Two medical students balance research and clinical training

Forty-two students in Moldova will receive state merit scholarships for academic achievement, research, volunteering and university involvement, including two fifth-year medical students who plan to build their careers at home.

Balancing academic achievement and personal life

Victoria Preguza and Dionisie Cibotari, fifth-year students at Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, are among the scholarship recipients. Both say that medical studies require sustained effort alongside research, extracurricular activities and personal commitments.

“It is very important to strike a balance between academic and personal life. I have often had to give up outings with friends, some holidays and my free time to focus on studying, volunteering and scientific activities. But I believe all these sacrifices have been worthwhile, and I do not regret a moment of the time I have devoted to my studies,” Victoria Preguza said on Radio Moldova’s “Zi de Zi” programme.

Cibotari said medical students must combine conference attendance and scientific publications with exam preparation. At times, he added, the workload also affects their sleep.

“Sometimes I even sacrificed sleep. That is the reality for medical students, but in the end, we are happy with what we do. This scholarship is further recognition of the sleepless nights and perhaps a more limited social life,” Cibotari said on Radio Moldova.

Clinical experience and professional development

Medical training extends beyond lectures and examinations. Volunteering, student associations, conferences and contact with experienced professionals also help students develop the skills required for their future careers.

“It is important to volunteer, get involved in student associations and attend conferences, either as speakers or participants, to listen to other doctors and professionals and develop ourselves,” Preguza said. She added that maintaining hobbies and spending quality time with loved ones were equally important.

Practical experience begins in the early years of medical school, when students undertake summer placements at healthcare facilities. Later, they also gain experience in hospitals, where they learn to interact with patients and apply their theoretical knowledge.

Cibotari said that experience helps students manage their emotions more effectively when dealing with difficult situations involving patients.

Young doctors hope to stay in Moldova

Both students said they wanted to remain in Moldova and contribute to the development of its healthcare system, although neither has yet chosen a medical specialty.

“I certainly want to be a good, empathetic doctor whom patients feel comfortable visiting when they have health problems. I want our healthcare system to improve and young people to choose to stay in the country and practise here, because our system needs skilled and genuinely good doctors,” Preguza said.

The two scholarship recipients advised young people considering a career in medicine to persevere, take part in university activities and volunteer projects, and choose a profession that gives them satisfaction.

“When you like something, you can succeed. They should make an effort and participate as much as possible in university activities, conferences, volunteering and social events. Making friends also matters, because the people around you have a significant influence,” Cibotari said.

He plans to use his scholarship money to attend conferences and publish research. Preguza, who also works at a healthcare facility in Chișinău, hopes to save her money for a memorable experience marking her final year at university.

Merit scholarships increased by 40%

Since September 1, merit scholarships have increased by 40%. The Republic Scholarship now stands at 6,230 MDL (approximately €308) per month, while the Government Scholarship amounts to 5,195 MDL (approximately €257).

Of the 42 students selected for merit scholarships, 12 will receive the Republic Scholarship and 30 the Government Scholarship.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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Two medical students balance research and clinical training

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