Tour of Endocrine Research Centre

Today we met with Pavel Rumyantsev, MD, PhD who is Deputy Director of Endocrinological Research Centre.  His research focus is on radiation-induced thyroid cancer, and he has treated patients from Chernobyl.  We had a long discussion about his research and his insight into Chernobyl and Fukushima.

We toured the new additions to the hospital that are currently under construction. The new additions will house 216 patient beds, effectively doubling the size of the facility. There will be 4 state of the art operating rooms, and nearly an entire floor of ICU beds. Approximately one half of the new wing will be devoted to pediatrics.

Russian Scientific Center of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine

Radioiodine is administered in stand-alone facilities in Russia that are strictly regulated. There are only 2 such facilities in the Moscow region. Today we visited the Russian Scientific Center of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine.  There is no such thing as "outpatient" radioiodine treatment in Russia.

This is the inpatient facility for patients receiving radioiodine.  The patients are instructed by the staff, through audio, and then self-administer their radioiodine.  They are sequestered for 2-4 days in these rooms. To measure blood pressure, the patient extends their arm through a small window to nurses on the non-contaminated"

The patients are monitored by closed-circuit camera 24 hours a day. They bring their own SIM card and are given a facility cell phone to use. 

They have a whole-body scan (hybridized with full-dose CT) before being discharged.  This is an image of a patient with thyroid cancer metastasis to the pelvis.

Interesting case conference

Max is delivering a lecture on interesting cases to a full auditorium at the Endocrine Research Center.  Endocrinology trainees are filming from their seats. Cases discussed were primary hyperaldosteronism, primary hyperparathyroidosm, and Cushing's disease. The lecture is being translated into Russian.

Operating Theater - Endocrine Research Center

There are 3 operating rooms at the Centre. The operating rooms have natural light. All the instruments are reusable. Most of the devices and instruments are the same as in the US.

Advertisement of our visit and lectures at Endocrine Research Center

Overview of the Ambassador Exchange

The Ambassador Exchange program is an international exchange pilot program that will establish collaborative relationships between leading medical centers in the United States and international medical centers. A two-person team from each participating institution (an established endocrinologist and a trainee) serve as Ambassadors for their home institution and the Endocrine Society. The Society’s main goal is to provide endocrinologists across all career stages and around the globe with opportunities to learn how national, ethnic, economic, and cultural factors shape endocrine care. Today Max Flynn and I leave for Moscow, to spend two weeks as Endocrine Ambassadors at the Endocrinological Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Medical Science, Moscow, Russia.

Read more about the program at: https://www.endocrine.org/advocacy-and-outreach/ambassador-exchange-program

2014 Endocrine Ambassador Exchange Program