VCU welcomes scholars from Kazakhstan for hands-on clinical learning
Two clinical scholars from Kazakhstan began their 10-month stay in Richmond as part of the Bolashak International Scholarship Program. The program, led by Askar Chukmaitov, Ph.D., associate professor of health policy, began in 2012 and has hosted 12 scholars since then.
This cohort is the first in a few years, since the Kazakhstan government– like many countries– shifted focus and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chukmaitov, program director and originally from Kazakhstan himself, is eager to restart the program and welcome scholars back to campus. He has partnered with VCU’s School of Medicine and faculty at the School of Public Health to develop a program for each scholar’s unique path and educational background. Both scholars arrived on campus to begin their stay on November 14.
Nurzhan Klyshbekov, MD, is a colorectal surgeon. His advisors are Jamie Bohl, M.D., professor and division head of surgery in VCU’s School of Medicine and Emily Rivet, M.D., associate professor of surgery.
Assel Sadykova, M.D. is an ophthalmic surgeon. Her clinical advisor is Mary Daly, M.D., professor and chair of the department of ophthalmology. Sadykova will have the chance to work with each faculty member in the ophthalmology department during her stay.
The program began as an effort to address priorities outlined by the Kazakhstan government.
Kazakhstani clinicians are poised to enhance their clinical experience, practical skills, and clinical research expertise, crucial for advancing healthcare outcomes nationwide. By acquiring new knowledge and skills through international training, clinicians can catalyze transformation within Kazakhstan’s healthcare delivery system.
This internship program targets specialties such as surgery, ophthalmology, health policy, and other clinical and public health disciplines—areas highlighted as pivotal by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health. These priorities underscore the program’s commitment to equipping clinicians and health policy makers with the necessary tools to drive innovation and improve health care in the country.
The program is set to expand in 2025. Seven more clinical scholars have been selected and will join VCU this fall.
Why VCU?
VCU’s robust health sciences campus is tied to an academic health system with a teaching hospital, children’s hospital, NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and center for clinical translational science, making it a great place for these scholars to work with top-tier clinicians, researchers and public health practitioners.
“It’s a way for VCU to expand its global reach, as public health is global health,” said Chukmaitov. “We have an opportunity to learn from the scholars.” This experience will enrich the lives of these scholars, their mentors and the community as they immerse themselves during their stay.
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