, Jesse Giraldo was on hand to answer a few of my questions recently. First, I asked; Have you been following the recent Russian economic summit?Jesse replied; Loosely. I’ve read a few reports on the discussions being held between the E.U and Russia. Greece’s fiscal instability, and the

Euros weakening performance seem to be the major issues under review. However so far that’s all that seems to be going on, quite a bit of discussion on what wrong, I haven’t heard anything of actual substance come about other then abstract statements such as their firm resolve to “move forward in their partnership”. The media by and large though seem to feel that this summit has a more harmonic atmosphere to it. I suppose that’s a plus.

Well, all good points, and it certainly beats the previous attacks at the last economic summit where the US was the punching bag for the global economic melt-down. Russian Television seems to be keeping things positive I’ve noted, along with BBC, and CNN International. Too the papers in Taiwan, India, and throughout Europe seem to be playing positive news. So, I concur. It seems folks are so focused on the World Cup Soccer Tournament and the US Open that many are not following the Russian Economic Summit.

China had announced it “will” allow the Yuan to float in coming weeks, right as their banking stocks took a hit, and the Agricultural Bank of China is going for an IPO worth some $33 Billion. Still, the BRIC nations – Brazil, Russia, India, and China are discussing a new reserve currency to settle accounts with, something that was the main theme at last year’s summit. Luckily, this time it is just muddled chit-chat, while the big talk in Russia was about innovation and attracting investment capital into Russia to take advantage of the uptick in commerce.

Medical education in Russia usually lasts 6 years for an undergraduate MD or MBBS. The curriculum for the first two years is the same at all Faculties. It includes preclinical and fundamental medical sciences that are the essential basis for any medical specialty.

The principal feature of medical education in Russia for both the Faculties of curative medicine and pediatrics is the introduction of a new approach to the training of internists and pediatricians that implies a two-year continuing primary specialization, one year while at the institution and the other year after graduation. The nature of medical education in russia and its curriculum at these Faculties is designed to cover all the general medical education within five years.

During the third, fourth, and fifth years, students perform clinical work as nurses, feldshers, and clinical assistants. In the sixth year, medical students take their primary specialization in one of the following clinical subjects: Faculty of Curative Medicine (surgery, obstetrics, and gynecology) of Faculty of Pediatrics (pediatrics, including child infectious diseases, and pediatric surgery, including orthopedics). Sub specialization in clinical areas is not an option during the undergraduate program, as profound knowledge of the main clinical subjects is believed to be fundamental for adequate training of doctors.

After 6 years of medical education in Russia, students pass a state examination according to the curriculum, obtain a Doctor’s Diploma, and complete a one year internship in medical units under the supervision of specialists. Instruction in ophthalmology, otolaryngology, dietology, climatotherapy, endocrinology, clinical biochemistry, physiotherapy, and such aspects of surgery as oncology and neurosurgery is provided by the appropriate departments.

The instructional methodology in Russian medical schools includes lectures by the leading specialists and regular practical classes throughout the course of studies.

Training programs at medical schools in Russia are adjusted to the needs of population in accordance with health priorities. Thus, when in the 1950s the non-communicable diseases became a real health problem; these subjects were strengthened and introduced more widely into curricula. When the role of primary health care became more evident in the 1970s, medical education in Russia became adapted to this target-problem.

In Russian medical schools following the annual examinations at the end of the fourth and fifth years, senior students of all Faculties usually spend the breaks between semesters in professional training. Students are taught to use their knowledge, develop their professional skills, master up-to-date methods of diagnostics and treatment, and become familiar with all other work they will do in the future. It should be emphasized that at least 25 percent of the time within the training program of all specialties is devoted to practice at the primary health care level.

Finally after completion of medical education in Russia, students must pass state examinations in general and special medical subjects (depending on the orientation of a particular Faculty) to receive a diploma as physician of general medicine at the Faculty of Curative Medicine (VRAC), as pediatrician at the Faculty of Pediatrics, as sanitary officer at the Faculty of Hygiene, as stomatologist at the Faculty of Stomatology, or as pharmacist at the pharmaceutical institution or faculty.