Vitebsk and Pskov medical trade unions are strengthening cooperation in the field of mentorship and work with young specialists
A delegation of the Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian trade union of healthcare workers, led by Chairman Vladimir Plytkevich, took part in the seminar "Mentorship. Support measures for young specialists and their retention in the workplace," which was held in Pskov as part of a cooperation agreement with the Pskov regional organization of the trade union of healthcare workers of the Russian Federation.
Representatives of medical institutions and trade union organizations from the two regions exchanged experiences in working with novice medical professionals at a round table. Members of the Youth Council of the Pskov regional trade union organization also participated in the dialogue. Vladimir Plytkevich presented the Belarusian experience in developing the institution of mentorship to his Pskov colleagues. He emphasized that in Belarus, this mechanism has received clear legal formalization: by order of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus dated December 26, 2022, No. 1864, the "Regulation on Mentorship in Healthcare Organizations" was approved, developed jointly with the trade union.
– Our main achievement is a systematic approach. We don't just assign a mentor to a young specialist, but build a comprehensive support model from professional training to solving everyday issues. It is important for a novice doctor to feel that they are expected at their workplace, that they are believed in, and that people are ready to help them grow, – noted Vladimir Plytkevich.
Over 9 months of 2025, 70 young medical professionals from the Vitebsk region received rental housing, 63 received rooms in dormitories, and 124 received beds. Those renting apartments receive partial compensation for their expenses. Young families are assisted with preferential loans for housing and education.
The chairman of the trade union committee of the Orsha Central Polyclinic, Yana Khaletskaya, shared her experience of systematic work with youth in the healthcare institution. In 2025, 81 young specialists began working here. Each of them has a mentor assigned – an experienced doctor or a senior nurse. Individual development plans have been developed for them, labor cooperation agreements have been signed, and measures of material and moral incentives are provided.
Pskov colleagues also shared their experience in mentoring, which was an important step towards exchanging best practices.
During the trip, members of the Vitebsk delegation visited the Pskov Regional Infectious Clinical Hospital and laid flowers at the memorial complex to the heroes-defenders of the Fatherland "Warrior" at the cemetery in Vybuty.