Graduation of the UNN Institute of Clinical Medicine students
On June 24, Lobachevsky University hosted a diploma awarding ceremony for graduates of the Russian-language specialist programmes "Dentistry" and "General Medicine" from the Institute of Clinical Medicine.During the ceremonial event, the graduates put on their white coats and pledged the Russian Doctor’s Oath.
Oleg Trofimov, Rector of Lobachevsky University, addressed the graduates, saying:
"This year, we are graduating over a hundred medical professionals, and a third of them are international students who not only study but also assist our healthcare system by working in ambulance services. We are aware of the regional healthcare's need for qualified professionals. The healthcare system plays a crucial role,and we hope that our graduates will be true professionals, and the education provided by our university will be most useful for your professional development."
Starting from September 1, 2026, the Federal Law introduces significant changes to the requirements for medical and pharmaceutical education, making it mandatory to obtain approval from the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare (Roszdravnadzor). This document confirms that the educational institution meets the staffing requirements and has the facilities necessary for the practical training of students. Lobachevsky University has signed approximately one hundred agreements on the practical training of students with all major medical and preventive care institutions in the Nizhny Novgorod region.
"Today, once again, the medical community of the Nizhny Novgorod region is augmented by young, talented, and purposeful people. Participating in such events, I recall my own professional path: the admission stage, then the everyday life of a medical institute student, the long-awaited graduation, and the long and challenging road ahead. I want you to love your noble profession. Having a Russian Federation medical degree is a source of great pride!" said Tatiana Kovalenko, Deputy Minister of Health of the Nizhny Novgorod region, addressing the graduates.
Several chief medical officers from medical institutions in Nizhny Novgorod attended the ceremony, including Roman Pegov, the chief medical officer of the Nizhny Novgorod emergency medical service station.
"There is a colossal personnel shortage in the healthcare sector, and we definitely need young professionals, because they are our reserve that will further develop the medicine of the future. A young doctor should not be afraid of anything, should be intelligent, possess the basic skills acquired at the university, listen to senior colleagues, grow, and act for the good of humanity by saving patients. I wish the graduates to develop progressively in the fields they have chosen," Roman Pegov said.
Natalia Grigorieva, Director of the Institute of Clinical Medicine at Lobachevsky University, reminded everyone that on April 7 of this year, the Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation on mentoring in healthcare came into effect. According to this order, all graduates must be integrated into major hospitals in the city and region.
"Dear friends, I can see the sparkle in your eyes and understand that our path has not been in vain. I believe that from now on, your heart belongs to medicine, to serving such a noble cause. Our teachers did not just teach you medicine; they put their hearts and souls into teaching you clinical thinking. Most of you have already decided on the place of your future work and plan to join the ranks of the Nizhny Novgorod healthcare system.Leading medical institutions in Nizhny Novgorod, such as Hospitals No. 5, 13, 40, and 33, as well as Polyclinics No. 1, 7, 4, and others, are ready to welcome you.We note a positive trend among our international graduates who have learned Russian. They will be able to successfully pass accreditation, start working, and continue their studies in Russia," said Natalia Grigorieva.
Out of 116 graduates in the Russian-language specialist programmes of Dentistry and General Medicine in 2026, 39 are international students. They come from countries including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Ecuador, Yemen, Gabon, Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan, Algeria, Morocco, and Iran.
"Seven years ago, when I arrived in Russia, I never imagined I would have so many opportunities, friends, and wonderful experiences. It felt like a true miracle to me. Looking back, I realize how quickly my student years flew by. I cherish every little moment from that time, and these memories will stay with me forever. In the future, I intend to remain in Russia and pursue residency training. I love this country andwish to build my career here," shared Israel Marcel Bravo Reyes, a graduate of the General Medicine programme at the UNN Institute of Clinical Medicine, who is a citizen of Ecuador.
