Modern medicine studies have no borders

In September 2018, Rector of Rīga Stradiņš University, Aigars Pētersons signed a cooperation contract with Azienda Sanitaria di Bolzano Hospital in Bolzano, located in Northern Italy, which provides for the establishment of a RSU clinical training centre and placement opportunities for students in this clinic.

Modern communication technologies have a significant role in the development of cooperation among students, young and already experienced medical practitioners, clinics and universities; however, direct contacts and on-site cooperation is still important and will not lose its significance in the nearest future. This is the opinion of Dr Lydia Pescollderungg, Head of the Paediatrics Department of Bolzano Clinic and coordinator of cooperation with RSU, who shared her opinion on the cooperation.

In your opinion, what are the main benefits of cooperation between Bolzano City Clinic and RSU?

Azienda Sanitaria, a healthcare company in northern Italy, has seven clinics. The leading hospital is situated in Bolzano city, offering the most extensive range of various medical facilities and services. The hospital is located in Southern Tyrol, which is an autonomous province with its own self-government and healthcare management. Consequently, placement at Bolzano clinic will provide an opportunity for RSU students to become acquainted with the Italian healthcare system and its management. 

Since Bolzano Hospital is located geographically close to Austria, it serves as a bridge between two cultures and offers extensive opportunities for international treatment. Communication of all healthcare services is provided in at least two languages – Italian and German. Taking into consideration the high number of tourists who visit the province annually, English is also spoken in almost all departments in the clinic. 

Students who wish to participate in a clinical placement at Bolzano Hospital, are required to have knowledge of German or Italian. English-speaking students are also kindly invited to find out about the network of our clinics, services offered and the health protection system; however, they may not have the possibility to communicate with patients.    

How would you describe the significance of international placement to medical students?

Nowadays, medicine has become international, and its progress is based on local, national and international cooperation. The new media, which are mainly based on the worldwide internet network, ensure modern and intense communication, but they don't provide an opportunity for direct on-site cooperation and communication with international partners, which is ensured by placement in foreign clinics. Moreover, international placement gives an opportunity to learn various approaches and solutions for the same or similar medical problem, which ultimately leads to choosing the most friendly and efficient treatment solution for a patient. A broad vision and international experience, as well as knowledge of various possible treatment methods is an obvious benefit which placement in foreign clinics provides. 

Which study programmes does Bolzano clinic offer to future medical practitioners?

The healthcare company Azienda Sanitaria has signed contracts with many Italian universities, for example, the University of Verona, the University of Innsbruck in Austria, and several universities in Germany. These cooperation programmes ensure studies to students and residents in a wide range of medical fields. .

What is your opinion on the role of simulations in the study process?

Simulations give insight into the practical medical treatment processes and reduce the possibility of medical errors. This is of great importance, because errors during the treatment process still affect patients. For this reason, Azienda Sanitaria offers simulation-based studies to prospective medical practitioners.