The Eurasian Medical Education Program: An Experiment in Health as an Instrument in Foreign Policy

On April 2, 2010, Dr. Edward Burger, President of the Institute for Health Policy Analysis and Director of the Eurasian Medical Education Program, delivered a lecture on “The Eurasian Medical Education Program: An Experiment in Health as an Instrument in Foreign Policy.” The event was moderated by Dr. Judyth Twigg, Associate Professor, School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr. Burger’s presentation underscored the importance of Russia’s medical training and infrastructure development in the treatment and prevention of serious diseases throughout Russia, especially in the more remote regions of the country. Dr. Burger highlighted some of the successes achieved in Russia’s public health and outlined the most effective approach to Russia’s declining health profile, with adequate measure given to the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as preventing the spread of Tuberculosis. Medical missions to Russia as well as physician exchange programs will be crucial to further progress in Russia’s health care system.  The presentation also provoked candid remarks about preventative health in Russia and perceptions of health care among the Russian people.”