- 31.08.2026 13:54
Medicum: Where Students Study, Relax, and Gain Experience
A new space, "Medicum," opened on the first floor of Medical Institute at Tula State University. It combines a modern educational and practical facility for training future medical professionals, a topographic anatomy classroom, and a student coworking space and study area.
The grand opening of the space was attended by Tula State University Rector Oleg Aleksandrovich Kravchenko, the head of Tula Municipal Administration Alexey Aloisovich Erk, and Guards Lieutenant Colonel of Medical Service, combat veteran, recipient of three Orders of Courage and the Order of Pirogov Yuri Igorevich Brovko, along with students and faculty from Medical Institute.
In his welcoming speech, Oleg Aleksandrovich described the work behind the transformation of this space.
"Dear students, let me remind you that the idea to establish an operating suite and coworking space was proposed by you, the med-students. Tula State University administration has been very supportive." "And today, you will be able to see and appreciate the work that the faculty and directorate of Medical Institute have invested in your continued education, improving the quality of medical education, and supporting the city of Tula and the surrounding region," Oleg Alexandrovich noted.
Alexey Aloisovich Erk expressed hope that the new space will improve the quality of medical training, especially in surgical fields. Yuri Igorevich Brovko thanked the university's leadership for their attention to student education and the conditions created. In his opinion, this is just the beginning – Tula State University Medical Institute has a bright future and enormous potential for development.
Roman Vladimirovich Grachev, Director of Tula State University Medical Institute, spoke about how the educational process will change with the arrival of "Medicum."
"With the opening of the new space, student requirements will increase, but this is justified, as students will now have access to a full range of instruments and equipment. At the same time, the quality of education will also improve. Comfortable, well-equipped spaces will allow students to effectively practice manual skills." "Students' training will cover a wide range of specialties: from obstetrics and gynecology to ophthalmology, otolaryngology, traumatology, urology, and others," noted Roman Vladimirovich.
Vladislav Vyacheslavovich Radin, an assistant in the Department of Surgical Diseases, led a tour of the institute's first floor. Olga Viktorovna Semencheva, a candidate of medical sciences and associate professor in the Department of Surgical Diseases, joined him on the tour.
During the tour, it was explained that this bright space will become a place where students, starting in the new academic year, can socialize, prepare for classes, or simply relax. A library is also located here, allowing students to quickly find the necessary textbooks.
The space behind the glass doors is the surgical suite, equipped with cutting-edge medical equipment. Here, students will practice their skills so that they can confidently and efficiently perform surgical procedures by the time they graduate.
The unit is equipped with two multifunctional operating tables, a laparoscopic unit with integrated artificial intelligence, an ophthalmological microscope, a slit lamp, and a full set of auxiliary equipment. Approximately 500 surgical instruments have been purchased, some of which are domestically developed. All equipment at Medicum complies with standards accepted in real medical practice.
During a tour of the operating unit, Alexey Aloisovich Erk inquired about the benefits the new space would bring to students. Resident Igor Frolov answered the question.
"Creating this space will definitely give us more confidence. We are currently training on biomaterials, mannequins, and simulators in conditions close to reality. And over time, when we encounter a real patient on the operating table, our confidence will be much greater."
At "Medicum," special attention is paid to developing practical skills. A laparoscopic simulator with artificial intelligence functionality was purchased to practice asynchronous hand movements. Two vertically oriented laparoscopic stands allow training on both synthetic simulators and biological tissues similar to human tissue. This will help students become accustomed to the conditions of on-the-go surgery, typical for most operations.
In addition to classroom activities, the operating room will become a full-fledged training space for Tula State University Student Surgical Club.
"The club already has its own instruments and laparoscopic boxes, but this scale provides many more resources, primarily for mastering manual skills. This equipment can be used primarily to prepare for the first stage of operating room work, so that they won't be afraid to enter the operating room, understand all the laparoscopic stands, and be able to navigate the instruments freely," said Marina Zhukova, a member of the surgical club and sixth-year student.
A separate task for Medical Institute is the training of ophthalmic surgeons. A year ago, the institute opened an ophthalmology residency program, prompting the need for a specialized training facility. At Medicum, an ophthalmic microscope allows for practicing a wide range of surgical procedures on the eye, and displaying images on a separate monitor allows for master classes to be held for a large audience. Furthermore, the institute is developing an eyeball fixator, prototypes of which will soon be tested by our residents.
In addition to practicing technical skills, students will learn operating room etiquette. They will master aseptic and antiseptic techniques, become accustomed to working in sterile conditions, and learn how to properly navigate the operating room and around the operating table.
All this creates a comprehensive environment at the institute: on the one hand, it provides a space for learning, and on the other, it provides a fully-fledged practical platform that will help students become qualified specialists.
Tatyana Kosenkova
Photo by Ilya Khodakovsky
