A Historic Milestone in International Medical Education: Students from the People’s Republic of China Have Received Master’s Degrees at GrSMU

A special ceremony took place today at Grodno State Medical University, where Master’s students from the People’s Republic of China were awarded their diplomas. Five talented students – Dong Kun, Li Zhongzheng, Sun Tiantian, Xu Peng and Cai Miaoqing – have successfully completed their studies in the “General Medicine” program. This occasion is particularly significant, as these students represent the first intake of Master’s students from China at the University.

The studies were conducted in English and lasted one year. A key milestone was the successful defense of Master’s theses on relevant scientific topics.

Addressing the graduates, Ihar Georgievich Zhuk, the Rector of GrSMU, noted that this is a unique event not only for the University, but also for the history of medical education. According to him, such an experience opens up new horizons for international cooperation and enables the establishment of sustainable academic ties between countries.

“I am certain that this year has been highly beneficial for you in scientific terms: you have taken your first, yet confident steps in research. Throughout the year, you worked on your theses alongside your scientific supervisors and successfully defended them. I hope that you will continue to engage in research, advance medical science and further your professional development,” – emphasized Ihar Georgievich.

The Rector also noted that close cooperation has been established between the Republic of Belarus and the People’s Republic of China: partnerships are developing in the economic, cultural and educational spheres, and warm and friendly relations have been established between the leaders of the two countries.

“A great many citizens of the People’s Republic of China study in our country. This once again speaks to the high quality of our education system. We take pride in this and will, of course, do everything possible to further develop our partnership,” – the Head of the University noted. – “I am confident that in the future even more Master’s students from the People’s Republic of China will choose our University for their studies. I would also like to highlight that Grodno State Medical University was the first medical institution to gain experience in training Master’s students in medical fields for the People’s Republic of China”.

On behalf of the University administration, Ihar Georgievich congratulated the graduates on completing their Master’s studies and receiving their degrees and wished them continued prosperity and professional growth. He expressed confidence that, during their time in the country, the students got to know the history of the city and the Republic of Belarus and visited sites of historical significance, museums and monuments.

“Each of you will take home warm memories and knowledge about our country and will be able to tell your loved ones and colleagues how much is being done to develop and strengthen ties between our states,” – the Rector added.

Mikhail Nikolaevich Kurbat, the Vice-Rector for Research at GrSMU, noted that unique educational programs were developed for Master’s students and that their training was conducted in English.

“Medical education systems in China and the Republic of Belarus differ: China offers a Bachelor’s degree program and many graduates of Chinese medical schools require further advanced education to pursue careers in scientific and practical field. It is precisely this opportunity that Chinese students found at Grodno State Medical University,” – said the Vice-Rector for Research. – “The Master’s students successfully completed a one-year advanced medical education program in General Medicine and defended their Master’s theses on relevant topics. The diplomas awarding marked the logical conclusion of this stage”.

Mikhail Nikolaevich noted that the knowledge gained in the Republic of Belarus would help graduates to actively advance their professional careers and contribute to strengthening friendly relations between the countries. He also highlighted the unique nature of the GrSMU Master’s program, noting that it is the only medical University offering a Master’s degree program in English. 

“Our University looks forward to the further development of this initiative. Plans are already in place to admit new undergraduate students from the People’s Republic of China, starting in September to pursue advanced higher education program in General Medicine,” – he concluded.

The Master’s students have completed numerous hours of study, mastered their academic programs, written their theses and discovered Belarus. Li Zhongzheng, who earned a Master’s degree in General Medicine, described his time as a Master’s student as a pivotal stage in his life. Throughout this period, the students received support and assistance from the University teachers and administration.

“I will apply the knowledge I’ve gained in the future. Upon returning home, I plan to work as a doctor – most likely an ophthalmologist – and perhaps engage in research as well. Beyond my studies, what I enjoyed most was your culture – it is interesting, diverse and unique. I also really loved Belarusian cuisine!” – shared Li Zhongzheng. 

We wholeheartedly wish our Master’s students a confident start of their professional careers, boundless energy for new endeavors and significant achievements on their chosen path. May the knowledge gained at GrSMU serve as a solid foundation for their medical practice and research and may warm memories of their time in Belarus continue to inspire and uplift them.