"Reason to Be Proud": Epidemiologist from Bashkiria Lyudmila Solonina

A joint project of the Republic Management Center and the BST TV channel "Reason to Be Proud" told about the epidemiologist of the Office of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing in the Republic of Bashkiria Lyudmila Solonina.

In school, she set herself the goal of entering a medical university. She began her professional career in 1981, working in the sanitary and epidemiological service of Birsk and then as the head of the epidemiological department in the Kalininsky district of Ufa.

Since 2005, she has been the chief specialist of the Office of Rospotrebnadzor in Bashkiria, conducting operational investigations of infectious disease outbreaks. In 2022, she was appointed head of the epidemiology and disinfection department of City Clinical Hospital No. 8.

“Over more than 40 years in the profession, I have become convinced that there are no ordinary people in epidemiology. A person must be stubborn, not take time into account, and give them all to work,” says Lyudmila Solonin.

The specialist helped victims of the train accident near Ulu-Telyak, saved hundreds of lives, and participated in liquidating a phenol accident in the republic's capital. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, she oversaw the repurposing of hospitals and clarification of the circumstances of group diseases.

By decree of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, for her outstanding contribution to the fight against COVID-19 and dedication shown in the performance of her professional duty, Lyudmila Solonin was awarded the Luka Krymsky Medal. Among the epidemiologist’s other achievements is the honorary title of “Excellent Healthcare Worker,” as well as numerous medals and certificates from the Ministry of Health.

Author: Ivan Vavilov