RSU Student of the Year 2023 – Laura Līpenīte
Laura Līpenīte, a 6th-year student in the Paediatrics study programme at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Faculty of Medicine, is characterised by her inexhaustible energy, perseverance, and ability to take initiative. She is an excellent student and combines her studies with work at the hospital.
The RSU Annual Award in the Student of the Year category was presented to Laura Līpenīte at the RSU Academic Ball on 9 September 2023 at the Riga Latvian Society House by Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons
Laura has conducted classes at the Junior Doctors Academy and volunteered at Pauls Stradiņš University Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic to help care for patients.
Tell me about yourself. I combined my studies at the RSU Faculty of Medicine with my work at the Vascular Surgery Unit at the Pauls Stradins University Hospital. Previously, I worked for two years in RSU Student Services and for a while in the Medical Education Technology Centre, which gave me the opportunity to improve my practical skills.
An active lifestyle is one of the things I can't imagine my life without. Since the first year of my studies I have been dancing in the RSU folk dance ensemble Ačkups, it helps me to relax from the stresses of everyday life. I also enjoy walking – all I have to do is tell my brother that I want to go for a walk, and shortly after we can hit the road!
2023. At the 72nd anniversary concert of Ačkups. Photo: Jānis Romanovskis
Why did you choose medicine? I wanted to become a doctor when I was in kindergarten, but later I stopped thinking about it because there were various other professions that seemed very interesting. But during secondary school, the idea of becoming a doctor came back.
Why should people study? Through studies, you can gain knowledge and information about a particular subject or field, and you can gain not only a better understanding of the field, but also of life in general. Of course, you can learn everything on your own, for example by studying on the internet, but this is hardly comparable to the knowledge and experience that experienced lecturers, who have been working in their field for many years, can provide.
What is it like to study at Rīga Stradiņš University? Dynamic. As for all students, there are times when everything seems fine and calm, and periods where I skip sleep and meals.
I have fond memories of the time I spent with my colleagues in the Anatomical Theatre learning the names of all the bones and muscles. I will definitely remember the two times when my group and our lecturer got stuck in a hospital lift, but continued the class nevertheless!
It was amusing when we were learning practical skills during the epidemic in whatever way we could – instead of moulages, some of us used soft toys, or water bottles to practice injecting a needle.
2019. Studying at the Anatomical Theatre
Photo from the private archive
Studies teach you to overcome your fears and discipline yourself. There is a lot to do and a lot to learn, and only by motivating yourself and discipline can you achieve the best results and accomplish more.
Who are your life teachers? I can't name a specific person who has inspired me in life. Rather, I find the people I meet every day like my family, dance partners, teachers and colleagues inspirational. By evaluating and analysing their work and life, their mistakes and success stories, I realise what I would like to do in my life, and how. I have also learned a lot from my own mistakes.
Do you see a career in Latvia? I can't make any promises about the continuation of my career in Latvia or elsewhere at the moment. For the time being, I plan to stay Latvia, although I wouldn’t say ‘no’ if life throws me an opportunity.
