RSU leadership outlines future of medical education at Convent of Councillors meeting

Photo: Courtesy of RSU

On Wednesday, 14 May, a meeting of the Convent of Councillors of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) took place, during which members were introduced to the Medicine 3.0 study programme and recent changes to the national examination process.

Opening the meeting, Prof. Ludmila Vīksna, Chair of the Convent of Councillors, presented the agenda and outlined its significance. She emphasised that the 10th Latvian Congress of Physicians will take place in a month’s time, with active participation from RSU representatives. On behalf of the Congress’ Scientific Committee, Prof. Vīksna read a letter addressed to the 15th Latvian Congress of Physicians, scheduled to take place in 20 years’– in so doing, she effectively addressed the next generation of doctors.

Addressing the participants of the meeting, RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons described the development of medicine as a rapidly evolving process.

‘Today, we are sometimes amazed by the possibilities that artificial intelligence offers in disease diagnosis, treatment, data processing, research and other areas, but in a year or two, this will be our everyday reality,’ the Rector emphasised.

Assoc. Prof. Ingus Skadiņš, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Director of the Medicine study programme, introduced Medicine 3.0 as a modern and improved study programme.

New courses will be introduced, including Fundamentals of Digital Health and Health Data, Legal Aspects of the Rights and Responsibilities of Medical Personnel and Patients, and Entrepreneurship. Turning Ideas into Business. In accordance with accreditation requirements, a new study course has been developed – Advanced First Aid and Civil Protection. The updated programme is currently undergoing accreditation by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), which will further confirm that it meets the highest global standards of medical education.

Prof. Jana Pavāre, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, spoke about changes to the national examination process for the Medicine study programme. The theoretical part of the examination will consist of five situational tasks, lasting a total of 120 minutes without interruption.

Increasing emphasis will be placed on practical training at patients’ bedside when assessing future doctors.

This year, examinations will take place both in clinical settings and in simulated environments at the RSU Medical Education Technology Centre (METC). Changes are also being introduced in the assessment of manipulation skills. This summer’s national examinations will begin on 22 May.

In conclusion, members of the Convent of Councillors expressed their strong support for the planned updates and enhancements to the medical education system, while also highlighting a range of issues related to the study process and the daily work of medical professionals.