The Football Doctor: An Egyptian Student on Balancing Medicine and the Beautiful Game

Mohamad Abd Elshahid arrived in Mordovia from Egypt in the winter of 2018 to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. Now in his final year of medical school, specializing in General Medicine, he calls his move to Russia one of the best choices of his life. He spoke with journalist Maria Khruleva about the contrasts between Russian and Egyptian healthcare — and why football remains his lifeline despite living with asthma.

— Tell us about your homeland. What places would you recommend to travelers in Egypt?
- The Red Sea coast is breathtaking. Cities like Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh are perfect holiday destinations, famous for their warm, clear waters and welcoming atmosphere. I was born in Kafr El-Sheikh, a city steeped in history and also home to one of the newest universities in Africa.

— Why did you decide to study in Russia, and how did you learn about our university?
- I’ve always valued high-quality education. In Egypt, competition for medical school is incredibly tough, with admission scores set very high. Unfortunately, I didn’t get into the university in my hometown, and I didn’t want to consider others.
A friend suggested Mordovia State University. He told me it had a strong reputation academically but wasn’t yet overcrowded with international students — so I decided to seize the opportunity.

— Are Russian medical degrees recognized in Egypt?
- Yes, a diploma from Ogarev Mordovia State University is well-respected back home. To practice in Egypt, I’ll just need to complete a one-year internship at a local hospital to confirm my qualifications and obtain certification. That said, I might choose to stay in Russia — my parents support me either way. With strong ties between our two countries, traveling back and forth won’t be an issue.

— How would you compare the healthcare systems of Russia and Egypt?
- Russia’s healthcare system is much larger and more structured. I really admire the system of compulsory medical insurance, which gives citizens access to a wide range of free services. In Egypt, there are public hospitals too, but most consultations are paid — though the fees are relatively low. Recently, Egypt has been experimenting with an insurance system similar to Russia’s in a few cities, and I hope this will make healthcare more accessible. Another difference is that there are very few female doctors in Egypt.

— In your opinion, what qualities define a true doctor?
- Kindness and composure. A good doctor should really listen, understand a patient’s concerns, and avoid rushing to decisions. Sometimes, even a few kind words can be as healing as medicine. That’s the kind of doctor I want to become. Honestly, I can’t picture myself in any other profession.

— Do you have any hobbies outside of medicine?
- Football is my passion. Even though I have asthma and playing isn’t always easy, I can’t imagine life without it. A couple of years ago, I brought together a group of international students to form a team called The Falcons. Recently, we signed an agreement with the university, so we’re now part of the official MRSU squad, and we also represent Ogaryovets, the futsal team of Arab students. I’m one of the captains and play as number 10.
We’ve achieved some great results in a short time — once we won a match 20:1! This summer, we also took first place in a football tournament in the village of Bolshiye Berezniki.

The article was published in the «Voice of Mordovian University» newspaper (No. 8 — September 26, 2025).