TNMU Students Took Part in the University of Manchester Summer School in Medicine
As part of the twinning partnership between the University of Manchester and I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, five fourth-year TNMU students — Anastasiia Pryvrotsska, Nazarii Bobko, Evelina Sas, Veronika Kichula, and Mykhailo Haley — took part in the International Summer School in Medicine at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom from July 19 to August 9, 2026.
The Summer School programme was designed around a comprehensive understanding of the medical profession, with a focus on the doctor as a communicator, researcher, and clinician. It consisted of three thematic weeks, each dedicated to developing specific professional skills.
During the first week, “Communication Skills,” the students learned about the specific features of the UK healthcare system, discussed current global health issues, and explored the challenges facing modern medicine. An important part of the programme was teamwork with participants from different countries, which gave the students an opportunity to share experiences and compare the medical education systems and healthcare systems of their respective countries. In particular, the participants worked together to create video materials about medicine and healthcare systems in their home countries.
The second week of the Summer School, “Research Skills,” focused on developing research skills and gaining practical experience in scientific work. The students learned more about the principles of conducting medical research and practised formulating research questions. Practical laboratory sessions played a particularly important role in the programme. During these sessions, the participants worked with laboratory equipment and completed practical tasks, including activities designed to deepen their knowledge of microbiology. The students also discussed environmental sustainability in healthcare, participated in Team-Based Learning activities, and improved their academic writing skills.
The third week of the Summer School was devoted to the development of “Clinical Skills.” A significant part of the training took place in a simulation centre, where the students had the opportunity to experience clinical practice as realistically as possible. During sessions with simulated patients, the participants independently took medical histories, assessed patients’ conditions, determined appropriate further management, and practised professional communication skills.
Some practical sessions focused on basic physical examination. The students learned how to measure blood pressure correctly, assess neurological status, and examine deep tendon reflexes.
In specially equipped simulation rooms, the participants also developed a range of essential practical skills required in medical practice. Under the guidance of instructors, they practised catheter insertion, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, methods of temporary haemorrhage control, and first-aid algorithms for emergency situations.
The final day of the Summer School was dedicated to the presentation and assessment of group projects in the form of posters addressing topics related to the principles of social responsibility.
The TNMU participants express their sincere gratitude to the University of Manchester, particularly Dr Hazel England and the entire University of Manchester team, for the invaluable experience of scientific, social, and intercultural exchange.
The Twinning Partnership Programme was initiated by the Cormack Consultancy Group with the support of the President of Ukraine’s Fund and UK Universities. We express our gratitude to Prof. Keith Brennan, Vice Dean for Internationalisation, Professor Margaret Kingston, Dr Silke Conen, and everyone who contributed to this initiative.