Safety and Quality Education: Medical Internship in Uzhhorod Amidst the War
Despite Russia’s relentless war on Ukraine, Uzhhorod stands out as a safe haven for medical residency (also called internship) programs. With its unique blend of Ukrainian and European influences, Uzhhorod offers international students a warm and welcoming environment. The city is known for its historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and vibrant arts scene, providing a balanced lifestyle combining rigorous academic training and enriching cultural experiences.
Uzhhorod - known as the “Coffee Capital of Ukraine” - is renowned for its high-quality education and affordable fees. The city offers a comprehensive medical curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with extensive practical skills. Medical residency in Uzhhorod allows one to “gain excellent practical skills in clinical bases with cheap fees in comparison with other universities, and the safety as Zakarpattia is a safe area for living with kind people,” emphasizes Hayder Al-Zubaidi, a 4th-year surgery resident from Iraq and teaching assistant of Oncology Department at the Uzhhorod National University Faculty of Medicine.
The residency program in Uzhhorod boasts a supportive learning environment. The program also includes numerous international workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions that foster a collaborative learning atmosphere. “The most wonderful in practice in Uzhhorod is that in the clinical bases, there are a lot of doctors who are professors in the University, and they can help us and explain a lot of moments in the English language,” continues Hayder Al-Zubaidi.
Interns will appreciate Ukraine's cultural richness and sense of community. “The cultural richness, creativity, and the approach to work in Ukraine are admirable,” mentions Rammal Hassan, a surgery intern from Lebanon. This reflects the positive atmosphere and vibrant culture that enhance the residency experience.
A critical factor that sets Uzhhorod apart is its unmatched safety record. During the almost two-and-a-half years of full-scale war against Russia, Zakarpattia has not experienced an aerial attack. This exceptional safety record provides a secure and stable environment for students, allowing them to focus on their studies and training without the constant threat of proximity to war. Liza Braun, an Internal Medicine resident from the United States, has completed her entire medical training in Uzhhorod, including the pre-clinical and clinical curriculum. “We instantly fell in love with Uzhhorod when we first came here. It is such a gem! It is safe here – I would have never stayed in a place that presented any kind of danger to my family!” shares the resident.
For those considering medical residency in Uzhhorod, the message is clear: embrace your passion for medicine and allow yourself to fall in love with the gentle and hospitable city safely tucked away in the Carpathians.
From left to right: Viktoriia Teresh, Anaesthesiology intern; Hassan Rammal, Surgery intern; Hayder Al-Zubaidi, Surgery Intern.
