Efremovs share secrets of happy marriage
The future spouses met in their first year of medical school and have been together since.
The Efremov family from Chelyabinsk is known to many residents of the Southern Urals’ capital — their dynasty includes four doctors, three of whom head hospital departments. Spouses Elena Viktorovna and Pavel Ilyich became known nationwide as an exceptionally strong couple: they have been married for 51 years and won the Vserossiyskiy konkurs «Semya goda» (All-Russia «Family of the Year» contest).
We continue a series of articles devoted to enduring values in the special 74.RU project «Family Way». How did the Efremovs carry their love through half a century? Who initiated entering the contest? And what hobby brought the couple closer? Elena Viktorovna Efremova tells the story.
Elena Viktorovna and Pavel Ilyich met in their first year of medical school.
«We went to a kolkhoz (collective farm) and ended up in the same group. We immediately noticed each other there.»
Their feelings flared almost at once. The young student won Elena’s heart with his energy, wit, and broad outlook. They married in their third year.
«Then we finished the institute; I completed a surgical internship, and my husband — a gynecology internship.»
After graduation, by raspredelenie job assignment, the Efremovs left for Troitsk (Chelyabinsk Oblast). But the town could not provide housing for the young specialists.
«We lived in a room in a distant part of the city, in a dormitory. Getting around was difficult. The living conditions, to put it mildly, were not the best. The toilet was one floor down; in a cramped room we had two beds and a wardrobe.»
The spouses decided to return to their native Chelyabinsk.
«Here we were hired right away. I went to Hospital No. 8, and my husband took a job at the regional hospital. We have worked in these hospitals our whole lives. Now my husband is head of the gynecology department, and I — of the endoscopy department.»
The Efremovs’ son also followed in his parents’ footsteps. Anton heads a surgical department. Elena Viktorovna jokes that his name helped him succeed in his field.
«When we were deciding what to name our son, I insisted on this name so he would be called like Chekhov — Anton Pavlovich.»
The Efremov family counts four doctors across two generations, three heading hospital departments.
And when Anton Pavlovich got married, another doctor joined the family — his wife, Elena. They were the ones who suggested that Elena Viktorovna and Pavel Ilyich take part in the regional contest.
«My daughter-in-law saw that a contest was underway and says: “Why are you sitting quietly? Come on, let’s take part.” She helped us put together a portfolio and submit the application. Then they invited us and two other couples straight to the awards.»
Soon the Efremovs learned they had become the best family not only in the region but in Russia. At the Vserossiyskiy konkurs «Semya goda — 2024» (All-Russia «Family of the Year — 2024») they won in the «Golden Family» category.
«To be honest, it was unexpected. When they told us to make a film about ourselves and complete some tasks, we didn’t even realize it was for the all-Russia contest. We were invited to Moscow for the awards as a whole family, with the grandchildren.»
Gathering like this, as a whole family, is rare for the Efremovs. But even at such moments, they talk shop. Elena Viktorovna says that «dinner‑table case conferences» are a normal thing.
«When our discussions of patients and diagnoses drag on, we laugh and say: “That’s it, enough.” Of course, shared interests leave their mark. All the more so because there’s always something to share.»
On rare days without a duty shift, the Efremovs gather at their beloved dacha (country house).
«The house came from our parents. We fixed it up and now we love spending time there. We have lots of flowers and plant vegetables. Everyone has their own duties.»
Unexpectedly, the Efremovs are also fans of extreme sports.
«We really enjoy alpine skiing. We regularly visit our Southern Urals resorts and travel to other regions.»
Asked about the secret of a long and happy life, Elena Viktorovna replies:
«We value every moment spent together. Our work doesn’t let us always be side by side — duty shifts, call-outs, and so on. And that probably helped us realize the value of such moments. So we don’t waste time on petty squabbles and arguments. And of course I must give my husband his due. If I’m angry, I can sulk for a long time, not speaking. But his heart thaws sooner; he comes over, hugs me, finds the right words, and everything becomes wonderful again.»
