On September 1, the Institute of Medical Education held a matriculation ceremony for its fifth set of students. A total of 212 new students were enrolled for this academic year.
In a brief video address, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation Mikhail Murashko welcomed new students by remarking on the significance of their choice.
St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov opened the ceremony with warm words for the incoming students wishing them the best of luck in their studies:
“Here at the world-famous Almazov Centre you have at your disposal every means to become the best medical professionals not only here in Russia but also around the world.”
Chair of the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly Alexander Belsky cordially congratulated all students on behalf of the deputies of the city parliament.
This was followed by a congratulatory speech from Director General of Almazov Centre Evgeny Shlyakhto who emphasized the importance of knowledge as the most valuable resource and wished the new intakes success in their studies.
The ceremony also featured congratulatory letters from Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council and the Board of Trustees at Almazov Centre and Alexander Gutsan, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Northwestern Federal District.
At the end of the ceremony, the students solemnly took an oath of allegiance to Almazov Centre and handed over a special time capsule to Elena Parmon, Director of the Medical Education Institute. The time capsule containing freshmen’s responses to questions for future doctors will be opened in 6 years, prior to the graduation ceremony, to provide a reflection on what they have learnt.
