On October 7, 2026, a delegation from Guangzhou Medical University (GMU), led by President Zhao Xingcun, visited St. Petersburg State University (SPbU) and held official talks in the Petrovsky Hall.

Representatives from the two universities discussed cooperation in the development of the Overseas Medical Training Center, joint research and talent development, and clinical exchange. Following the talks, the universities signed a strategic cooperation agreement and jointly unveiled the plaque for the GMU Overseas Medical Training Center (Russia).

Participants included Sergey V. Andryushin, Alexander V. Gubin, Consul General Luo Zhanhui, President Zhao Xingcun, Professor Nariman Gadzhiev, and Professor Zeng Guohua, as well as representatives from SPbU, its Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in St. Petersburg, and GMU.

On October 8 and 9, the Center held its first major training program, the international masterclass “Modern Endourology: RIRS, PCNL and ECIRS” (retrograde intrarenal surgery, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery). Urologists from Russia and Belarus took part in the two-day program. Professors Zeng Guohua and Nariman Gadzhiev delivered remarks at the opening session.

The academic program focused on developments in endourology and their clinical application. Professor Zeng presented the use of suction mini-PCNL in combination with flexible nephroscopy for the treatment of complex renal stones. Professor Zhong Wen shared techniques for percutaneous renal puncture, including combined X-ray and ultrasound guidance. Professor Gu Di shared experience in real-world evidence research and investigator-initiated clinical studies in urinary stone disease and prostate cancer.

Participants also received hands-on training at two stations, which covered flexible ureteroscopy simulation and ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal access.

On October 9, the program continued at the Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies, where participants attended clinical case presentations and a live surgical demonstration. Professor Zeng demonstrated a procedure using a flexible and navigable suction (FANS) access sheath together with a 6.3-Fr flexible ureteroscope. The masterclass concluded with a final assessment, the presentation of certificates, and a closing ceremony.

During the visit, the GMU delegation also met with Consul General Luo Zhanhui at the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in St. Petersburg. The delegation provided an update on the establishment of the Center and GMU’s cooperation with Russian universities. Luo expressed support for further cooperation in medical education and health care.

The new Center will serve as a platform for joint research, clinical training, and academic exchange, supporting continued cooperation between GMU and its Russian partners. Together with the newly established Center in Italy, the new Center brings the total number of GMU Overseas Medical Training Centers to five.