In conjunction with the 200th birth anniversary of the great Russian surgeon N.I. Pirogov, the RCSC in Malaysian organized a social gathering on the 1st of December. Pirogov’s contribution to medicine is well known in this country, as a few hundred Malaysians have graduated from the Russian State Medical University named after Pirogov for the past ten years.

The event was attended by representatives of the Malaysian medical community and intelligentsia, medical students, Russian language course students as well as fellow Russians. Among the latter were Russian professors and scientists who are working at the prestigious Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), at the same time strengthening scientific and research relations between our two countries.

A gallery was set up at the foyer featuring photographs, reproductions and materials, all of which showcase the founder of modern surgery’s life and career. The director of the centre, Mr. M. Popov, told of the impact of the outstanding Russian doctor’s work and discoveries on mankind.

The highlight of the evening turned out to be the discussion of the Malaysian UiTM delegation’s participation at the international scientific conference “Development of ideas by N.I. Pirogov in modern medicine”, which took place in the city of Astrakhan on the basis of the Astrakhan State Medical Academy in November this year.

The delegation, headed by Dr. Nor Ashikin binti Mohamed Noor Khan, comprised of professor M. Kapitonova and two talented Malaysian students Siti Aisah binti Silahuddin and Andik Nurul Rasyaidah binti Andek Ariffin, all of which gave a scientific lecture. Siti Aisah and Andik Nurul Rasyaidah won the first and second prize at the students’ nomination for their report on the problems of contemporary pediatrics.

There was also an interesting discussion on the development of Russian-Malaysian scientific and educational relationships. The Malaysian participants of the gathering emphasized on the high standard of the Russian medical science. Many kind words were addressed to the various Russian tertiary level institutions and its teachers, which prepared almost two thousand medical specialists for clinics in Malaysia in the past 10 years.

Members of the delegation also shared their impressions on their brief stay in Russia: Astrakhan was much to their liking, and there was an unforgettable trip to Moscow and St Petersburg. They were much amazed by Russia’s treasure of historical and cultural marvels. Most memorable of all were the visits to various museums in Moscow, as well as a performance of the ballet “Swan Lake” at the famous Opera and Ballet Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. Their story was accompanied by a colourful slideshow in order for all those gathered to share along with their experience.