Sakhalin's medical university doubles intake to combat doctor shortages

Sakhalin Branch of Pacific State Medical University to Nearly Double Intake in Second Admissions Cycle

The Sakhalin branch of Pacific State Medical University (PSMU) will nearly double its intake of first-year students to 50 in its second admissions cycle, regional authorities announced. The island region and the leading Far Eastern medical university will also expand cooperation in scientific research, according to a statement from the Sakhalin Oblast government press service.

The agreement was reached between Governor Valery Limarenko and PSMU Rector Kirill Stegniy, who visited Sakhalin Oblast on a working trip.

"Together with the Sakhalin Oblast government, we opened a branch of Pacific State Medical University, where the first 28 students—most of them local residents—are already studying," Stegniy said. "This is convenient for them: they receive their education at home and complete their practical training in local healthcare facilities. This year, we plan to increase enrollment in the General Medicine program to 50 students."

The regional head emphasized that collaboration with the Far East's leading medical university aims to address personnel shortages in healthcare.

"Our goal is to train 300 doctors over six years at the Sakhalin branch of PSMU," Limarenko noted. "This gives our young people the opportunity to earn a higher medical education without leaving the region. We expect that after graduation, they will stay in Sakhalin Oblast to work and build their lives here. We are creating all the necessary conditions to make that happen."

The meeting also discussed deepening cooperation between the university and the region in applied research. Stegniy proposed leveraging PSMU's resources—its medical genetics center and production pharmacy—to develop dietary supplements from Sakhalin's endemic plants and study the genetic data of the island's indigenous peoples. Additionally, plans are underway to involve the university's faculty and international partners in performing high-tech surgeries at Sakhalin's medical institutions.

During his visit, Stegniy met with students to discuss the branch's development plans. The Sakhalin campus opened on September 1, 2025, and is currently operating in a transitional hybrid format: some classes are held at the main campus in Vladivostok, while others take place at local healthcare facilities. Students are enrolled in the General Medicine specialist program, with plans to later introduce residency training.

"I graduated from the Sakhalin Medical College as a paramedic and decided to continue my education," said Kristina Chebotareva, a first-year student at the PSMU Sakhalin branch. "I have a targeted admission agreement with the regional cancer center and will work there after graduation. I love studying here—the conditions are great, and the professors are excellent."