A resident from Donetsk told us about her study at NMRRC

A young doctor, second-year resident Elena Kurochka from Donetsk told us about her study at the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. We found out why Elena decided to study at our Center, what she will remember about working here, and also what influenced her choice to become an oncologist.

Elena is 26 years old, she is a graduate of Maxim Gorky Donetsk National Medical University. She continues the family dynasty of doctors: her grandfather devoted his entire life to helping patients, worked as a therapist in Donetsk. Even as a child, he often took his granddaughter with him to work. “The opportunity to help people, to see how your patients get better – probably this motivated me to become a doctor,” says Elena.

Immediately after graduating from university, she moved to Moscow and, before entering residency, managed to work as a therapist in the city polyclinic. But Elena dreamed of being an oncologist. While being a student, she attended specialized clubs at the oncology clinic, and she liked this area the most.

After moving to the capital, the girl continued her path to her dream and submitted documents for admission to residency at several specialized institutions at once. “I knew that the National Medical Research Radiological Centre supervises the Donetsk Oncology Center, and, after listening to the advice of senior colleagues, I decided to choose it. And I have never regretted it.”

Even in the first year of training, residents will have to undergo many rotations and become familiar with the work of almost all the leading departments of the Center. “On the one hand, it’s quite difficult because you get so much new and complex information. On the other hand, it’s extremely interesting, because you have the opportunity to try yourself as a surgeon, a chemotherapist, a radiologist, and even a pathologist.”

Today Elena works in the department of general oncology with chemotherapy at the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, which is headed by Olga Borisovna Shchitikova, and her immediate supervisor is the oncologist of the department Madina Viktorovna Bogatyreva.

“I chose this department when I was on rotation. Because here they specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patients diagnosed with cancer at any stage and any location. This is a tremendous experience! I want to express my gratitude to my mentors – Olga Borisovna, Madina Viktorovna, all the doctors and nurses of the department who accepted me into their family. Every day I learn something new here, they share their invaluable knowledge and experience with me! I am very grateful for this and know that I made the right choice!”