Siberian Country Doctors

About one quarter of Russia’s population inhabits villages and small towns. In Novosibirsk region, such a rural population amounts to almost a million. Sometimes located far from hospitals and other infrastructure, it is the role of country doctors to take care of them. Life outside the big cities entailes a more human touch; everything and everyone here is nearby, close, and exposed for all to see. Who you are and how you deal with people as a professional is equally scrutinised. A country doctor is expected to be a universal Aesculapius, someone who can heal, console, who is able to be patient, keep clement, and help in overcoming. This is the pilot stage (Jan-Apr 2017) of a long term project titled Zemsky Doctor / Country Doctor aimed at documenting the daily life of the healthcare profession in rural Siberia.