A group of medical students benefited from academic mobility in the USA

Six 3rd-5th year students, Faculty of Stomatology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova, have recently returned from an academic mobility at the UNC Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry of the University of North Carolina, United States of America (USA). For two weeks, during October 17-27 this year, young people overcame their own limits trying to reach their full potential and to make new friends.

The training of medical students included both theoretical lectures and practical seminars on the diagnosis and management of oral lesions. The visits to the University's specialized departments, but also to private clinics, gave them the opportunity to test new methods of dental treatment, modern techniques of working with patients, and to build self-confidence.

The students also had a meeting with Elaine Marshall, North Carolina Secretary of State, during which the official highlighted the results of the sustainable partnership between the Republic of Moldova and North Carolina, as well as its development prospects. The young people mentioned that there they learned more details about the fruitful and long-term collaboration between our country and the American state due to the involvement and professionalism of the teaching staff of Nicolae

Young people shared with us impressions of their American experience that they perceive as unique.

Eugen Stasoc, fifth-year student: ”The knowledge gained in the USA motivated us even more to grow professionally. I lived the life of a simple student and studied American culture. I appreciate their openness as a people and the fact that they have helped us integrate into the community.”

Daniela Dascal, third-year student, stated, "During this short but eventful period, we managed to study and establish close ties with American students. I met wonderful teachers, the dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, but also other specialists in the field, to whom we are very grateful for their active involvement in our academic mobility".

”I really appreciate this opportunity. In addition to the vast amounts of information accumulated, I have gained advanced experience in the dental field. The possibility to observe, analyze and implement clinical thinking, secrets pertaining to the work technique and the way of interaction with patients are invaluable for us”, specified Marius Palii, fourth-year student.

The official letter sent by the host university to the administration of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy confirms that our students have attended dental seminars and lectures, shadowed pre-doctoral student’s clinic supervised by the faculty, observed clinics in Graduate Orthodontics, Pediatric, Endodontics, Operative and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as Graduate Prosthodontic alongside students and residents from those specialties. Students have also attended a dental Continuing Education course “Case-based review and clinical update on diagnosis and management of oral lesions” presented by Dr. Ricardo Padilla and sponsored by Dr. Stephen Mackler.  Moreover, they spent a shadowing day at a private practice in Raleigh organized by Dr. Cheryl Siegel, Adjunct Faculty, and attended the Wake County Dental Society dinner.

The ”Nicolae Testemitanu” department of dentistry was well represented by this group of students. We hope to continue this exchange as it enhances the educational experience of students at both institutions, the letter says.

The academic mobility program was organized with the support of the Office of Global Initiatives and as part of the partnership between the Republic of Moldova and the state of North Carolina.