Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The RUDN University Medical Institute team won second place at the All-Russian Olympiad in Internal Medicine. The competition took place from November 19 to 21 in Moscow during the 20th National Congress of Internal Medicine, the main event of the year for internal medicine specialists.
This success was the result of the coordinated work of a team consisting of fifth- and sixth-year students and first- and second-year residents. The students' training was supervised by Professor Valentin Aleksandrovich Kokorin, Head of the Department of Hospital Therapy, Assistant Professor Shirinjemal Gulmyradovna Gulova, and Assistant Professor Malika Mansurovna Irkabaeva.
Team composition:
Atakhanov Vepa, 5th-year student, General Medicine; Gavrilova Polina Nikolaevna, 5th year, General Medicine; Frolova Anastasia Dmitrievna, 5th year, General Medicine; Alieva Antonina Dzhomartovna, 5th year, General Medicine; Al Lakis Julien, 6th year, General Medicine (team captain); Avad Saad Ahmed Saad, 6th year, General Medicine; Shaimardankulova Shirin, resident, 1 year (specializing in Cardiology); Fanu Semako Feliciano Samuel B., resident, 2 year (specializing in Cardiology); Blerina Bega, resident, 1 year (specializing in Endocrinology); Efremova Sofia Sergeevna, resident, 1 year (specialty "Therapy").
Synergy of theoretical knowledge and clinical experience
The key to victory was the synergy of a mixed team, combining the students' theoretical knowledge with the residents' clinical experience. All participants are active members of the Student Research Club (SRC) at the Department of Hospital Therapy.
"The club was a great help and enhanced our knowledge in all areas of therapy. The team members prepared seriously, each focusing on their own area of expertise," the RUDN team shared.
Team captain Julien Al Lakis noted that the main strategy was the ability to listen to each other and work together using the brainstorming method.
"RUDN University has students and residents from all over the world. We're diverse, but it wasn't a problem for us to find a common solution where needed. At the same time, our differences gave us an advantage, allowing us to find as many interesting solutions as possible. I believe that a joint event like participating in the Olympiad helps us become even more united," added Julien Al Lakis.
Olympic Trials
The Olympiad included several challenging stages. The most challenging, according to the participants, was the imaging diagnostics stage, which required interpreting a variety of data: from photographs of skin lesions to ECGs, CT scans, and blood smears.
"The most nerve-wracking stage for me personally was the final one, as it was crucial. We were neck and neck with the other teams until the very end. Furthermore, this stage was difficult because the problem statement was presented piecemeal. For example, I wanted to get back to the ECG, but by then the text was already on the screen," added Julien Al Lakis.
Despite the tension, the program also found room for relaxation. Resident Sofia Efremova fondly recalled the "Crocodile" segment.
"Because of the opportunity to fantasize and have fun, this stage helped relieve the nervous tension that was undoubtedly present at such a serious event. I think many associate the Crocodile with the most carefree period of our lives—childhood, which makes it my favorite time," noted Sofia Efremova.
Support from Teachers: Participants expressed immense gratitude to their mentors. They are confident that training with RUDN University faculty was the foundation for this outstanding achievement.
"While preparing for the Olympiad, we read a lot of literature, trying to deepen our knowledge not only in the areas that interested us most but also in other areas. A special thank you goes out to our mentors: Valentin Aleksandrovich Kokorin, Shirinjemal Gulmyradovna Gulova, and Malika Mansourovna Irkabaeva. They supported us throughout our preparation and during the Olympiad itself. Without their support and motivation, we would not have been able to achieve such a remarkable result," the RUDN University team emphasized.
Having won silver, the guys aren't resting on their laurels. As the students themselves said, new goals lie ahead: "We'll be stronger next year!"
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.
