Riga Stradiņs University was established in 1950 by Prof Paul Stradiņs and Ernests Burtnieks on the basis of the Faculty of Medicine of the State University of Latvia. Later in 1990 the university name is changed to Medical academy of Latvia. Again in 1998 based on the actual activities it is again named back to Riga Stradiņs University. Riga Stradiņs University is only university which focuses in the health care system of the country. Riga Stradiņs University acquired its status as a university in 2002. Riga Stradiņs University trains not only doctors, dentists, pharmacists and nurses, but also specialists in rehabilitation, public healthcare, social sciences and law. Riga Stradiņs University offers both full time and part time degree programmes. First liver transplantation is carried at Riga Stradiņs University by the rector Prof. Jānis Gardovskis. The study system at RSU is based not only on memorising, but also on the development of analytical and critical thinking.