Meeting of the rector of ONMedU, Academician Valerii Zaporozhan, with freshmen

At the beginning of the new academic year, ONMedU Rector Academician Valerii Zaporozhan met with the freshmen of 2024. This meeting aroused great interest among the students, during which Valerii Mykolayovych was asked many questions. He did not manage to answer all the questions, we offer answers to some of them.

Is it possible, while studying at the university, to study at universities in other countries? Who can I turn to for advice?
Right, the university pays great attention to academic mobility. All those who wish have the opportunity to go on an internship to hospitals in other countries. Students take short-term study courses in London, Vienna, Seville, Kaunas and other cities around the world. Also, everyone has the opportunity to go to international trainings, conferences, master classes. The main thing is your desire to feel free in international projects and events.

My assistant for international affairs, Iryna Savchenko, can tell you more about academic mobility. Her office No. 7 is located on  Olhiivska Street, 13, second floor.

What do you think you need to do to become a successful doctor?
Constantly learn, and do it all your life! A successful doctor means hard work, the desire to learn as much as possible, the desire to improve oneself daily. A modern doctor is obliged to constantly monitor new methods, treatment technologies, new drugs, equipment and apply them in their practice. Self-education and continuous professional development are integral parts in forming the status of a successful doctor! And no matter how highly you are evaluated, always have the courage to say to yourself: “I don’t know everything.”

Tell me where you get inspiration and strength for work.
My profession has brought me great satisfaction since I was a student. This is not work, this is art! It saturates me with strength, thoughts, and ideas, which I implement in educational, medical, and scientific processes. My recipe for fatigue and professional burnout – if you want to enjoy life, do what you can do better than others. And always do it with love! I call this state creative courage, then it works, gives realization and satisfaction. I get a lot of energy from communicating with students and young teachers. Youth is characterized by innovation and revolutionary thinking. New horizons in medicine open up in symbiosis with the experience of predecessors. And I have been doing sports since childhood. And I still go to the sports hall of the university sports complex in my free time, train. Physical activity is necessary – it is also an impetus for new ideas.

In addition to studying, I want to start scientific work. Is there such an opportunity at the university? What should I do for this?
This is very good. There is a Student Scientific Society at the university, active work is being carried out. Each department has its own scientific society. You can join any depending on the subject you are interested in. On the official website of ONMedU, in the “Science” section, there is a SSS page, where you can get all the information you need. You can also contact the dean of your faculty, who will help you contact the SSS asset.

Can we, as freshmen, visit university clinics (for example, go on duty) during free time from classes?
Studying in the first year of a medical university is very difficult. Many theoretical subjects that must be mastered very well in order to become a high-class specialist. Daily attendance of lectures, preparation for classes at home will take time. Therefore, it is more appropriate to start working already after the second year. Your practice will be more successful after solid theoretical training!

Since what year does medical practice begin?
Medical practice begins since the second year at the clinical bases of the departments, most of which are located in the University Clinic on Tinistaya or in the Multidisciplinary Medical Center on Pasteur.

Similar meetings of freshmen with the rector will continue. If you have questions that concern you and that you would like to ask the rector, please submit them in writing to representatives of the Student Self-Government.