Industrial practice on the discipline "Pharmacognosy" at the Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute - a branch of the Volgograd State Medical University

On the basis of the Memorandum of Cooperation between JSC South Kazakhstan Medical Academy and the Pyatigorsk Medical and Pharmaceutical Institute - a branch of the Volgograd State Medical University (PMFI - a branch of VolgSMU, Pyatigorsk, Russia), 3rd year students of the educational program "Pharmacy" Yessenali Saltanat, Yegeshova Aida, Raimova Kyzzhibek, Umbetova Sabina, Maksut Madiyar together with the head of the Department of Pharmacognosy, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, acting professors Orynbassarova Kulpan underwent an industrial practice from June 5 to June 16, 2023 on the basis of the Department of Pharmacognosy, Botany and Technology of Phytopreparations of the PMFI - a branch of VolgSMU.

From June 5 to June 16, 2023, students got acquainted with the medicinal flora of Ciscaucasia, including the Caucasian Mineral Waters. One of the important reasons for the practice in this region is justified by the fact that the Stavropol Territory is unique in the variety of medicinal plants containing biologically active substances such as alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, essential oils, phenolic compounds, which represent a large section of the educational program.

The goal of the industrial practice is to get acquainted with the growing conditions and ecology of medicinal plants of the flora of the North Caucasus, the possibilities of experimental cultivation of plants in a botanical garden, the study of the experience of introducing into culture many of the most important species of medicinal plants with limited reserves and narrow habitats.
As part of the practice, students got acquainted with the work of the institute, the departments of the Faculty of Pharmacy, the peculiarity of teaching pharmaceutical disciplines, and research laboratories. Konovalov D. Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy, Botany and Technology of Phytopreparations, Professor, Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Deputy Director of the PMFI for Research, showed scientific achievements, ways of formation and development of the department.
According to the work plan, students of the SKMA visited the Perkalsky dendrological park, where they got acquainted with the conditions for the cultivation and cultivation of various pharmacopoeial, medicinal and ornamental plants: Far Eastern Aristolochia, reddish fundic, drooping thuja, species of oak, pawberry three-bladed, Yucca filamentosa, periwinkle and others, snowberry white, virgin persimmon, Caucasian mountain ash, actinidia species, Amur barberry, large-flowered magnolia, etc. Students, in addition to studying agricultural technology, conducted macroscopic, microscopic analyzes of medicinal plants.

As a result of practical training, students consolidated their theoretical knowledge and formed the skills of researching medicinal plants in the field of research work.

In addition to the compulsory practice program, students and the head of the practice, acting Professor Orynbassarova K. on June 14, 2023 took part in a round table with international participation on the topic: “Study of medicinal plants in Russia and Kazakhstan”.
During the meeting, questions were discussed about the features of pharmaceutical education in Kazakhstan (acting prof. speaker K.Orynbassarova), "Organization and conduct of students' practice on Pharmacognosy at the PMFI Botanical Garden and Perkal Nursery" (speakers: Associate Professor S.P. Lukashuk and director of the Perkal nursery D.S. Shilnikov).
In addition, methodological issues were discussed: “Time management in the system of higher pharmaceutical education” (speaker Prof. O. Popova). The head of the Department of Pharmacognosy of the South Kazakhstan Medical Academy in Shymkent Orynbassarova Kulpan made a presentation: "Priorities and prospects of the educational program "Pharmacy" in universities in the online education system".
The 3rd year students of the South Kazakhstan Medical Academy in Shymkent also made presentations: Maksut Madiyar, Yessenali Saltanat, Umbetova Sabina “Organization and conduct of educational and industrial practice on the basis of the South Kazakhstan Medical Academy”, “Project-oriented training as an effective teaching method for building 21st century skills”.
There was an exchange of views and experience in conducting research and educational programs with the organizers and guests of the round table.

On June 15, a festive event “Day of Kazakhstan” was held, at which a table was laid - Kazakh dastarkhan.
During a meeting with the director of the PMFI prof. Akhverdova O.A. a joint educational program between our universities was discussed and agreed upon, issues of further interaction were discussed.

Thanks to the exchange of practical skills between the students of our countries, the students began to feel more confident in their knowledge and skills in the field of research of medicinal plants, and express their deep gratitude to the host in the person of the head of the Department of Pharmacognosy, Botany and Technology of Phytopreparations of the PMFI prof. Konovalov D. and staff of the department for organizing the exchange program and warm welcome.
On behalf of the SKMA students, we express our sincere gratitude to the leadership of the academy and personally to the rector of the SKMA M. Ryssbekov for the opportunity to obtain highly qualified professional and practical skills and for the opportunity to have an internship in one of the best pharmaceutical universities in the Russian Federation.