Adelphina Felician Ncheye (Tanzania) completed a residency program at RSMU Department of Cardiovascular, Endovascular, Operative Surgery and Topographic Anatomy in 2019:

I have always been interested in blood vessels and their pathologies. When I was an undergraduate at Muhimbili University in my country, I was privileged to scrub in some of the surgeries performed by cardiac surgeons at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. After assisting several surgeries, I became more passionate about heart and blood vessel pathologies. I was finally convinced that that was the path I was to embark on in my medical career and those were the sort of patients I wanted to help.

Having graduated I went back home to Tanzania and started working at Surgical Department in Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  I work with senior surgeons especially cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons and I have been growing skill-wise as a surgeon regardless of challenges in my day-to-day work. At the beginning of my practice in my country after graduating as a vascular surgeon, I resolved to keep pushing myself and get better, and with the help of those around me, I am confident that I am on the right path.

What I can tell current applicants is that on the road to achieving one's dream, there will be hurdles but don't let them stop you. If you look carefully, you’ll always have people to help you get where you need to be and realize your goals. At Ryazan State Medical University I found academic and social support. I made friends who made it easier for me to handle academic and personal challenges. Do not quit, there is always a way out of a tough situation. Getting to do what you are passionate about can be very rewarding. Be your number one cheerleader! Enjoy the rich Russian culture!