Q1. Is the MD programme taught in English?
+A: Yes. Saribekyan International Medical University offers its Doctor of Medicine programme in English, making it suitable for international students.
Saribekyan International Medical University (SIMU) is a private medical university in Yerevan, Armenia, established to provide internationally focused medical education for both domestic and international students. The university aims to combine modern medical science with practical clinical training, research exposure, and ethical medical practice while preparing graduates to pursue successful careers in healthcare across different countries. With English-medium medical education, experienced faculty members, and affiliations with leading hospitals in Armenia, SIMU has become an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking affordable, globally oriented medical education.
Located in Yerevan, Armenia's capital and largest educational centre, the university benefits from access to modern healthcare institutions, research facilities, and teaching hospitals that support practical clinical learning. The city offers students an affordable cost of living, a safe environment, rich cultural heritage, and a growing international student community, making it an attractive destination for medical studies.
The six-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme is designed according to internationally accepted medical education standards. The curriculum integrates biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, communication skills, medical ethics, evidence-based practice, research methodology, and patient-centred healthcare. Students develop both scientific knowledge and practical clinical competence necessary for modern medical practice.
The programme begins with intensive education in the foundational medical sciences. Students study anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, embryology, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, behavioural sciences, epidemiology, preventive medicine, and medical ethics. These subjects establish the scientific understanding required before students begin clinical education.
The university follows an integrated teaching methodology where classroom lectures are combined with anatomy dissections, laboratory practicals, simulation-based education, clinical demonstrations, digital learning resources, problem-based learning, and small-group discussions. This educational approach promotes critical thinking, communication skills, teamwork, professional behaviour, and lifelong learning.
Early clinical exposure begins through communication workshops, physical examination sessions, patient interviews, simulation laboratories, and supervised hospital observations. Students gradually develop confidence while learning clinical reasoning and professional conduct before entering advanced clinical rotations.
Clinical education is delivered through affiliated teaching hospitals and specialised medical centres across Yerevan. Students receive practical training in internal medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, cardiology, neurology, psychiatry, orthopaedics, emergency medicine, anaesthesiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, ENT, radiology, oncology, nephrology, endocrinology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, rehabilitation medicine, family medicine, and community healthcare.
Throughout their clinical rotations, students actively participate in ward rounds, outpatient clinics, operating theatres, emergency departments, multidisciplinary case discussions, diagnostic procedures, and supervised patient management. These experiences allow students to integrate theoretical learning with practical patient care while developing strong clinical competence.
The affiliated hospitals provide access to modern diagnostic laboratories, advanced imaging technologies, surgical departments, intensive care units, emergency medicine services, oncology centres, specialised medical clinics, and simulation facilities. Students learn within multidisciplinary healthcare teams while gaining exposure to contemporary medical technologies and healthcare delivery systems.
Research is encouraged throughout the programme. Faculty members and students participate in scientific projects covering internal medicine, surgery, public health, molecular biology, pharmacology, infectious diseases, oncology, cardiology, neuroscience, endocrinology, preventive medicine, and biomedical sciences. Students have opportunities to participate in research seminars, scientific conferences, publications, and collaborative academic projects that strengthen scientific reasoning and analytical skills.
Internationalisation remains an important focus for Saribekyan International Medical University. The university actively develops academic collaborations with universities, healthcare institutions, and research organisations in Europe, Asia, and neighbouring countries. These partnerships provide opportunities for academic exchange, collaborative research, scientific conferences, and broader international exposure.
The curriculum incorporates modern developments in healthcare including evidence-based medicine, digital health, preventive medicine, patient safety, healthcare management, interdisciplinary collaboration, medical ethics, and lifelong professional development. These components prepare graduates to adapt to rapidly changing global healthcare environments.
Simulation-based education supports practical learning through dedicated clinical skills laboratories where students practise emergency procedures, clinical examinations, communication skills, procedural techniques, and multidisciplinary teamwork before treating patients in hospital settings. This structured training improves confidence while promoting patient safety.
Student life at SIMU extends beyond academics through participation in scientific societies, volunteer healthcare programmes, medical camps, research clubs, cultural activities, sports events, student organisations, and community outreach initiatives. These activities contribute to leadership development, teamwork, and professional growth.
The university offers comprehensive student support including academic advising, international student services, accommodation assistance, counselling, digital learning platforms, library resources, language support, and career guidance. These services help students successfully complete their medical education while adapting to life in Armenia.
Graduates of Saribekyan International Medical University pursue careers in clinical medicine, postgraduate medical education, specialist residency programmes, biomedical research, healthcare administration, and public health. Many graduates continue their professional development through international licensing examinations and postgraduate training programmes in accordance with the regulations of their respective countries.
Today, Saribekyan International Medical University continues to expand its academic reputation by providing quality medical education, modern clinical training, international collaboration, and student-centred learning. Its commitment to producing competent, ethical, and globally prepared physicians enables graduates to contribute effectively to healthcare systems around the world.
