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PhD STUDY PROGRAMME IN MEDICINE AND PHARMACY
CLASSIFICATION CODE: MEDICINE – 51 721
PHARMACY – 51 723
PhD STUDY PROGRAMME: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Aim of study programme: to train highly qualified specialists for academic, scientific and
practical work in medicine and pharmacy with profound knowledge in various subdivisions of
medical and pharmaceutical disciplines, and to have skills to teach undergraduate students and
residents.
Programme objectives:
 to ensure PhD programme students to acquire knowledge, skills and attitude, that would give
them an opportunity for successful implementation of research work in the relevant research
field;
 to train highly professional specialists in medicine and pharmacy, who would be able to
systematize, methodologically analyze practical observations, relating them to the theoretical
background, and to demonstrate conceptual and analytical skills in the development of theory;
 to develop skills in the identification of the research problem, formulation of the hypothesis or
basic issue of the research, making up a research plan or design, data collection and planning of
the analysis.
 to promote the integration of research studies and modern technologies in a uniform innovative
research area, to contribute to the research productivity and competitiveness both in Latvia and
internationally.
 to train huighly qualified scientists who could compete in the local and in the international
research market.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE,CHARACTERISTICS AND ORGANIZATION
The degree to be awarded – PhD in medical sciences or PhD in pharmacy sciences.
Requirements for admission – degree of a physician, dentist, pharmacist; Master's degree in public
health, health care, biology or the diploma certifying a completion of higher education.
Admission of persons to PhD programme with a Master's degree in other sciences is individually
decided upon in each single case by Research Council.
Entrance examinations – in correspondence to RSU Regulations on PhD study programme.
Length of course – 3 years of full-time studies;
4 years of part-time studies;
Form of studies – full-time studies;
part-time studies.
A study year is consists of 48 study weeks and a 4 week leave.
PhD programme student may be matriculated into the programme for 5 calender years.
Fee for a year – in correspondence to the estimates of the approved study costs.
Medical and pharmacy study programmes offer studies in surgical disciplines, internal
medicine,basic medical sciences, public health, health and social care sciences, pharmacy and
stomatology.
Studies for PhD programme are financed from the state budget, or from contributions of legal and
physical persons. Admission to the study for PhD programme in medicine is done taking into
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account a reviewer's estimation. Admission to RSU state-financed vacancies is carried out in
compliance with the competition announced.
PhD studies are organized by Doctorate' Academic Council involving the following staff members:
rector, vice-rector for academic work , vice-rector for research work, head/supervisor of PhD study
course, coordinator/research secretary of PhD study course, head of PhD studies,
chairman/representative of a relevant promotion council, professors and associated professors of
subdivisions/specialties.
The programme is composed of:
RSU PhD study programme;
Individual PhD study programmes, which are designed by subdivision/specialty professor or
associated professor together with the supervisor of PhD student to be in compliance with the
requirements of PhD study programme and programmes of scientific disciplines.
PhD study programme is made of three parts: compulsory part, compulsory optional part, part of
free oftion. The total number of credit points – 144, from them 85 credit points for doing individual
research and 15 credit points for the participation in the realization of undergraduate study
programmes.
Compulsory part:
-Mathematical statistics – 4 credit points
-Methodology of scientific work – 4 credit points
-Foreign language (promotion examination) – 8 credit points
-Participation in realization of undergraduate programmes – 15 credit points
 individually prepared and delivered practical class – 0,5 credit points
 individually prepared and delivered lecture – 2 credit points
 supervision of students' scientific work (Bachelor's, Master's paper) -3 credit points
-Individual research work – 85 credit points
 research article in reference journal – 15 credit points
 report/thesis on individual research problem delivered at international scientific conference or
seminar – 3 credit points
 report/thesis on individual research problem delivered at local scientific conference or seminar- 2
credit points
 acquiring research work experience abroad – 3 credit points (for each month)
 section/chapter in scientific monography – 10 credit points (for each section/chapter)
 monography (single author) – 50 credit points
Par t of subdivision programme -corresponding to research theme (promotion examination in
specialty) -20 credit points*
*PhD students who have acquired a certificate in medical subdivision specialty in which the
research work is being done, may have their certificate being conformed to that of a promotion
examination.
Compulsory optional part corresponding to the research area – 20 credit points
Internal medicine:
 lung diseases
 cardiovascular diseases
 connective tissue, muscle and bone diseases
 gastroenterology
 kidney diseases
 endocrinology
 hematology
 infectology
 neurology
 nutrition
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Surgical disciplines:
cardiosurgery
anaesthesiology and reanimatology
general surgery
neurosurgery
ophthalmology
otorhinolaryngology
urology
angiosurgery
children surgery
thoracic surgery
plastic surgery
oncology
Basic medical disciplines:
anatomy
anthropology
occupational and environmental medicine
biophysics
pharmacology
physiology
functional embryology
genetics
histology
immunology
clinical biochemistry
medical biology
microbiology
pathological anatomy
pathological physiology
rehabilitology
public health and prophylaxis
medical biomechanics
Stomatology:
therapeutic stomatology
orthodontics
oral pathology
maxillofacial surgery
prosthodontics
biomaterials in medicine
Pharmacy:
practical pharmacy
technology of drug forms
pharmacognosy
pharmaceutical chemistry
Public health
Health care sciences
Subjects of free option – 1 credit point
 Medical biomechanics – 0,5 credit points
 Neurophysiology – 0,5 credit points
 Public health – 0,5 credit points
 Histology – 0,5 credit points (for the part chosen)
 Use of natural remedies in disease treatment and prevention – 0,5 credit points
 Achievements in pharmacology and trends in its development – 0,5 credit points
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PhD student's individual study programme of “compulsory disciplines” and chosen
“compulsory optional” subjects, as well as subjects of free option are fixed in PhD student's
credit book on the page “Study programme description”. Accomplishments of these subjects
are documented in “PhD student's credit book” under the section of the current study year
plan and is confirmed by the supervising lecturer's signature.
PhD studies and control – have to comply with Regulations on RSU PhD study course.
Forms of promotion work – have to comply with Regulations issued by the Cabinet of
Ministers Nr.134 “Regulations on Order and Criteria of Promotion”.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDY PROGRAMME FROM LATVIA'S AND RSU POINTS
OF VIEW
Riga Stradiņš university PhD medical and pharmacy programme students are offered an
opportunity to undertake deeper theoretical studies in separate disciplines/specialties and to
do research work in various research laboratories and leading state medical and scientific
institutions. As a result of research work done, PhD students, grounded with the acquired
theoretical knowledge and practical results, most commonly work out guidelines which can
be applied in the clinical work, thus giving an essential contribution into the health care
organization and management at different levels. A significant impact of PhD students is the
awareness gained as to the latest research methods and their participation in its
implementation process. Riga Stradiņš university admits students to PhD programmes from
the whole of Latvia. The PhD study programme allows to ensure a consistency of the
generation change by qualified specialists in the state of Latvia.
Riga Stradiņš university, in accordance to RSU development strategy, is very much
interested in the realization of PhD studies. It is essential to provide the promotion of the
academic staff by educating highly qualified specialists in research and academic work and
the study programme envisages the acquisition of a full course both of pedagogical and
theoretical knowledge.
COMPARISON OF PhD STUDY PROGRAMME WITH AN ANALOGOUS PROGRAMME
AT LATVIA UNIVERSITY AND ANALOGOUS STUDY PROGRAMMES IN THE
COUNTRIES OF EUROPEAN UNION
PhD study programme in medicine and pharmacy is organized in accordance with RSU Statutes on
PhD Study programme, which, in its turn, is based on Law on Higher Schools, laws ,,On Research
Work", ,,Law on Education" and Regulations of Cabinet of Ministers on Order and Criteria of
Promotion", therefore there cannot be great differences when comparing RSU PhD study
programme to that of LU PhD study programme.
Slightly different is the approach of both universities to working-out of the programme.
RSU considers that a PhD study programme with an emphasis to theoretical knowledge and
research work, cannot be uniform. In working-out a programme, when comparing it to LU
programme, the main emphasis is placed on the work-out of programme content rather than the
examination content. RSU believes that, first of all, the examination content is determined by the
acquired programme content, secondly, PhD study programme allows a free elective part
determined by specific character of research (in medical and pharmaceutical research work, as a
rule, several disciplines and subspecialities are integrated).Thus, Promotion Council has a chance to
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individualize the promotion examinations in conformity with PhD studies. Promotion Council is
made of internationally acknowledged experts in a sub-branch, who comply with the requirements
of Latvian State Higher Research Supervision Institutions, therefore there would not be any doubts
as to the quality of examination demands.
Distinctions can be observed also in programme structure.
LU PhD study programme structure
1.Mastering of medical research methods
and basics of statistical processing.
RSU PhD study programme structure
1.Compulsory part including mandatory
subjects, participation in undergraduate
study programmes, individual research
work.
2.Participation in realization of medical
2.Compulsory elective part corresponding
and pharmacy study programmes.
to the research profile which involves 53
separate disciplines.
3.Mastering theoretical courses.
3.Free elective part.
4.Individual research work. 5.Working out a
promotion work.
Distinctions in the programme structure can be explained by RSU approach to PhD studies. RSU
believes that PhD studies have to be targeted at acquiring advanced knowledge and research
methods for carrying out one's research work.. Research work has to be a mandatory component of
PhD studies. In difference to LU, RSU considers the participation in the realization of
undergraduate programmes as a must, since for the advancement of the university and research,
skilful scientists are needed (such are expected to be PhD programme graduates), who can, who
wish and are able to pass their knowledge on the generations to come, thus establishing their own
research schools.
Distinctions in programme sections on the assessment (cr.p.)
The difference of RSU programme from LU programme is as follows: there is a certain mechanism
in RSU PhD study programme for the acquisition of credit points and the compulsory divisions.
One is allowed to complete PhD studies successfully by not handing in the promotion work. This
distinction determines the varied number of acquired credit points for separate study process
sections. RSU PhD study programme is organized with an aim that by fulfilling PhD study
programme to a full extent, all the necessary conditions are provided to start the writing of PhD
thesis.Acquiring 144 cr.points, one can be sure of having mastered PhD study programme to a full
extent, in correspondence with Regulations of Cabinet of Ministers Nr.131, article 4, which gives
rights to acquire a PhD degree on defending PhD thesis.
Comparison to programmes of the countries of European Union
In accordance with the transitional provisions of the Law ,,On Research Work"(20.05.98), starting
with January 1,2000, Latvia has accepted one-grade research degree system which is existing also
in the countries of European Union. However, even in accordance to the new regulations, there are
some distinctions preserved in the realization of PhD study programmes, as well as in the way the
degree is awarded.
For example, in Karolinska Institute, which is the biggest Medical research centre in Sweden, the
candidates have rights to be admitted to the PhD programme, in accordance to Swedish Higher
education Decree, if they have acquired the higher education of at least 120 credit points. In
Sweden 1 credit point is awarded for one week full-time studies. Since the academic year
comprises at least 40 weeks, this type of education can be acquired in three years.
As it is known, in Latvia, one has rights to apply for PhD studies only after finishing a Master's
course, or studies of equal period which makes up at least 200 credit points. In Germany, for
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example, Hamburg University, the diploma of higher education is sufficient to enter PhD studies.
Distinctions exist in PhD study programmes in various European countries. For example, in
Sweden a full-time PhD study programme lasts 4 years and during this period 160 credit points
have to be acquired. For a comparison - in Latvia the course lasts three years and 144 credit points
are demanded. The study structure differs as well. In Sweden almost a half of credit points (80) is
acquired by attending various post-diploma training courses with a tendency not only for the
acquisition of a narrow speciality, but rendering a broader information, providing larger knowledge
in various spheres of people's work. In Germany, however, PhD studies are aimed only at writing a
promotion work. For example, Hamburg University does not offer any general courses to PhD
students and does not ask them to take examinations in order to acquire a PhD degree.
Another distinction which is typical to the whole Europe is in the naming of a research degree.
After defending a promotion work, in difference to a branch in which the work has been carried out,
one is awarded a degree of PhD in philosophy. In Latvia, as we know, PhD degree is more
professionally tended, and its name contaions the branch of science in which the -degree has been
acquired, for example, Dr.med. This specificity has its positive, as well as its negative aspects. The
positive aspect is that this degree confirms that the person mentioned has acquired a higher
education possible just in the speciality mentioned, the fact that is important in the job market. The
negative aspect deals with difficulties to define the speciality to which the particular applicant
refers to. For example, a person who has worked out a research in pathology and who has a doctor's
degree, is awarded a PhD in medicine, but a person with a background in biology, completing the
same work, - a PhD degree in biology.
In Latvia it is rather hard to acquire a research degree in medicine in some of clinical sub-branches
because the applicant is demanded not only the skill to realize a research and academic work, but to
be a specialist in practical medicine as well. As a result, the acquired PhD degree in medicine in
Latvia has to be considered equal to MD+PhD degrees in other European countries.
Generally speaking, PhD study programme in Latvia is more professionally guided, shorter but with
higher demands to start it.
Consequently, an acquired PhD degree in medicine in Latvia has to be considered equal to
MD+PhD degrees in other European countries.
MEANS OF PROGRAMME REALIZATION
Provision of research programme
PhD study programmes are guaranteed the high research provision due to the fact that they
are being implemented in Latvia on the grounds of the first certified university – Riga
Stradiņš University which complies with ISO standards 9001:2001 “Quality Management
Systems”. The laboratories involved in research work are certified according to the EU
demands. All leading medical pharmaceutical institutions are involved into the programme
realization and it allows to carry out a clinical research work. Accordingly, in the
programme realization there are involved the following institutions, such as, P.Stradiņš
clinical hospital, Children's clinical hospital, Children's clinical hospital “Gaiļezers”,
Clinical hospital “Gaiļezers”, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Latvia Nutrition
Centre, Latvian Infectology Centre, National Rehabilitation Centre “Vaivari”, hospital
“Linezers”, Latvian Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Centre, RSU Stomatology Institute, LU
Centre of Biomedical Studies and Teaching Centre, Institute of Microbiology and
Virusology, Riga Technical University, Latvian University of Agriculture, Latvian
Cardiology Centre, LU Centre of Demography, Latvian Academy of Sciences - Institute of
Economy.
RSU has made several international contracts on cooperation in research. The most
significant ones are – Munich L.Maximillian's University, South Carolina Medical
University, Florida International University, Carolinska Institute.
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Provision of methodological studies
PhD students have an access to RSU libraries and data bases of state significance:
Total electronic catalogue
8 total electronic library catalogues of state significance
Data base on analytics of national bibliography
References on scientific reports in mass media
Data base on monographies of national bibliography and issues to be published
Information on books and periodicals published in Latvia
Data base on author's accountability
Universal decimal classification (UDC)
Data on qualifications of academic staff
The leading RSU lecturers are involved in the programme implementation:
In subdivision of medical baseline sciences – 17 professors and associated professors and 10
lecturers with a PhD degree.
In subdivision of surgical disciplines – 9 professors and associated professors and 2 lecturers
with a PhD degree.
In subdivision of internal medicine disciplines – 9 professors and associated professors and
4 lecturers with a PhD degree.
In subdivision of stomatology disciplines – 6 professors and associated professors and 2
lecturers with a PhD degree.
In Public health sciences – 5 professors and associated professors.
In health and social care – 4 professors and associated professors
In subdivision of pharmacy disciplines – 3 professors and associated professors and 4
lecturers with PhD degree.
Supervisors of subdivision programmes are experts in their field acknowledged by Latvia
Research Council.
PERSPECTIVES IN DIRECTIONS OF STUDY PROGRAMME
IN FUTURE
Directions for the advancement of study programme in future are stated by Riga Stradiņš
University strategy, which, in its turn, is based on Bologne process guidelines on
establishing a space for higher education and the national conception on higher education
and university development. The Berlin communique of Bologne process underlines the
correlation of the role of higher education and science and the doctoral programme in the
further development of higher education, training of highly qualified specialists for scientific
and academic work, which in turn will provide a competitive educational system.
The first stage by implementing the goals set has been done – a study management system is
made which is justified by RSU certificate to comply with standards ISO 2001:2001
“Quality Management Systems”. This management system is not a “stiff” value, but it needs
perfection and development.
To implement the programme development successfully, it is necessary to internationalize
PhD study programmes, by involving the best foreign guest lecturers and research work
supervisors, as well as look for the chances to provide the doctorants' in-service training
abroad. Besides, it would be worth working out a development project, allowing to integrate
RSU PhD study programmes into international PhD programmes, as a result, they would
gain mutual recognition and could be comparable.
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Manager of PhD study programme in medicine and pharmacy,
Riga Stradins University Vice rector for Science, Dr. hab. med.,
asociated professor
Iveta Ozolanta