TNMU Students Participated in International Summer School in Medicine at the University of Manchester

As part of the twinning partnership between the University of Manchester and Ternopil National Medical University, from July 22 to August 9, 2024, fifth-year students from TNMU attended an international summer school in medicine at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.

The initiative is coordinated by Cormack Consultancy Group with the support of Universities UK International, the President of Ukraine’s Fund for Education, Science, and Sports, and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (https://www.twinningukraine.com/).

During this program, over three weeks, TNMU students, along with students from medical universities in China, Hong Kong, Egypt, Kenya, the USA, and Romania, attended lectures by leading health specialists, participated in interactive workshops and public discussions on topics related to medicine, medical education, biological sciences, and research activities, and engaged in various social events.

The summer school program in medicine is based on the concept of understanding the role of the physician as a communicator, researcher, and clinician, and includes three thematic weeks aimed at developing relevant skills.

During the first week, titled ‘Communication Skills,’ students were introduced to key aspects of the UK healthcare system, explored global health issues and challenges in detail, participated in discussions on personal and professional development for doctors, and the role of the medical community in society within the context of social responsibility. Participants also had the exceptional opportunity to experience the role of a doctor in a virtual reality simulation room.

Participants of the international summer school from TNMU with Dr. Dominik Ruckerl.

TNMU students with Dr. Stavros Panagiotou, presenting the results of their practical work in the microbiology laboratory at the University of Manchester.

The second week, titled ‘Research Skills,’ focused on acquiring skills necessary for research activities. It included a series of lectures and practical sessions on the specifics of the scientific method, research design, the use of statistical analysis and scientific writing style, as well as practical work in the microbiology laboratory at the University of Manchester.

Participants of the international summer school from TNMU with Dr. Dominik Ruckerl.

TNMU students with Dr. Stavros Panagiotou, showcasing the results of their practical work in the microbiology laboratory at the University of Manchester.

‘Clinical Skills’ was the central theme of the final week of the international summer school. During this period, participants deepened their knowledge of clinical reasoning and critical thinking, improved their practical skills in patient interaction and clinical examination, and engaged in medical decision-making using virtual patients. The final day of the summer school was dedicated to presenting and evaluating group projects in the form of posters on topics related to social responsibility. The top prize was awarded to the project ‘Turning Medical Errors into Lessons,’ proposed by TNMU student Uliana Dyshko and executed in collaboration with a team of participants from Egypt, Kenya, and China.

Ternopil National Medical University student Uliana Dyshko with a team of students from Egypt, Kenya, and China, were awarded winner certificates for the best poster by Dr. Hazel England.

TNMU student Uliana Dyshko, together with a team of students from Egypt, Kenya, and China, were awarded winner certificates for the best poster by Dr. Hazel England.

In addition to their intense academic schedule, Ukrainian students actively participated in various social events and networking opportunities, exchanged cultural experiences with participants from other countries, visited notable landmarks in Manchester, and explored the historical and cultural heritage of the United Kingdom during trips to other cities.

TNMU students Uliana Dyshko, Olha Opleta, Tetiana Orlyk, and Liliya Fedyshyn at Lyme Park.

Ternopil National Medical University students Liliya Fedyshyn, Olha Opleta, and Uliana Dyshko with participants from China and Egypt after a social event.

With students from Mansoura University (Egypt) during a trip to Liverpool.

The participants of the program from Ternopil National Medical University express their deep gratitude to the University of Manchester, particularly to Prof. Margaret Kingston, Prof. Silke Konen, Dr. Jess Grundy, Dr. Hazel England, Tegan Minzie, and the entire team of the schools, as well as to Ternopil National Medical University professor Oksana Shevchuk for the opportunity to participate in the international summer school in medicine at the University of Manchester and for the invaluable experience gained in scientific, social, and intercultural interactions.

The information and photos were provided by Uliana Dyshko.