Junior Doctors Academy launches new season with record interest and exciting new features
This year brings record participation, new opportunities, and fresh topics for the Junior Doctors Academy (JDA). According to Ingus Skadiņš, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and long-standing Head of the JDA, all 100 available places were booked within seconds. However, RSU’s offer does not end there — more than 200 additional pupils will be able to follow the classes remotely via Zoom. This exceptional level of interest highlights the Academy’s strong appeal and its importance for future medical students.
The JDA programme traditionally opens with the topic of microbiology, which not only introduces the study content but also helps new participants get to know one another and build a sense of unity. This first session serves as both an ice-breaker and an invitation for pupils to take an active role in the upcoming classes, providing an overview of the Academy’s calendar. Assoc. Prof. Ingus Skadiņš notes that several important innovations have been introduced this year, with a particular emphasis on strengthening mental health and well-being. This is reflected in a new psychology module that includes practical sessions and the involvement of a student interest group. The topic features discussions and hands-on activities focused on self-development, stress management, and emotional balance — skills that are especially valuable before and during the examination period.
The Academy actively involves student scientific interest groups and graduates who share their experiences of everyday life in medical studies. Such exchanges are valuable, as students speak the same language as pupils and can provide an up-to-date perspective on student life, studies, and the challenges they face. Participants from student interest groups are not the only ones taking part in classes. On the first day, a recent graduate of JDA who is now a student at the Faculty of Medicine, shared her insights, followed by a fifth-year student who spoke about her experiences. This year, JDA focuses on medical simulation, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, microbiology, as well as sports science, a topic that was particularly well-received last year.
Physical activity is emphasised as an important aspect of preventive medicine, encouraging pupils to develop habits that reduce the risk of disease.
The classes will take place on site once a month; however, given the high demand, it will also be possible to learn remotely. This provides an opportunity for participants from across Latvia to take part in a high-quality educational process. Cooperation schools, such as the neighbouring Jānis Šteinhauers Secondary School in Riga, regularly take part in JDA activities, bringing together a large number of participants – more than 200 students. This creates a unique network and cooperation platform, fostering synergies between the real experiences of students and graduates, initiatives from different regions, and new contacts.
As noted by Assoc. Prof. Ingus Skadiņš, the importance of the JDA is not only academic but also social.
It helps young people to identify their interests and talents early on, make informed career choices, and thus ease their admission and study process at university.
The new participants have the opportunity to test their skills, learn theoretical concepts, acquire practical skills, and receive support from teaching staff and students. The programme promotes personal and professional growth and serves as a springboard to training of highly qualified new generation of medical professionals.
