VSMU FAQ

I have just finished my SPM and I am considering going into Medicine. What criteria should I have to go into Medicine?

First of all, we would like to congratulate you for finishing SPM. Regarding criteria, we would like to quote one of our professors, Dr. Aida Rufatovna Babaeva, Доктор медицинских наук, профессор:

“You do not have to be a genius to be a doctor. You just have to be able to think.”

Unlike the myth that all medical students are geniuses, who scored nothing but straight A’s from day 1 of kindergarten, you don’t have to be that smart to make it as a medical student. What you need above all are hard work and discipline. The subjects are not hard but the volume is enormous.

Concerning academic achievements, different universities require different grades. Consult the universities of your choice regarding this. For universities in Russia, you can also consult Russian Resources Sdn Bhd.

Why should I choose Medicine?

Here, we would like to quote Dr. Cox from the sitcom Scrubs:

“I became a doctor for the same four reasons that everybody does - chicks, money, power and chicks.”

But in all seriousness, different people have different reasons. Compassion, the desire to help others are often cited as stimuli but there are an abundance of individuals who have the same view as Dr. Cox, too. For a small portion of students, their choices were even made for them.

We believe that whatever force that drives you is valid. And believe us when we say that your motivation can change during the years of studying. There are students, who started solely because they were forced to do so, now actively enjoy the prospect of being in the Medical field. 

Why choose Russia?

Why not? Russia, since the Soviet years, has been the leader in many different branches of Science, Medicine being one of them. The Russian school of Medicine is indeed different from, say, the American or the British system. For one thing, the Russian system focuses a lot on basic techniques of diagnostics in comparison to the aforementioned systems. At the same time, Medical education in Russia also teaches the latest methods and clinical practical guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization [WHO].

Other than that, the Russian Universities charge substantially less than most universities, even local universities. This is especially important for students who are not on scholarship or loan.

The Motherland Calls, a monument to the Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad

Why Volgograd?

Volgograd herself is a very beautiful town. It is here that the Nazi forces faced their momentous defeat in the Battle of Stalingrad. It was indeed the turning point in the Second World War. Therefore, here, you find many monuments and historical sites that makes it one of the most important tourist spot in Russia.

Volgograd boasts a calm ambience with none of those hustle and bustle of a city. Throughout the city one can find countless parks and statues that beautify the town. It is in this writer's opinion that Volgograd sets the perfect atmosphere for a student.

More information about the city can be found in the Wikipedia article of Volgograd.

The Main Building of the Volgograd State Medical University

According to its official site,  

"The Volgograd State Medical University is one of the most famous and highly reputable Higher Schools both in Russia and abroad. It is proud of its highly-qualified teaching staff, advanced researchers and experienced physicians whose names are world-famous. It is currently headed by the prominent Russian scientist, Academician of the Russian Academy for Medical Sciences, Professor Vladimir I. Petrov.

Nowadays the University ranks very high among the medical schools of the Russian Federation. Many scientists of the University are world-famous owing to their great contribution to the theory and practice of medicine. The University has been training international students since 1962. Students from 113 states of the former Soviet Union, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa have studied at our University. Over this period 3000 physicians, dentists and paediatricians and pharmacists have been trained for foreign countries. Since 2000 the Volgograd State Medical University has got an opportunity to teach foreign students in the English language. "

Truth be told, the Volgograd State Medical University's study system is stricter than some of the other recognized universities in Russia.  We also have longer hours compared to them. But if you're looking to work as little as possible, medicine might not be a good idea.

The most important question of all: Expenditure

This is, of course, a question of individual preferences. We have students scraping by with RM 700-800 a month, one even claim to get by with RM 500, while a number of us is claiming that RM 1600 is not enough. This writer is personally living off RM 1000 a month sans rental fees in considerable luxury. In the end, it is up to how you manage your money, though this writer's advice is the range should be around RM 800-1000.

Safety

If you ask graduates from the Volgograd State Medical University, you will hear gruesome war stories about neo-nazis and skinheads. This was the fact in their time. As someone who has been in this place for 6 years, the writer has seen monumental changes in terms of safety. There are virtually no more cases of violent and non-violent racism these days. The Russians, though usually are initially cold, are much more accepting of foreigners nowadays. In fact, the writer is confident enough to proclaim that Volgograd is safer than most major cities in Malaysia. 

A typical Volgograd winter captured by one of our students, Mohd Hafizuddin Husin. You can view more of his artworks in this link.

Weather

Being situated in a unique geographical position, Volgograd has one of the most fickle weather patterns. In general, Volgograd has a windy dry climate with four seasons. 

In winter, the average temperature would be around -15 to -25 degrees Celcius, the worst being -40 at night 3 years ago.

At the peak of summer, the average temperature range from +33 to +38 degrees Celcius, the maximum being +40, curiously, also that same year.

While in Malaysia, we have rain 3, 4 times a week, in Volgograd, we'll be lucky to get rain 3, 4 times a month. 

Accommodation

Students in Volgograd either live in the university hostels or apartments. First year and pre-medical students are not allowed to live outside the hostels. This writer advises students to stay in hostels for at least two years before moving out to get used with the language and culture of the natives.

There are two hostels provided for Malaysian students. Unfortunately, the University doesn't provide a campus, so, the hostels are located in a reasonable distance from the Main Building of the University. Both hostels provide comfortable lodgings and internet services.

What to bring

Clothes: It is NOT recommended to buy winter clothes from Malaysia. Because of the aforementioned extreme conditions, it is advisable to buy them here in Volgograd. 

Formal and/or traditional clothes are also recommended because there will be functions, which require students to dress formally. 

The wearing of short pants is frowned upon on University grounds and therefore, it is advised to bring a number of long pants.

Foodstuff: DO NOT BE AFRAID. You will not die of hunger in Volgograd. You can find most essential foodstuff you need here. And before you ask, yes, they sell rice here. 

What to bring, though: The writer recommends bringing herbs and spices, curry powder and other traditional, essential foodstuff that the reader needs. The writer himself brought back 10 kilos of Milo the last time he came back from Malaysia.

To our Muslim friends, halal meat is available at the local mosques and one of the hostels. 

Study Materials: For pre-medical students, the writer does not advice them to bring over any textbooks. For First Year students, the only reference book that should be considered is an Anatomy Atlas. That, too, is not essential because the university provides adequate material to the students.

Others: A small personal rice cooker is essential if one eats rice regularly. An umbrella is a waste of luggage space since the wind here can get so strong that you'll be left with a broken umbrella. Get one here instead. Other items are up to the individual's taste and preferences.

That's about it. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to leave a question. We'll answer your questions and update this page as soon as possible.