Volunteering, Healthcare, and Students at the "People of Goodwill" Forum

The All-Russian Forum "People of Goodwill" discussed the development of volunteerism, the role of volunteering in the medical field, and the development of students' professional and cross-professional skills. Among the speakers was Varvara Kulkova, the laboratory's chief expert.

The All-Russian Forum "People of Goodwill" was held on March 31, 2026, at the Interuniversity Student Campus of the Bashkir State Medical University in Ufa. The event was held in a hybrid format, bringing together both in-person participants and experts from Moscow, Kazan, Tomsk, and Tambov. Speakers included representatives of universities, volunteer centers, and public organizations, including volunteer association coordinators, faculty, and experts in social projects.

The forum focused on key areas for volunteer development, particularly in healthcare. Participants discussed volunteering as a key stage in the professional development of future doctors: it provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience, hone their professional and personal qualities, and formulate career goals. Particular attention was paid to developing cross-professional skills: communication, empathy, teamwork, and leadership.

Varvara Kulkova, the laboratory's chief expert, also spoke at the forum. She discussed the forms and tools of intersectoral social partnership in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of public initiatives in creating support systems, developing prevention, and improving access to care for vulnerable groups. She also shared the Republic of Tatarstan's experience in implementing the "service-learning" approach. Specifically, she described practices for collaboration between universities and the non-profit sector through regional workshops at the Civic Chamber of the Republic of Tatarstan.