Saratov State Medical University

Image of the University

The University was founded in 1909 as Imperial University by the Decree of Emperor Nicholas II.[3] On June 10, 1909, the Emperor signed the "Decree on the foundation of the university in Saratov", which became the tenth University in Russia and consisted of the Medical Faculty only. Professor V.I. Razumovsky became the first university rector.[4] He was a prominent public figure, talented surgeon, and unique scientist who is considered to be the founder of a neurosurgery school in Russia. Construction of major university buildings as well as the university clinic named after S.R. Mirotvortsev was carried out under the supervision of the talented russian architect Karl Hermann Ludwig Müffke.

In 1930, the Medical Faculty of Saratov University was transformed into an independent institution of higher education, which was known as the Medical Institute.

In 1993, it received the status of a Medical University. In 2009, the University was named after its first rector Vasily Ivanovich Razumovsky.[5]

Such outstanding Russian scientists as Prof. A. Bogomolets,[6] Prof. S. Spasokukotsky,[7] Prof. S. Mirotvortsev,[8] Prof. K. Tretiakoff,[9][10] L. Leitman (the world's first female professor of forensic medicine) provided students with the knowledge in the SSMU.[11]

In 2019, the University was ranked in the top 50 universities in Russia by Forbes.[12] The International Department of the Saratov State Medical University has established a significant number of international links with different medical schools and universities.

Specialists at research and development institutes, centres, laboratories, museums, and innovation groups at Saratov State Medical University conduct fundamental and applied scientific research. Among them are the Research Institute of Basic and Clinical Uro-Nephrology, the Central Research Laboratory, the Scientific Educational Centre for Fundamental Medicine and Nanotechnologies, the Medical Technopark, the University Publishing House, the Scientific Medical Library, the Museum of University History, and many other university divisions. Around 7000 students graduate from the University each year.[13][14]

The University is nominally led by a Rector, who is the titular head of the university and is normally a well-known public figure. The day-to-day chief executive role is the responsibility of the Prorector, a full-time academic post. The senior management board of the university is headed by the Prorector, assisted by Deans. It is responsible for the day-to-day management of the University.

The Saratov State Medical University offers its students a wide variety of involvement opportunities with a range of student associations: Student Government, Trade Union, Student Research Society, and Student Club.

The Trade Union secures that social and working rights of students are protected. The Trade Union engages in a range of activities: sport and wellness, information analysis, culture and entertainment, as well as community service (work with children left without parental or guardian care).

The Student Research Society organises competitions and conferences for high-school and university students, residents and fellows, as well as postgraduate students and doctoral students, as part of the annual all-Russian University Science Week. The Society also supervises scientific clubs and organises meetings of a scientific discussion club.

The Student Club runs over ten clubs. The University stand-up comedy teams are the winners of the regional Stand-Up Comedy League. The Student Folk Anatomical Theatre participates in various Russian theatre contests and performs in the University and on the stage of the Saratov Kiselev Academic Youth Theatre.[15]

The University’s athletes take part in various sporting competitions. The University Administration strives to provide students with good sporting facilities: a newly furnished skiing resort, a swimming pool, and well-equipped gyms. In summer, students and the University’s teaching staff have an opportunity to stay at the summer camp “Medik”.

Students of the SSMU also volunteer with International exchange students visiting the University during summer practice.