— Dr. Viki, how did you end up in Russia in the first place? 

—  I came to Russia on an exchange programme in 2005. Every year the Ministry for Education of Sri Lanka together with the Russian Embassy choose 5 candidates for an education grant given by the Russian government to foreign students. Selection process has a number of criterias that a candidate should comply with so I was pounding the books on Russian history, geography, literature, memorizing important dates in the country’s history, including Lenin’s birthday. 

After I got accepted I spent a year in Rostov State Medical University learning Russian and then started professional education in Yaroslavl State Medical University. In 2005  graduated as the first foreign student given First-Class Degree, what is called “the red diploma” in Russian. 

— Was it difficult to get used to the new country? 

— Well, the first thing that hit me was cold. When I landed in Moscow, I first thought that the AC was working full speed and only later I realised it wasn’t the AC, it was “normal” October wind. I mean I knew Russia would be cold, I just didn’t know it would be that cold. 

— How did you find Russian cuisine? 

— It wasn’t easy to get used to Russian food. Especially when I ran out of all the spices I brought from Sri Lanka. 

In the students residence I was sharing a room with two guys from Colombia so Russian food made its way to my heart (and stomach) through Colombian delicacies. 

— How was Russia treating you?

— Very good. Most Russians are friendly and welcoming. Sometimes foreigners think since Russians don’t smile much, they are cold and ungracious. But it is not so, it’s just different cultural behavior. The Russians I met were very respectful and helpful. They just need some time to get to know you. If you give them this time, you’ll get a wonderful friend. 

Mutual respect & friendship expands to the state level as well. Since the Soviet times and until now a Russian Cultural Centre operates in Colombo where one can come and learn more about this beautiful country. 

— What, do you think, are the advantages of Russian education? 

— In my case my Russian qualifications opened the door to practising medicine in the first place and I could never imagine myself doing anything else but being a doctor. Our university professors always encouraged and backed up the initiative of those students who wanted to learn more. For example, I was allowed to help in the department of anatomic pathology from my 3rd year. 

Doctors who studied in Russia are normally more used to and better trained to work and think with little support of high technological equipment. Russian education pays a lot of attention to developing independent medical judgment so that one can count on it alone when there is nothing else to depend on. 

Here in Malta you do not need such a skill. Well equipped hospital is only a short drive away. But for those who work in remote locations the ability to rely on your knowledge and judgement with no high tech help can be essential.  

— Does “Russian experience” help you in your practice? 

— Definitely. After graduation I got a contract in Zambia (Africa). Turned out most of the senior management over there studied in Russia too. My superior in the hospital where I worked, studied in Russia, all the heads of the biggest teaching hospitals in Zambia studied in Russia. You could find Russia graduates not only in the medical profession. 

When we moved to a new house and needed to connect it to electricity, the head of the electricity department helped us with a number of bureaucratic hurdles because, it turned out, he also studied in Russia. And of course having Russian as a working language is a big advantage whether you are in Africa or in Malta. Many Russian patiences prefer being seen by a doctor who speaks Russian. So any Russian speaking doctor is definitely an asset to the hospital.  

— Are you still in touch with your colleagues in Russia?

— Yes, very much so. Russia is famous for its highly specialized doctors and since I have many doctors who practise medicine in Russia, it’s a great chance to get a specialized opinion, when needed. 

— To your opinion, what medical areas can Malta & Russia cooperate in?

— The curriculum in Russian universities has a discipline called “disaster medicine” which is not always taught outside of Russia and to my opinion, is a very useful subject. Malta on the other hand is very good working with data protection and personal data security. And of course there is always something to learn from each other when it comes to surgery and oncology. 

— Doctors always need to stay at the top of their game. What is your surefire secret to stay constantly motivated? 

— Russia gave me a great education and Africa added a unique experience working with infectious diseases like Ebola, cholera, tuberculosis, meningitis, HIV etc. But my greatest motivation and support is actually my wife whom I found in Russia too. She always supports me and my craziest initiatives. 

- Shall we go to Sri Lanka? -When? - Tomorrow. - Sure. 

OR

- How do you feel about us moving to Africa? - Great. When are we going? 

OR

-Shall we try Malta? - Why not? When shall I start packing? 

We’ve been together through difficult relocations, infectious outbreaks, long shifts. She is always there for me, always supporting and in some cases even leading to the right diagnosis having a medical education herself.  I am lucky to have her by my side.  

— What language do you speak at home? 

— Russian. I think it’s a wonderful language. It’s been in my life for so long that it feels natural to watch movies in Russian, to joke in Russian even to think in Russian. We are a multicultural family. I am a Budhist, my wife is a Christian, we celebrate Russian holidays, Sri Lankan holidays, now Maltese holidays too. We love to blend together both our similarities and our differences.