Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Reading through Anastasia Bogoyavlenskaya's list of accomplishments, you might think she's a comic book superhero or an alien from another planet. It's hard to believe one person could accomplish all this! But this sixth-year medical student at RUDN University (major in General Medicine) proves otherwise: she's published 15 scientific articles in national and international journals, regularly wins and places first in competitions and olympiads, leads a student research club, and seems unaware that there are only 24 hours in a day.
We asked Anastasia why she chose medicine as her profession.
Share your story: why did you decide to go to medical school in the first place? Where did your interest in the profession come from?
Initially, I wanted to enroll in the sports department because I was a professional rhythmic gymnast, and it would have been logical to continue playing sports and studying at the sports department. But COVID changed everything. Before COVID—in 2018—I was training and competing in Bulgaria and planned to enroll in a sports academy in Sofia. But after the borders closed, I returned and was very upset that sports were over for me, and I still had so much left to accomplish. So I decided not to dedicate my life to sports and instead to study law to become an investigator. But after some thought and talking with my parents, I realized it was better to choose something else, and I chose medicine. I didn't even think about my specialty; I knew right away that "General Medicine" was the only option.
You have a long list of achievements, have you been this active since childhood?
Mom says yes (laughs). I've been involved in everything since school. I even remember going to an orphanage and putting on a concert for the kids with my class. I'm very grateful to my parents for my activism, because they always support me in all of this and give me helpful and important advice. And now my boyfriend, who I go to school with, supports me.
You have 15 scientific articles to your credit. Tell us about the topic of your most recent publications?
I primarily write about infectious diseases (my passion), but sometimes I also cover healthcare organization and public health. I'm currently writing a thesis about a patient with leptospirosis (I'm presenting a clinical case for a conference), and before that, my colleagues and I conducted a study on public awareness of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the CIS countries and on public awareness of dengue fever in Latin America. The paper on dengue fever was particularly successful. We won the RUDN University internal competition with this article and presented it to representatives from Latin America in the Youth Track at the Sustainable Development Goals conference!
The key conclusions of almost all articles and theses are as follows: timely treatment at a medical facility reduces the risk of death significantly, prevention is better than cure, and there is a need to break the stigma associated with certain diseases.
Last year, you participated in the "Live and Create in Russia" program. What were its main results?
I loved the phrase I heard there: "This program isn't for us, it's about us." So, the main outcome was self-discovery, analysis and identification of my true values, creative work in the present, and the formation of the right value system in the organizations where I hold a leadership position. The program also inspired me to take up hiking. I really enjoyed our hikes; each time they were so warm and heartfelt that I'd like to continue this tradition, but with my family and friends.
In 2024-2025, you also worked as a laboratory research assistant on a research team supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation. What was your role in the research?
Yes, I was invited to participate in the grant by my lab supervisor. I was the only student on it and was responsible for conducting various molecular genetic tests, but mainly PCR. The grant topic was "Development of cell therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome using genetically modified M2 macrophages."
What was the most challenging and most interesting part of this job for you? What important skills did you acquire in the lab?
The most challenging and at the same time interesting thing was that I'm studying General Medicine, and we're not taught how to perform PCR (a highly accurate molecular biology method that detects pathogen DNA and RNA in biological material) and other tests—we only learn them in theory. So I had to learn mostly on my own. But I had a very good mentor and supervisor who sat with me and explained everything. I want to say a huge thank you to her for this experience.
Speaking of essential skills, I definitely appreciated PCR, Western blot (a test for detecting specific proteins in a sample), and electrophoresis. It was also valuable to gain experience working in a scientific team, where the overall result and speed of work depend on your actions—it's a great responsibility. And finally, very importantly: I'm naturally a very rushed person, always running around, but my supervisor taught me to slow down and think through everything.
The Council of People's Commissars and the "Healthcare Organizers and Leaders" professional association, which you head, has been named one of RUDN's best professional associations for the third time. Highlight your team's key achievements over the past year, and reveal your secret.
We're not just a team, we're one big international family! I love all the guys from our SNK and PSO, because they're all incredibly cool and talented. And, of course, we have a wonderful leader—Elena Valeryevna Kaverina. Without her, we couldn't have done it!
The main achievements of 2025 were:
Organization of master classes for finalists of the All-Russian School Olympiad (VsOSh) in Spanish, English, and law; a trip by a delegation from our PSO and SNK to the International Forum "White Flowers" in Kazan and successful performances at Olympiads and conferences within the forum; each member of our PSO and SNK won internal RUDN University competitions, as well as national and international competitions; assistance from our PSO and SNK in organizing the Youth Track at the conference on Sustainable Development Goals; awarding by the Rector to our international students for outstanding academic achievement; awarding by the Rector to our activists – winners of the "Project Start" competition at the extended academic council meeting.
And this is just a small part of our success! The secret is that we are always ready to help each other.
In addition to all of the above, you are the director of the volunteer center at the RUDN University Medical Institute. Please share the center's most notable projects and activities in 2025 and your plans for 2026.
I only became director in November 2025, but even in my short tenure, we've organized a knitting campaign for premature babies in collaboration with the Right to a Miracle Charitable Foundation. We've also been visiting schools almost weekly with various lectures and workshops, helping at conferences, and more. I'd like to thank Maria Sergeevna Paklina, Deputy Director for Educational Activities at the Medical Institute, for her trust and faith in our work. We have big plans for 2026, new collaborations, and exciting formats! For example, on February 12-13, we invite everyone to our first blood drive in partnership with the Russian Red Cross of the Academichesky District and the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia's Blood Center.
What other achievements from last year do you consider valuable? Perhaps victories in competitions, olympiads, or conferences? Tell us more about them.
Honestly, it's hard to single out just one highlight, but perhaps the most memorable was my trip to Sakhalin for the OstroVa forum, where I was able to learn about the island's healthcare system. It was a truly incredible experience! In the future, I really want to apply this knowledge in practice. Another important event was the awards ceremony for the winners of the "Project Start: Research Agenda by Host Country" competition at the extended academic council meeting, personally presented by Rector Oleg Aleksandrovich Yastrebov. It was incredibly rewarding: standing in front of the professors and teachers you'd studied with and demonstrating that their investment in you was worth it.
And, of course, I'd highlight my participation in the All-Russian project "Your Move." In 2025, my involvement with it was particularly close: winning the first module of "Your Move. Headmen!", winning the second wave of youth policy internships (I became an intern at the Project Office for Youth Policy and Educational Activities of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science), participating in the flagship educational program "Live and Create in Russia," and actively working with the project's regional team.
I also almost forgot about my first full-length article on infectious diseases, co-authored with department staff, and winning a specialized conference dedicated solely to infectious diseases. These were also among the most exciting events!
Share your time management life hacks—how to stay as active as you are and get everything done? What helps you recharge and maintain such high energy levels?
I always try to assemble a strong team that can back me up in unexpected situations or during busy periods. Of course, sometimes I do run out of time, but I strive to minimize such instances. Keeping a diary and creating a weekly work plan helps me manage my time.
I try to manage my time so that at least 50% is devoted to research and studies, and everything else is allocated on a case-by-case basis. For example, at the PSO and SNK, we have weekly meetings on Mondays at 6:00 PM, where we plan work for the week, and sometimes even a month in advance. At the Volunteer Center of the Medical Institute, I still do a lot of work myself, as I'm just building a team of active people. At the Russian Red Cross of the Academichesky District, my tasks are similar to one of the Volunteer Center's projects, so sometimes I even combine my work.
Of course, it's important to remember that rest is essential, so since September I've set aside one day for rest, and thanks to this, I feel less drained of energy. On this day, I do what I want: allow myself to sleep in, read books, take a walk in the forest, or spend time with loved ones. The support of my loved one is also important; it really energizes me and gives me the impetus to new discoveries and achievements.
What path do you envision for yourself after graduating from RUDN University: a deeper dive into science, clinical practice, or development at the intersection of medicine and management? What do you want to specialize in?
I plan to combine research with clinical practice. Then, after gaining experience and becoming an established specialist, I'll move into a management position. I'm currently deciding between family medicine, followed by retraining in infectious diseases, and pediatric surgery (I'm most interested in pediatric cardiac surgery).
I'd also really like to work periodically on medical rotations in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug or the Far North, or go on humanitarian missions with the Russian Red Cross in Africa to provide assistance there. That's partly why I'm choosing between these two options. I think it's very interesting and challenging—something I love.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
