Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia –
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About why the Russian “nothing scary” is better than any textbook, about tea with honey before exams and big dreams – Chinyama Kazombo, a student of the RUDN University Medical Institute (“General Medicine”, 3rd year) tells us.
You grew up in sunny Zambia with a dream of medicine. How did your path lead you to Russia?
I was attracted by the strong traditions of the Russian medical school and accessible education for foreigners. I knew about the contribution of Russian doctors to world science and wanted to study with the best. My parents, of course, were worried about the distance, but they supported me. They believe that this is a chance not only to change my life, but also to help people back home in Zambia.
Remember your first day in Russia. What surprised you the most?
Cold! I arrived in November. I got off the plane and there was… snow! It was new to me. I was immediately struck by the pace of life: people walk very quickly on the streets – as if they were in a hurry to conquer time. The first thing I learned was the Russian phrase: “No big deal.” I often heard it when I was confused about words. It calms you down and helps you not to be afraid of mistakes.
You have visited many parts of Russia. Which city impressed you the most?
When I came to Russia, I immediately fell in love with the hero city of Tula. There I studied Russian at the preparatory faculty of RUDN. Excursions around the city, Yasnaya Polyana and the famous Kremlin left the warmest memories of the beginning of my studies in Russia. I especially remember the Tula Gingerbread Museum: there I painted and ate a personalized gingerbread called "Chinyama" right there! My dream is to see Lake Baikal. Everyone says that its water is as clear as a tear. I want to see it for myself.
What surprises you about life in Russia?
I am amazed by how people retain their warmth even when it is -30 outside. And the depth of literature! After reading Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, I walked around under the impression for a week. I am still amazed by the architecture of Moscow: how old buildings coexist with modern skyscrapers. The custom that surprised me most was Maslenitsa. Burning an effigy and eating mountains of pancakes to see out the winter… I would never have thought of celebrating like that.
You combine work in the laboratory, science, event organization, sports, curating, KVN, international forums and study with excellent grades. How do you manage to do it all?
The secret is in planning, setting priorities and the ability to save time. Often you have to make a choice between activities, work and study. My priority is study. It always comes first. But forums and KVN give you the experience of communication that is important for a doctor. That is why sometimes I choose the third option: I sacrifice sleep. It is worth it!
What is your dream job?
I want to become a neurosurgeon. Zambia is in dire need of specialists capable of performing complex operations.
The first year of medical school is considered the most difficult. How do you remember it?
The hardest part was adapting to the strict schedule and volume of information. But I immediately fell in love with anatomy and physiology. I consider them the foundation of all medicine.
Let's imagine you have a time machine and you can go back to the beginning of your first year. What advice would you give yourself?
"Don't be silent if you don't understand something! Teachers appreciate a sincere desire to learn. Ask, clarify, ask for help. And buy a good thermos! Hot tea will warm you up in the cold and at night before an exam." By the way, I have a special ritual before assessments. I drink tea with honey. This advice was given to me by a Russian classmate. And I always listen to Zambian music. It reminds me why I started this path and gives me confidence.
Were there times when you doubted your choice of the medical profession?
After my first practice in the morgue, it was morally hard. But later, when I saw a patient thanking doctors with tears in his eyes for saving his life, all doubts disappeared. I realized that this was my calling.
You are the author of the scientific article "Tay-Sachs disease". What inspires you to choose research topics?
I always look at the problems of Zambia and all of Africa. For example, malaria – why do thousands of people still die from a preventable disease in the 21st century? I am looking for answers here, in the RUDN laboratories, so that one day I can apply this knowledge in my homeland.
If you could solve one global medical problem, what would you do?
Provide access to basic health care for people in African regions. Often people die not from incurable diseases, but because of late diagnosis or the inability to receive basic care.
What do you dream about?
I have two main dreams. The first is to open a clinic in Zambia with high-quality free care for those in need. The second is for my research to save at least one life. I want to contribute to global healthcare.
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