On April 28 and 29, the University of Latvia hosted international experts from Germany and Switzerland, as well as representatives of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)-recognized agency Accreditation Agency for Health and Social Sciences. The visit marks an important stage in the international accreditation of the second-cycle study programme “Medicine”.
The delegation included internationally recognized specialists: Prof. Stephanie Herbstreit (University Hospital Essen), Christian Schirlo (University of Lucerne), as well as Prof. Marjo Wijnen-Meijer (Dresden University of Technology) and Arno Luis Fischer (Berlin Medical School). The AHPGS delegation was represented by the Head of International Accreditation, Corina Sutter.
Over the course of two days, the experts evaluated the programme’s compliance with the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG) and WFME requirements, reviewing the study process, infrastructure, and quality assurance system. Meetings were held with university leadership, academic staff, students, and graduates. The experts also visited clinical training sites, including the 10th building and departments at Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital.
The experts gave a positive assessment of the programme’s structured approach, the quality of clinical training, the organization of studies in small groups, and the close collaboration between teaching staff and students. They also highlighted the integration of the scientific component and development plans for primary healthcare and simulation-based training.
At the same time, the experts provided recommendations for further development, particularly emphasizing the need to strengthen integration within the study programme and to expand opportunities for interprofessional education.
International accreditation confirms the quality of the study programme and enhances graduates’ competitiveness in the international environment, while also promoting continuous improvement of studies.
The University of Latvia expresses its gratitude to all those involved for their contribution to the accreditation process.
