For the first time, three International graduates complete Postgraduate Clinical Training Program at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy

For the first time, three young graduates from Morocco, Tunisia, and India, alumni of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy and participants in the postgraduate training program for foreign citizens – a one-year Clinical Internship Program – have taken the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) at the University Center for Simulation in Medical Training.

The OSCE served as the final assessment and consisted of four complex clinical stations: management of diabetic foot, assistance during a normal vaginal delivery, provision of first aid to a four-month-old infant, and provision of medical care to an elderly patient. During the examination, the participants demonstrated their practical skills and clinical decision-making abilities.

Tatiana Porosencova, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Residency and coordinator of the Postgraduate Clinical Internship Program, noted that the three interns began their training on September 1, 2025, enrolling in a 365-day training program structured into 22 consecutive modules. The program covered both surgical and general medical disciplines, as well as Family Medicine and Geriatrics.

Throughout the program, the young doctors acquired practical skills in accordance with the established requirements and performed the procedures approved under the relevant regulations. Supervisors at the clinical training sites appreciated their efforts, noting that the interns distinguished themselves through responsibility, discipline, and perseverance in achieving good results.

Igor Cemortan, Head of the Department for the Recruitment and Documentation of Foreign Citizens, stated that the Postgraduate Clinical Internship Program was launched at the request of the National Medical Commission of India (NMC) and was designed in accordance with international requirements that are scheduled to become mandatory starting in 2027.

Initially, three students from India, Tunisia, and Morocco enrolled in the pilot group. According to their feedback, they were satisfied with both the quality of the theoretical education and the practical training provided at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy. “The courses were structured in accordance with NMC requirements, covering the duration of the program, the types of disciplines, and the practical skills that graduates are expected to demonstrate. The program quickly gained popularity among international students: we have already received 10 applications for the next training session, which will begin soon,” said Igor Cemortan.

Abijith Sahadevan, an intern from India, shared his experience, noting: “The program was extremely useful for us, especially as we plan to continue our training through residency. It was an excellent opportunity to rotate through each department and understand how each one operates. This experience has given us a clear overview of all medical specialties and will help us choose the career path we would like to pursue. In addition, we acquired all the essential basic practical skills needed for our future professional careers. As for the next steps, my family is in Dubai, so I may go there or return to India”.  

The program is open both to graduates of the current academic year and to alumni from previous years. Such practical training is required for obtaining the right to practice medicine in other countries, including the United Kingdom and Germany.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a certificate confirming completion of the clinical internship. Based on this certificate, they may take equivalency examinations in their home countries in order to continue their postgraduate medical education through residency.