Armenian cardiologists Mkrtich Chirkinyan and Gayane Avtandil completed a two-week clinical internship at Semmelweis University’s Heart and Vascular Center, gaining in-depth exposure to advanced cardiovascular diagnostics and interventional cardiology practices. Both participants highlighted the program as a highly structured, professionally enriching experience that directly supported their clinical development.
From the outset, they were impressed by the Center’s academic environment, the clear commitment to teaching, and the supportive attitude of the medical teams. The staff actively involved them in daily clinical activities, enabling continuous learning in a busy tertiary-care setting. According to Mkrtich,
“Every day offered substantial new knowledge and practical insights that contributed to our professional growth.”
Throughout the internship, they observed a broad spectrum of procedures, including TAVI, MitraClip, and other structural heart interventions, as well as routine use of advanced imaging modalities such as speckle tracking and 3D echocardiography. These technologies are not yet widely available in their home institution, making the experience particularly valuable for expanding their diagnostic skillset and understanding of contemporary European cardiology practice. A significant part of their learning came from exposure to diverse and complex clinical cases, ranging from structural interventions to rare conditions such as MUD syndrome. This variety broadened their clinical perspective and offered practical examples of evidence-based decision-making in high-volume cardiac care. As Mkrtich noted, the internship enabled him to start confidently applying new echocardiographic techniques (including tissue Doppler, speckle tracking, and 3D imaging) in his everyday practice.
In reflecting on the broader context of the training, both participants observed that while Hungarian and Armenian medical practice share a common foundation through European guidelines, Semmelweis University’s Heart and Vascular Center benefits from wider access to advanced technologies, innovative procedures, and integrated imaging approaches. They emphasized that short-term professional exchanges of this kind play a meaningful role in strengthening collaboration between the two countries. According to Mkrtich, learning from each other’s practices and sharing new ideas contributes to improving healthcare in both Armenia and Hungary. What stood out most during their stay was the culture of professionalism: an environment defined by teamwork, scientific curiosity, and a strong dedication to clinical education.
The experience not only enhanced their practical competencies but also reinforced the value of international cooperation in advancing cardiovascular medicine.