Modern medicine is rapidly evolving toward the integration of science, clinical practice, and global quality standards. Vitaly Gorbunov operates precisely at this intersection — a physician, educator, and expert whose career spans academic medicine, international clinical research, work in pharmaceutical companies, and the organization of interdisciplinary care for patients with rare diseases. His journey illustrates how systematic education, a scientific approach, and openness to new work formats can lead to sustainable results and professional recognition.
Vitaly’s education began at Volgograd State Medical University, where he studied from 2002 to 2008 and graduated with a medical degree. Even then, he showed a strong interest in scientific work, earning the highest final grade and a recommendation from the Academic Council to enter a clinical residency. In the following years, Gorbunov built a broad professional trajectory: a residency in allergology and immunology, an internship in internal medicine, and then a series of professional retraining programs in cardiology, clinical pharmacology, general practice, and healthcare management. This multidisciplinary education formed the foundation for his unique approach to diagnosing and treating complex cases, as well as for his active research and teaching activities.
In 2009, Gorbunov began his teaching career at Volgograd State Medical University. He worked as an assistant at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Intensive Care, combining teaching with scientific and clinical practice. Here he developed original courses on antibiotic therapy for special patient groups, immunodeficiencies in children, and clinical allergology for physicians undergoing advanced training. The core principle of his courses was always the same — education based on evidence-based medicine and clinical reasoning.
One of the significant achievements of this period was his involvement in creating the university’s Clinical Trials Center for medicinal products. Vitaly participated in all stages — from drafting standard operating procedures to obtaining licenses, preparing for audits, and launching full-scale operations. The center successfully conducted clinical trials of all phases — from early (pharmacokinetics in volunteers) to post-marketing Phase IV — a rarity even among specialized federal institutions.
At that time, his scientific interests focused on childhood bronchial asthma. As part of his departmental work, he published 15 scientific articles in respected journals and represented Russia at international congresses, including the EAACI Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Meeting in Athens. Under the programs of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, he attended winter schools in Davos and Pichl, as well as internships in Austria, Germany, and Ireland, including courses in medical writing and pharmacological research.
In 2014, his career moved to the international stage. Vitaly took the position of Federal Medical Advisor at Boehringer Ingelheim in Moscow, responsible for developing and implementing medical strategy in the field of cardiology. In this role, he coordinated cross-functional collaboration between the medical, marketing, and scientific departments, organized educational events, evaluated external research projects, and oversaw medical communications. This position required not only deep clinical expertise but also the ability to build long-term scientific partnerships, including with key opinion leaders and experts across the country.
In parallel, he continued private clinical practice in Moscow and from 2018 to 2021 worked as a cardiologist and internist at “AO Medicina” — one of the most high-tech clinics in Russia, accredited by the international JCI standard. There he participated in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of cardiology and oncology — in particular, studying the cardiotoxicity of chemotherapy drugs in women with breast cancer. Vitaly also took part in a scientific exchange program with the Mayo Clinic (USA), where he was responsible for medical audit and expert support.
In recent years, Gorbunov has focused on working with rare and complex diseases. Since 2021, he has served as a physician-methodologist, coordinating organizational-methodological and clinical-expert work. Under his guidance, multidisciplinary medical boards bring together specialists from various fields to diagnose and treat complex patients. A key aspect of his work is conducting scientific reviews of the international evidence base, as well as educational projects for doctors on recognizing rare conditions at early stages. His approach combines scientific rigor, clinical experience, and a systemic understanding of healthcare processes.
His international educational activity is also noteworthy. In 2024, he successfully passed the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams and obtained ECFMG certification, confirming his high level of knowledge according to U.S. medical standards. Moreover, he became an instructor for USMLE preparation, with all of his students passing on their first attempt. In addition, Vitaly actively delivers lectures for staff of medical organizations and insurance companies, particularly during the pandemic — on vaccination, infection control, and epidemiological management.
Vitaly Gorbunov is one of those physicians who not only keeps pace with the demands of the time but also shapes them. His experience combines clinical practice, teaching, international scientific activity, and strategic thinking. He represents a new generation of professionals for whom the boundaries between countries, disciplines, and work formats are erased — and who are ready to build the medicine of the future today.
Meet Abby, a passionate health product reviewer with years of experience in the field. Abby's love for health and wellness started at a young age, and she has made it her life mission to find the best products to help people achieve optimal health. She has a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and has worked in various health institutions as a Nutritionist.
Her expertise in the field has made her a trusted voice in the health community. She regularly writes product reviews and provides nutrition tips, and advice that helps her followers make informed decisions about their health. In her free time, Abby enjoys exploring new hiking trails and trying new recipes in her kitchen to support her healthy lifestyle.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making any decisions based on this content. See our full disclaimer for more information.
