The first medical specialists out of citizens of foreign countries graduated from the University in 1969.
The Faculty of General Medicine is the oldest and biggest one at Belarusian State Medical University. As far as 1921 the first students entered the Faculty of General Medicine of Belarusian State University. In 1930 the Faculty of General Medicine started the history of Minsk State Medical Institute which was renamed to Belarusian State Medical University in 2001. For many years the Faculty of General Medicine had been the only faculty of our University and trained doctors in practically all medical fields. After the establishment of other faculties the Faculty of General Medicine trains specialists responsible for health care and its promotion, diagnostics, treatment, follow up and prevention of adult population diseases.
In 2011 the BSMU celebrated its 90th anniversary. Over these years the teaching staff of the University has accumulated substantial methodological, clinical and scientific experience allowing the young generation of the country to get higher education meeting the highest modern standards. At present over 2600 students study here. Currently, over 400 specialists graduate annually from the Faculty compared with 21 doctors who were the first to receive the diploma of the University.
During its existence the Faculty has trained over 28 thousand doctors, many of whom are acknowledged scientists, health care providers, outstanding surgeons, therapeutists and doctors of other specialties. The Faculty encompasses 20 Departments of the University. At present 258 members of the teaching staff work at the Faculty. Out of the general number of the staff 171 people have a scientific degree (74%), including 32 – Dr Sci. 28 members have an academic title of professor of Medicine, 84– PhD in Medicine.
We take pride in the fact that most of the teachers of our University have graduated from the Faculty of General Medicine of our University in different years. It is the graduates of the general medicine faculty who currently determine the level of medical and preventive care provided to the population and the state of medical science in the Republic of Belarus.
After entering the University you will have to undergo a long way in the vast field of knowledge, to study numerous disciplines, to pass a great number of credit tests and examinations. At present the curriculum includes more than 70 subjects, including additional optional training courses taught by 54 departments of the University. The training period at the faculty is expected to last 6 years. You will be trained in the specialty called “general medicine”.
During the first two years of study the students master the subjects of medical-biological sciences, the fundamentals of humanities and social disciplines. The main subjects for students of the faculty are Normal Anatomy and Histology, Cytology and Embryology. The third year is aimed at mastering general professional disciplines.
The first two years of study develop the basis of theoretical knowledge in the specialty and applied knowledge of biology and medicine. The 4th, 5th and 6th years are devoted to acquiring the basis of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the chosen field of medicine. The students are trained at clinical bases of the University including 21 institutions: the best city multi-profile hospitals and polyclinics, specialized therapeutic-diagnostic centers, dispensaries, maternity homes and other health care institutions. They listen to the lectures of leading specialists; under the guidance of experienced teachers they study internal and surgical diseases, obstetrics and gynecology, infectious diseases, dermatovenerology, oncology, neurology and neurosurgery, traumatology and orthopedics and many other disciplines. In the process of teaching independent work of students with patients, mastering skills of clinical examination, interpretation of laboratory data and special investigation methods are of primary concern.
Starting with the 3rd year, the students of the Faculty of General Medicine begin every summer with clinical practice where future doctors have an opportunity to apply the acquired knowledge in clinic. Completing 3 years the students of the Faculty undergo nursing practice, finishing 4 years – medical out-patient clinical training and after the 5th year – medical clinical practice. Students have an opportunity to take an active part in medical and diagnostic processes and gain experience from the teachers.
Students interested in research have promising opportunities. During the period of education, already from the first year, students have an opportunity to join the students’ scientific society both at theoretical and clinical departments, to speak at meetings with reports. Especially diligent students prepare extended scientific presentations which are presented at BSMU annual students’ scientific conferences. Upon graduation the students who make excellent progress in the study and scientific work are offered the possibility to continue scientific research at BSMU and other leading scientific centers of the Republic of Belarus. The country leaders pay special attention to support and help of talented and gifted young people developing their potential and contributing to their future career. The students who have reached significant results in study, research work and socially useful activity are included in the Databank of gifted youth which allows the graduate not only to apply to prestigious workplaces, but also to get additional financial support from the state.
Despite difficulties in study the years at the University is the most remarkable period in the life of young people. Each student can try sports, amateur performances, become the author and the correspondent of the University newspaper. The national amateur group 'Panatseya' has been working at the faculty for more than three decades. The students’ club of the University welcomes all talented students.
The administration of the University and the dean's office pay much attention to students’ life. In 2011 the students of the general medicine faculty were granted the modern building of Hostel #10.
The 6th year students finish their subinternship, a peculiar preclinical training in four main branches of the specialty «General Medicine»: therapy, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, anesthesiology and intensive care.
The training process finishes with the state exams in Therapy, Surgery, Obstetrics and Public Health. Having passed the final exams the graduate obtains the diploma and qualification of a 'general practitioner'. Diploma award procedure annually takes place in a festive atmosphere in the assembly hall of the University.
The main activity of the doctor who has graduated from the general medicine faculty is providing medical care to the adult population of the Republic of Belarus. After one year of internship the graduate receives the qualification certificate and the MD degree giving him the right to be engaged in practical profession of a physician. Further he has an opportunity to complete additional courses of retraining and receive a narrower specialty: gastroenterologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, oncologist, endocrinologist, ultrasonographer, etc.