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Programme Fact File

Study direction:
Health Care
Second level study programme
accredited until
Degree conferred / qualification obtained:
Medical Doctor (MD)
Language: English
Credit points/ECTS: 240/360
Study location: Rīga
6 years
Weekdays
8:00–20:00
Places:
368 full fee

Why study medicine in Latvia? Our Medicine programme is specifically designed to teach students the core competencies that are required in order to become highly skilled doctors who, upon graduation, are capable of pursuing a wide variety of careers.

Student cooperation and their active engagement in group work characterises the programme. The studies involve working on a series of patient-centred problems that reveal the basic principles influencing human health and disease. Students gain medical knowledge and practical clinical skills through the opportunity to work with patients from the 3rd year onwards.

The Faculty of Medicine offers a professional education and the opportunity to study medicine under the guidance of professors from Latvian universities and hospitals, as well as from abroad. As a student in this programme, you will acquire up-to-date knowledge and skills, which are competitive in Europe and the rest of the world.

Study environment and methods

The study programme is based on the concept that a doctor is a trained medical practitioner who acts directly or indirectly on human beings through scientifically based medical activities. A doctor's professional activities include prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and medical rehabilitation, the assessment of diseases and the functional limitations these can cause.

The study process includes placements in clinical patient care, internal medicine, surgery, and obstetrics and gynaecology that supplements theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Simulation-based medical education is implemented at the Medical Education Technology Centre (METC), using modern multi-level simulations to improve practical skills in both individual and team scenarios. 

RSU graduates and lecturers at the Faculty of Medicine include people who are successfully working in both Latvian and foreign clinics, at research institutes and international health organisations.

The departments of the Faculty of Medicine coordinate learning in all clinical and theoretical medical disciplines. In cooperation with universities and research institutes of other countries, the faculty departments have become scientific schools and research centres, which ensures the professional quality of teaching staff at RSU.

Study environment

Studies take place in suitable lecture halls, classrooms, laboratories, hospital wards, and study centres. During their studies, students are given free access to a variety of e-resources such as e-books, videos, scientific databases, and other international e-resources.

Students can use the RSU Library, which has been classified as a library of national importance. It provides a unique range of medical literature.

The RSU METC is the only simulation centre in Latvia and the largest in the Baltics. It has the appropriate infrastructure and equipment to ensure that students can acquire and improve their skills, and the centre can implement simulation programmes in various healthcare sectors.

Starting from the 4th semester, theoretical and practical classes take place in well-equipped classrooms at the largest hospitals in Riga.

Some students spend one year of their studies in another European Union country through the Erasmus+ programme. Some of the study courses can be acquired in leading foreign hospitals of the student's own choice. Many Latvian students also voluntarily choose to continue their studies in international groups.

The study programme is comprised of compulsory and elective courses. 

Basic subjects (years 1 to 2)

You will acquire basic medical disciplines. It is important to have a general theoretical knowledge base on which to model an understanding of the human body and its normal functioning. The contents comprise several disciplines from different fields of science (anatomy, histology, embryology, molecular biology, physiology, medical chemistry and biochemistry), as well as the humanities (philosophy, psychology, languages).

Preclinical subjects (year 3)

You will acquire medical disciplines related to pathological conditions and processes, as well as introduction to basic clinical disciplines. The aim is to develop an in-depth understanding of the human body and its functioning in pathological conditions and to develop skills to examine these abnormal conditions. The contents comprise subjects that will broaden the perspective on diagnosis and investigating diseases: pathology, radiology, pharmacology, introduction to clinical medicine, genetics, basics of clinical care, basics of rehabilitation, clinical microbiology, and general surgery.

Clinical subjects (years 4 to 5)

You will acquire clinical disciplines. During this period, studies mainly take place in medical institutions in a real clinical setting. Here you will gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills on working with patients in almost all fields of medicine. At the same time, you will be improving your practical skills through simulations at the RSU METC.

Year 6

A clinical-practical study year in which you will spend three placement rotation cycles at medical institutions in internal diseases, invasive medicine, and a subject of your free choice. This will prepare you for general medical practice under the guidance of qualified specialists, as well as for continuing medical studies in residency where it is important to choose a speciality that is interesting and suitable to you. At the end of your studies, you will have to defend your research work and pass the national examination.

Study methods

For more information on the Latvian education system, please see the homepage of the Academic Information Centre.

Syllabus

Course codeStudy course titleĪstenotājsKursa vadītājsCredit points/ETCS
PAK_015An Extended Course in Pathology and Morphological Diagnosis of TumoursDepartment of PathologyInese Briede2 / 3
RAK_027Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ImagingDepartment of RadiologyMaija Radziņa2 / 3
GMK_002Basics of Family MedicineDepartment of Family MedicineVija Siliņa3 / 4.5
PEK_049Basics of Paediatrics IDepartment of PaediatricsValda Staņēviča4 / 6
PEK_057Basics of Paediatrics IIIDepartment of PaediatricsValda Staņēviča2 / 3
RAK_018Basics of RadiologyDepartment of RadiologyNauris Zdanovskis1 / 1.5
VC_009Basics of Russian in MedicineLanguage CentreSvetlana Muhejeva2 / 3
SUUK_032Cardiac Fitness and Strength Training EquipmentDepartment of Sports and NutritionUģis Ciematnieks2 / 3
RAK_023Clinical Cases in Radiology: How to get to the DiagnosisDepartment of RadiologyIlze Apine2 / 3
BUMK_067Clinical MicrobiologyDepartment of Biology and MicrobiologyJuta Kroiča4 / 6
REK_223Clinical Rehabilitation in PaediatricsDepartment of RehabilitationGunta Kristapsone2 / 3
REK_222Clinical Rehabilitation in SurgeryDepartment of RehabilitationIlla Mihejeva2 / 3
KPUMTK_001Clinical SkillsDepartment of Clinical Skills and Medical TechnologiesOļegs Sabeļņikovs1 / 1.5
IUDK_035Covid-19 Developments and Predictions, Effects on Humans and Humanity Itself Department of InfectologyLudmila Vīksna2 / 3
HZK_031Death and DyingDepartment of HumanitiesUldis Vēgners2 / 3
DVK_002Dermatovenerology (Pathology Visualisation, Modern Diagnostics, Therapy Possibilities)Department of Dermatology and VenereologyElga Bataraga2 / 3
PUNK_015Diagnostics and Treatment of Psychical Disorders in Primary CareDepartment of Psychiatry and NarcologyElmārs Tērauds2 / 3
ISK_211Differential Diagnosis of Endocrine DiseasesDepartment of Internal DiseasesIlze Konrāde2 / 3
ISK_218Differential Diagnostics and Current Issues in Treatment of Internal Diseases Department of Internal DiseasesJūlija Voicehovska3 / 4.5
ISK_002ElectrocardiographyDepartment of Internal DiseasesOskars Kalējs2 / 3
MK_027EmbryologyDepartment of MorphologyMāra Pilmane2 / 3
AUVMK_014Environmental MedicineDepartment of Occupational and Environmental MedicineJeļena Reste2 / 3
SUUK_018Exercises of Various Fitness MethodsDepartment of Sports and NutritionAnita Gauruča2 / 3
PAK_016Extended Course in Pathology of Gastrointestinal Diseases (Pathomorphology and Pathological Physiology)Department of PathologyInta Liepniece-Karele2 / 0
FK_068Foundations of 3D PrintingDepartment of PhysicsJevgenijs Proskurins2 / 3
FK_069Foundations of IT Department of PhysicsDidzis Lauva2 / 3
ISK_214GastroenterologyDepartment of Internal DiseasesJuris Pokrotnieks2 / 3
ISK_061HaematologyDepartment of Internal DiseasesSandra Lejniece1 / 1.5
SUUK_117Health GymnasticsDepartment of Sports and NutritionMaruta Hoferte2 / 3
KPUMTK_003Interdisciplinary Approach to Emergency Medical ConditionsDepartment of Clinical Skills and Medical TechnologiesMarina Šarkele2 / 3
ISK_213Internal Diseases I (Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Endocrinology)Department of Internal DiseasesJuris Pokrotnieks7 / 10.5
BUMK_007Introduction to EcologyDepartment of Biology and MicrobiologyVilnis Šķipars2 / 3
VC_151Latvian Conversation in a Medical Setting for International Students - Level 1Language CentreInga Kaija2 / 3
VC_150Latvian Conversation in a Medical Setting for International Students - Level 1Language CentreInga Kaija2 / 3
VC_149Latvian Conversation in a Medical Setting for International Students - Level 1Language CentreInga Kaija2 / 3
VC_152Latvian Conversation in a Medical Setting for International Students - Level 2Language CentreInga Kaija2 / 3
VC_153Latvian Conversation in a Medical Setting for International Students - Level 2Language CentreInga Kaija2 / 3
VC_154Latvian Conversation in a Medical Setting for International Students - Level 3Language CentreInga Kaija2 / 3
BUMK_066Medical Microbiology and ImmunologyDepartment of Biology and MicrobiologyJuta Kroiča4 / 6
VC_116Medical Terminology in Russian for International StudentsLanguage CentreSvetlana Muhejeva2 / 3
BUMK_013Medicinal Plants and Their UseDepartment of Biology and MicrobiologyRudīte Koka2 / 3
NUNK_017NeurologyDepartment of Neurology and NeurosurgeryDaina Pastare4 / 6
NUNK_002NeurosurgeryDepartment of Neurology and NeurosurgeryRolfs Ozols1 / 1.5
SUUK_049Nordic WalkingDepartment of Sports and NutritionIrēna Upeniece2 / 3
KK_028Novelties in SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryAndrejs Brikuns2 / 3
SUUK_090Nutrition for AthletesDepartment of Sports and NutritionJānis Leitis2 / 3
SUUK_134Nutrition for Health during Various Stages of Life, Functional FoodDepartment of Sports and NutritionLaila Meija2 / 3
OFK_003OphthalmologyDepartment of OphthalmologyGuna Laganovska2 / 3
ORTK_001OrthopaedicsDepartment of OrthopaedicsAndris Jumtiņš4 / 6
PEK_059Paediatric NeurologyDepartment of PaediatricsJurģis Strautmanis2 / 3
AURK_053Patient oriented and Chinese Medicine systems. Health and PainDepartment of Anaesthesiology and Intensive CareEdgars Vasiļevskis2 / 3
VPUPK_270Personality Psychology and HealthDepartment of Health Psychology and PaedagogyJana Duhovska2 / 3
HZK_030Phenomenology of the BodyDepartment of HumanitiesUldis Vēgners2 / 3
FK_070Physics of Medical Equipment and Nanotechnology IDepartment of PhysicsJeļena Kosmača2 / 3
SUUK_178PilatesDepartment of Sports and NutritionAnita Gauruča2 / 3
MDAK_075Placement of Clinical CareDepartment of Nursing and MidwiferyEvija Melbārde2 / 3
MF_050Placement Rotation Surgical DiseasesFaculty of MedicineJānis Vilmanis6 / 9
ISK_210PneumonologyDepartment of Internal DiseasesMadara Tirzīte2 / 3
NUNK_005Practical NeurosurgeryDepartment of Neurology and NeurosurgeryKaspars Auslands2 / 3
ORTK_004Pre-Clinic OrthopaedicsDepartment of OrthopaedicsRuta Jakušonoka2 / 3
PUNK_005PsychiatryDepartment of Psychiatry and NarcologyElmārs Rancāns3 / 4.5
PUNK_010Psychological Disorders in Internal Disease ClinicDepartment of Psychiatry and NarcologyĻubova Renemane2 / 3
PMUPK_005Psychosomatic MedicineDepartment of Psychosomatic Medicine and PsychotherapyGunta Ancāne2 / 3
PMUPK_021PsychosomaticsDepartment of Psychosomatic Medicine and PsychotherapyGunta Ancāne1 / 1.5
MF_002Research PaperFaculty of MedicineIngus Skadiņš2 / 3
ISK_082RheumatologyDepartment of Internal DiseasesAnda Kadiša1 / 1.5
ISK_207RheumatologyDepartment of Internal DiseasesAnda Kadiša2 / 3
JF_487Rights and Obligations of PatientsFaculty of LawKarina Palkova2 / 3
HZK_050SexualityDepartment of HumanitiesVents Sīlis2 / 3
GMK_003Special Issues of Family MedicineDepartment of Family MedicineVija Siliņa2 / 3
SUUK_084Sports and GamesDepartment of Sports and NutritionIndra Vīnberga2 / 3
SUUK_204Sports for HealthDepartment of Sports and NutritionIndra Vīnberga2 / 3
KPUMTK_002Standard Situations in Internal MedicineDepartment of Clinical Skills and Medical TechnologiesEdijs Šmagris2 / 3
MF_053State ExaminationFaculty of MedicineIngus Skadiņš10 / 15
KK_002Topical Issues in Angiology, Thoracic Surgery, Transplantology and UrologyDepartment of SurgeryAndrejs Brikuns2 / 3
ISK_015Topical Issues in Differential Diagnostics of Internal DiseasesDepartment of Internal DiseasesJūlija Voicehovska2 / 3
DUGK_012Topical Issues in Obstetrics and GynaecologyDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyDace Rezeberga 2 / 3
ISK_206Topicalities in Epidemiology, Diagnostics and Treatment of Oncological Diseases. Differential Diagnosis of Haematological SyndromesDepartment of Internal DiseasesSandra Lejniece2 / 3
SUUK_281Yoga and Meditation: Current Practices and SolutionsDepartment of Sports and NutritionGints Peleckis2 / 3

Admissions requirements

Study bases

Career opportunities following studies

Upon a successful completion of the six year undergraduate course you will receive your Medical Doctor (MD) degree, which is a primary medical qualification. The MD degree entitles you to continue your professional and academic growth in residency programmes in Latvia, as well as in other countries to train to become a doctor/specialist.

Our graduates have successfully continued their education and professional pursuits in the UK and other EU/EEA member states, as well as in the US (passing, e.g., the ECFMG exams), Australia, Sri Lanka, India, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Jordan etc. Each country has its own requirements for foreign medical graduates before they can start practicing medicine, or even continue their education in residency programmes, therefore make sure you check the requirements with your country's Medical Council.

The 6-year programme also grants access to doctoral degree programmes.

* A diploma is a document that attests that you have fulfilled all the requirements of the programme, and it is issued along with a Diploma Supplement, which includes information on the content of your studies as well as your academic performance.

Additional information on accreditation

There is no centralised EU accreditation for Universities in Europe. The Universities, including Rīga Stradiņš University, are accredited locally by the Ministry of Education and Science with international experts present. RSU study programmes receive official accreditation every 6 years. In addition, all RSU study programmes in regulated professions, including Medicine and Dentistry, are developed according to EU directives on regulated professions.

Secondly, given that Latvia has been an EU member state since 2004, The Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region, usually referred to as the Lisbon Convention, applies also to Latvian universities, including RSU. Beside many others, the main point of the Lisbon Convention is as follows: holders of qualifications issued in one EU member state shall have adequate access to an assessment of these qualifications in another EU member state.

EC Directives to be considered are as follows:

In short, the Lisbon Convention, and the fact that RSU is an officially accredited state University, ensures that qualifications obtained at Rīga Stradiņš University are recognised in all EU and EEA member states.

Further studies

To become a certified doctor you may continue your studies in the Residency in Medicine programme, choosing the profession that suits you.

Studies may be continued in the RSU Master's and Doctoral programmes (Rehabilitation, Public Health, Health Management only availble in English, Doctoral studies are available in Latvian only):

Head of Programme

Contact Information