Introduction

Vitebsk State Medical University was established in 1934. The Institute has successfully passed the certification and accreditation of the status of the higher education establishment of a university type and was changed into Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University in 1998. It is recognized by WHO, MCI, and many more international professional medical bodies across the world. It has 34 theoretical and clinical department with 250 students in all courses. It is one of those universities which has an advanced system of education, and trains students with the help of state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities. The university embraces high-tech methods of practical medicine that empower students to be focused, competitive and flexible in the medical field.

The institute provides the best infrastructure for its MBBS students and the top class facilities like good and spacious hostels, libraries, modern classrooms, etc. Moreover, the institute provides a healthy and friendly environment on the campus for its students. The institute has various other activity centers in the campus like gym, separate sports complex, etc. The University believes in the overall development of every student and thus organizes various personality development programs such as Seminars, Debates, Conferences and Student Exchange programs for its MBBS students. Apart from personality development programs, the University organizes various sports and cultural events and also encourages students to partake in these activities.

Vitebsk State Medical University is offering a low-cost MBBS program. The academy is preparing doctors for near by countries, and far abroad. The university is taking its foreign students from 30 distinct countries including Sri Lanka, USA, India, Pakistan, France, Syria, Yemen, UK, Peru, etc.

In 1951 the Institute was headed by a graduate of First Moscow Medical Institute, Professor Ivan Illarionovich Bogdanovich. In 1952-53 a large group of famous academicians and professors came to the Institute from Moscow and Leningrad: V.V.Shapurov, S.B.Vainberg, I.B.Aleshkovich, L.N.Goldman, E.S.Ketiladze, N.M.Yanchur, K.L.Markuze, P.N.Maslov, L.Ya.Shostak, I.L.Sosnovik and others. For 10 years they have created strong medico-biological and clinical schools which are still honored both in our country and abroad.

International Exercises is aiming at: -

•       The exchange of technology and knowledge.
•       Improvement of innovative medical education, science and health based on the study of international experience.
•       More multilateral mobility of teachers and students.

From 1997 to 2005 the University was headed by Alexander Nikolayevich Kosinets. During this period the University held a profound transformation. The Faculty of Overseas Students Training and Advanced Training and Retraining Faculty were opened in 1997, the Faculty of Career Guidance and Pre-University Training – in 1998, Stomatological Faculty – in 2001, the Faculty of Advanced Training in Pedagogics and Psychology – in 2001. New departments and courses of professional development are organized at the faculties. An electronic library was created, computer classes are connected to global sources of information. In March 10, 2003 by order of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus the Clinic of Vitebsk State Medical University was founded.