February 20, Minister of Education Andrei Ivanets visited the simulation and certification center of the Belarusian State Medical University, met with the administration, deans, members of the student union, student government, student scientific society, and activists of the PA "Belarusian Republican Youth Union" of the university.

Initially, the simulation and certification center was a practical training laboratory. The main task of the structural unit was to organize practical training for students using simulators and mannequins. In 2022, at a meeting of the University Council, the parties considered the issue of developing practice-oriented education at the university. As a result, the practical training laboratory was renamed into a simulation and certification center, the teaching staff was expanded, new studying programs were initiated and modern simulation equipment was installed.

From its foundation to the present time, the simulation and certification center has been implementing educational programs for professional training and education of medical personnel in the system of continuous professional medical education.

The center is equipped with high-quality simulation equipment, which allows for realistic training in such areas as: “anesthesiology and resuscitation”, “obstetrics and gynecology”, “pediatrics”, “surgery”, “general medical practice”, “nursing and manipulation techniques”, “first aid”, “ultrasound diagnostics” etc.
During a meaningful conversation with the administration, students, and activists of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union, the Minister of Education indicated that the President is very attentive to education issues.

“Nowadays, practice-orientation and honing professional skills in simulation centers are coming to the fore. The scientific approach and the effectiveness of scientific research are important. Any specialist must learn throughout his life. Other ways are impossible,” stated Andrei Ivanets.

In an interview to the journalists, the Minister of Education noted that after the last meeting of the Head of State with members of the Republican Council of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions, which concerned improving the quality of higher education and, in general, conducting a complete audit of the state of national higher education, the priority task is to hold meetings with university staff in order to take a fresh look at the issues raised by the President.

“Precisely today, when visiting the Belarusian State Medical University, it was important not just to study the material and technical base, but to communicate with teachers, students, ask their opinion: how are those new educational technologies that are very actively being introduced in our universities, in particular for medical education and the creation of simulation centers affect the quality? Here it is very important not to lose the basis that has been developed over decades. We also need to keep up with the times,” the Minister said.

Andrey Ivanets indicated that ideal conditions for training have been created for future doctors. Thus, the educational process takes place in fairly small groups, the teacher enthusiastically works with each student individually. Theoretical classes are very harmoniously intertwined and combined with practical classes in providing first aid and medical aid. Appropriate information technologies are actively used in examination and diagnosis.

In this regard, the head of the department believes that today the education system, precisely from the point of view of training qualified specialists, meets all the challenges of our time, counting the needs of tomorrow.

Over the past few years, the Ministry of Education has been carrying out a lot of systematic work, optimizing the structure of training specialists not only at the level of higher education, but also carries out a process of adaptation to the structure of the economy. Over the course of three years, enrollment in medical and pedagogical specialties has been increased. Recruitment for engineering specialties is maintained at a fairly high level, which is understandable, since our country is very developed in the industrial sector, engineers, technologists, and designers are seriously involved. In this regard, the education system has created good conditions for early career guidance and a high level of training for these specialists.

Training qualified specialists for the agro-industrial complex is solid and ongoing. The complex is an important area that not only ensures the country’s food security, but is also a serious area for export.

At the same time, the Minister emphasized the current point: “We understand perfectly well that these specialists whom we are preparing must then work in a fairly comfortable conditions. When we talk about providing a young specialist with his first job, we must first of all imagine what opportunities are created for professional growth. The point is not, as the President said, that we must immediately provide housing, an apartment and a high pay. A young man who has graduated from university must receive the necessary conditions at his first job in order to, on the one hand, become a specialist, and on the other, to continuously improve his qualifications. After this, everything else one need will definitely be achieved, such as professional development, career growth and the necessary financial conditions for life that our youth demand.”

Another aspect is that it is very important to communicate with young people so that they understand that the state, in turn, expects full commitment from young professionals who will work effectively for the benefit of the country and the industry in which they will work.