The Institute of Linguistics and Intercultural Communication of Sechenov University hosted the First International Sechenov Medical Writing Symposium "From Pre- to Post Publication: An Introduction to Medical Writing" on April 4, 2018.

The inspirer and the main organizer of the Symposium was Jonathan McFarland (Head of the Academic Writing Office). Thanks to his invaluable contribution Sechenov University hosted international guests and had a very successful event.

Being an international innovation research center, Sechenov University aims at training the new generation of physicians, who would use the English language in clinical practice. Training of a modern specialist at a European University involves active use of a foreign language for self-education and continuous professional development, as well as participation in the international scientific events. The development of modern information space is based on exchange of theoretical and practical achievements in all areas of scientific knowledge around the world.

A foreign language supports the formation of the majority of professional competences in medicine, whereby a specialist has a possibility to receive the latest information from a variety of sources in foreign languages. 

The Symposium was opened by the welcoming speech of Prof. Andrey A. Svistunov (First Vice-Rector, Sechenov University): "The main goal of Sechenov University is to become a significant player on the international stage. It is important not only to carry out the unique research activities, but also to present the research achievements abroad. It may be disputable, however the English language in Medicine is not a priority, but is a necessity." 

Assoc. Prof. Virgili Páez, head of the Virtual Health Sciences Library of the Balearic Islands, spoke about the importance of visibility in promoting research publications, and the project Bibliosalut, which provides electronic resources and virtual services. 

Prof. Irina Y. Markovina, Director of the Institute of Linguistics and Intercultural Communication, paid attention to the fact that the English language is a professional tool which helps to join the international community and share the best practices in Health Sciences.

Prof. Trevor Gibbs (AMEE International Development Officer) introduced the special aspects of the articles selection for publication, as well as the possibilities of the electronic journal MedEdPublish, which speeds up the publication process and evaluation of scientific papers.  

The international experts noted the significant increase of publication rate of Sechenov University’s experts in the high impact scientific journals over the past year.

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It's worth noting that the first overseas representative office of AMEE (Association for Medical Education in Europe) will be opened at Sechenov University in May, 2018. 

On the one hand, it will promote the integration of the Russian medical education into the global educational environment. On the other hand, it will help to introduce the latest European training technologies in solving current problems of the Russian medical education. Overall, it confirms the willingness of the Sechenov University to build strategic partnership with the world leaders in Medical Education.