Romani Language Should be Mandatory in Hospital
George Grădinariu, Graduate of Grigore Popa Medical University, Iasi and Faculty of Physics Second year resident in cardiovascular surgery, Parhon hospital, Iasi
For me, the most important thing was to help young Roma improve their career prospects.
Roma students are role models for others in their communities. I appreciate working with them. I honestly don’t think that ethnicity is an obstacle; being a woman is more likely an obstacle to becoming a surgeon, for example. But, if you are dedicated and well prepared, you can overcome these barriers. In my opinion, in every hospital, staff should speak more than one language, including Romani, and it should be mandatory. Also, there should be training in sign language. We should at least learn the basics.
Roma students are role models for others in their communities. I appreciate working with them. I honestly don’t think that ethnicity is an obstacle; being a woman is more likely an obstacle to becoming a surgeon, for example. But, if you are dedicated and well prepared, you can overcome these barriers. In my opinion, in every hospital, staff should speak more than one language, including Romani, and it should be mandatory. Also, there should be training in sign language. We should at least learn the basics.
Students’ Desire for Knowledge is my Greatest Motivation
Mentor Vesna Jurukovska Shotarovska assistant on Faculty of Dentistry in Skopje, specialist in Prosthodontics and a Master in Prosthodon
As a mentor to my students, I want to confirm that their educational aptitude and leadership was gained within RHSP program.
All students are from average Roma families. Their modesty and sincerity are an important part of their professional image. I want to emphasize their diligence and desire to gain new knowledge, which was present during our joint work. These students are my greatest motivation to continue helping them to become successful dentists and improve their level of expertise. In communication with patients, my Roma students are attentive, precise and kind. We worked together as a team and we have fully developed diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in dentistry and medical science. Through educational courses their knowledge is unselfishly passed on to the younger population in their municipality of Suto Orizari - Skopje.
All students are from average Roma families. Their modesty and sincerity are an important part of their professional image. I want to emphasize their diligence and desire to gain new knowledge, which was present during our joint work. These students are my greatest motivation to continue helping them to become successful dentists and improve their level of expertise. In communication with patients, my Roma students are attentive, precise and kind. We worked together as a team and we have fully developed diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in dentistry and medical science. Through educational courses their knowledge is unselfishly passed on to the younger population in their municipality of Suto Orizari - Skopje.
A Bright Future for RHSP’s Students
Prof. Ivailo Tournev, Head of the Clinic of Neurology, University Hospital Alexandrovska in Sofia
My most important achievement is the newly acquired friendship with the students - trust and the confidence building process.
I have mentored eight Roma students over the years the program has been implemented, but I also participated in the selection process for many more. The regular mentor meetings with the students provide an opportunity to be familiar with all the problems and difficulties of future medics. The mentor is responsible for their academic development too. Two of my students have already finished their medical education and specialize respectively in dermatology and endocrinology. Others continue to study. All of them pass their exams successfully. I consult them on different academic issues. All students with RHSP’s scholarships have a clear vision for their future. Most of them have participated in different initiatives directed at ensuring access to health and social services for vulnerable Roma people. Furthermore, they participate and communicate with the National Network of Roma health mediators.
I have mentored eight Roma students over the years the program has been implemented, but I also participated in the selection process for many more. The regular mentor meetings with the students provide an opportunity to be familiar with all the problems and difficulties of future medics. The mentor is responsible for their academic development too. Two of my students have already finished their medical education and specialize respectively in dermatology and endocrinology. Others continue to study. All of them pass their exams successfully. I consult them on different academic issues. All students with RHSP’s scholarships have a clear vision for their future. Most of them have participated in different initiatives directed at ensuring access to health and social services for vulnerable Roma people. Furthermore, they participate and communicate with the National Network of Roma health mediators.
Both Sides Benefit
Dr. Dragana Milutinovic, professor at the Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad
For three years I have been working with the same student, and I am simply proud of her.
This special relationship is really flourishing. Now we have reached a stage when one follows the student’s development and maturity becoming aware that she is about to begin her professional career. I am very proud of my mentee.
This special relationship is really flourishing. Now we have reached a stage when one follows the student’s development and maturity becoming aware that she is about to begin her professional career. I am very proud of my mentee.
Roma students taught me about the obstacles and challenges disadvantaged minorities have to overcome
Ovidiu Mitu mentor, Resident at Cardiology
It wasn’t only the students who discovered new things: as a mentor I experienced what it was like to work with disadvantaged population.
What I really liked was that participants are ambitious students who really want to do a noble and difficult job. I’m sure all of them will become doctors. The fact that they were admitted to the medical school tells us something about their moral fiber and I’m sure they will be ambitious enough to graduate and later work as doctors.
What I really liked was that participants are ambitious students who really want to do a noble and difficult job. I’m sure all of them will become doctors. The fact that they were admitted to the medical school tells us something about their moral fiber and I’m sure they will be ambitious enough to graduate and later work as doctors.
Mentorship Support is the RHSP Concept Assuring Good Results
Prof dr Snezhana Janchevska, Senior Research Assistant, Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Skopje
Mentor builds confidence and the student's self-esteem.
My communication and working style are simple, friendly and based on students’ needs, and not founded on an artificial agenda. My motto is: success leads to the next challenge, but failure triggers greater determination. I can describe my work with Roma students in three stages: in the beginning of their studies, Roma student's adaptation is paramount. The second step is success. The final step should be inclusion into the ongoing projects.
My communication and working style are simple, friendly and based on students’ needs, and not founded on an artificial agenda. My motto is: success leads to the next challenge, but failure triggers greater determination. I can describe my work with Roma students in three stages: in the beginning of their studies, Roma student's adaptation is paramount. The second step is success. The final step should be inclusion into the ongoing projects.
My Mentor – Grantee’s Point of View
Written by student Vladimir Milunović, former RHSP beneficiary
From the very beginning our relationship was frank, so I could look for advice, help or a favour.
From the moment I chose Dr. Vesna Stojanović Marjanović to be my RHSP mentor, we maintained contact almost on a daily basis. Doctor Vesna gives is committed to helping me with the exams by providing expert assistance in finding literature and in organizing practical supplementary classes. She showed particular interest in the problems the Roma community faces and strove to understand the real needs and challenges, primarily in the areas of health and education. When it comes to responsibilities and duties, she is very strict, fair and dedicated, yet very communicative, pleasant and professional. She is a mentor who initiates and motivates her students. Finally, I’d like to share that my expectations regarding collaboration with my mentor were fully realized.
From the moment I chose Dr. Vesna Stojanović Marjanović to be my RHSP mentor, we maintained contact almost on a daily basis. Doctor Vesna gives is committed to helping me with the exams by providing expert assistance in finding literature and in organizing practical supplementary classes. She showed particular interest in the problems the Roma community faces and strove to understand the real needs and challenges, primarily in the areas of health and education. When it comes to responsibilities and duties, she is very strict, fair and dedicated, yet very communicative, pleasant and professional. She is a mentor who initiates and motivates her students. Finally, I’d like to share that my expectations regarding collaboration with my mentor were fully realized.
Roma Health Scholarship Program
In order to help RHSP beneficiaries and increase their chances to successfully graduate, the Program has also envisaged a continuous mentorship support.
The Mentorship Program:
The Mentorship Program:
- 1 mentor is assigned per 2 students, the former will be able to deliver support on both academic and professional levels;
- Mentor will also help tackle discrimination when confronted with it or when witnessing a Roma being discriminated against in health care institutions.
- Mentors should guide the students in their academic carrier and professional journey by guiding them to write medical articles in medical magazines and journals, assist students in applying/attending the national and international medical events/ congresses.
