”Nicolae Testemitanu” University launched a new project to consolidate collaboration with the medical diaspora

”Nicolae Testemitanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) launched the project „The positive impact of migration on Moldova's development through improved policy evidence and better engagement of the diaspora”, in January 2025, to be carried out with the financial support of the WHO. This project aims to engage the diaspora in the development of the Republic of Moldova in economy, central public administration, digitalization, health, research and medical education areas.

Rector Emil Ceban, expert and scientific coordinator of the project, has noted that the experience and knowledge in the field accumulated abroad are invaluable and we are glad that many of Alma Mater's graduates return home to contribute to aligning medical education and research conducted at the University with contemporary standards and requirements. "Only through the consolidated effort of the University's academic community and highly qualified specialists from the diaspora can we strengthen the medical system in the country and train world-class medical professionals and researchers," the rector noted.

The purpose of the project is to improve cooperation between the medical community in the Republic of Moldova and highly qualified medical professionals from the diaspora, through the platform "Involvement of medical professionals from the diaspora in the development of the country of origin" (DiaMed@USMFNicolaeTestemițanu), with the application of accessible collaboration methods and tools, which ensure the transfer of know-how, innovative methods and solutions and their implementation in medical education, practice and research.

To achieve this goal, the University proposes the following objectives: recognizing the potential and human and professional value of the diaspora members by promoting and involving them in the development of education, research and innovation in the medical system of the Republic of Moldova; mobilizing the human potential of highly qualified specialists from the diaspora through direct and indirect involvement in the modernization and enhancement of the quality of education, research and infrastructure related to the health system of the Republic of Moldova; supporting innovation in the health care system of the Republic of Moldova.

According to University Professor Stanislav Groppa, academician, project leader, "DiaMed is an innovative initiative that forms a network of specialists from the medical scientific diaspora of the Republic of Moldova and strengthens ties between healthcare professionals, regardless of their geographical location. In an era characterized by revolutionary medical advances, DiaMed facilitates medical collaboration, the transfer of knowledge and best practices, removing borders and transforming international experience into tangible benefits for people.

Cooperation between the university community and specialists established abroad will be achieved through exchange of experience, organization of study visits of both specialists from the diaspora to our country and those from Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy to institutions hosting natives of Moldova, organization of scientific events and high-level meetings between the parties. In this context, 10 mobilities are planned for members of the university community: (a) 5 study visits/exchange of experience for resident physicians and doctoral students and (b) 5 visits for scientific and scientific-didactic staff. At the same time, to strengthen research and innovation capacities, visits of members of the diaspora will also be organized to train researchers of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The exchange of experience and mobilities aim to develop cooperation and know-how transfer in the field of non-communicable diseases, but also the strategic directions for the University, such as: (1) General and specialized medicine; (2) Biomedicine and medical biotechnologies; (3) Public health and health policies; (4) Pharmaceutical research and biomedical sciences; (5) Artificial intelligence applied to medicine.

Mobilities and scientific events will be organized in May-November 2025.

Dear graduates, we invite you to join the DiaMed community and contribute to the development of the national healthcare system. Register on the platform: https://cercetare.usmf.md/ro/diamed-1 and become part of the extensive network of medical specialists from the diaspora!

The "DiaMed" network was launched in 2021, with the support of the "Policy Advice Fund" project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ Moldova.