Background to the Formation of the Faculty of Medicine at Smolensk University (19th century – early 20th century):

During the 19th century, Russia faced a significant shortage of medical personnel, especially in rural areas where more than 80% of the population resided. European Russia, although ranking second in the number of doctors in the early 20th century, had uneven distribution, with a concentration in large cities. This shortage prompted discussions on the need for more medical professionals, particularly in rural regions.

Initiatives and Discussions:

• Smolensk province, predominantly agrarian, had limited educational institutions at the beginning of the 20th century.
• In 1909, discussions began on creating a university in Smolensk to address the shortage of doctors and teachers.
• The idea gained momentum as the Imperial Warsaw University faced inactivity due to the national liberation movement.

Decision-Making Process:

• In 1906, a meeting in Smolensk, attended by various stakeholders, discussed the potential creation of a new university.
• Professor Amalicki from the University of Warsaw presented the government’s plan to establish a new university in European Russia.
• A commission, including Amalicki, explored several cities, including Voronezh, Smolensk, Yaroslavl, and Minsk, to determine the most suitable location.
• Smolensk residents overwhelmingly supported the idea, citing good transport links, proximity to Moscow, and the city’s willingness to contribute financially.

Financial Considerations:

• The city pledged 300,000 rubles, the provincial zemstvo matched the amount, city institutions offered 100,000 rubles, and the nobility contributed 50,000 rubles.
• The remaining funds, up to 1,000,000 rubles in the first year, were expected from the county, possibly through a loan with budget repayment.

Benefits and Support:

• Residents believed that a university would turn Smolensk into a cultural center, benefiting trade and industry.
• The Smolensk Duma appealed to the government, emphasizing the positive impact on the city’s economy.

Obstacles and Outcome:

• Despite local enthusiasm, the government response was cautious, and Smolensk’s petition was not immediately accepted.
• In 1909, the medical faculty was opened in Saratov, and Smolensk was not chosen as a university location.
• The shortage of doctors intensified during World War I, prompting attempts to relocate the medical faculty of Yuryev University to Smolensk, which were hindered by military circumstances.

Post-World War I Developments:

• In 1920, after the war, Smolensk State Medical University (SSMU) was established to address the persistent shortage of medical professionals.
• The university has since evolved and become a prominent institution in the field of medical education.

Basic Information about Smolensk State Medical University (SSMU):

• Full Name: Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Smolensk State Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.
• Abbreviated Name: FSBEI HE SSMU Ministry of Health of Russia.
• Date of Establishment: 04/04/1920.
• Address: 214019, Russia, Central Federal District, Smolensk region, Smolensk, Krupskaya street, building 28.