Transforming medical education in Kazakhstan: Successful case of internationalization from Karaganda State Medical University

Abstract

Background: Medical education in Kazakhstan has been literally transformed in the past 10 years. Kazakhstan inherited the Soviet-time discipline-based teacher-centered system of education when no decisions could be made independently. The curriculum was mostly governed in a traditional way, with lectures being the core, little use of e-learning tools, and assessment through oral exams and multiple-choice questions. Most of the universities still preserve the subject-based curriculum with elements of integrated learning.

Methods: Being the most active member of International Space Education, Karaganda State Medical University (KSMU) took the initiative to adapt the full integrated curriculum mostly based on problem-based, team-based learning, and use of virtual patient cases. The given approach was chosen because of active involvement of our University in nine Tempus and Erasmus+projects including reforming of Public Health and Nursing curriculum, human resources development, active learning, credit mobility, and move towards autonomy of medical schools.

Results: KSMU became the coordinator of two of these projects, taking its active position in internationalization of medical education. We actively use technology-based medical education, pro-actively adapting deliberate practice in acquiring essential practical skills, for which KSMU was recognized by an ASPIRE-to-Excellence Award in simulation.

Conclusions: Kazakhstan hopes to become the leader in medical education in Central Asia and suggests other Universities in the area to adopt its approach to internationalization of medical education.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Viktor Riklefs

Viktor Riklefs, PhD, MHPE, is the Vice-Rector for Education of Karaganda State Medical University; holds International Master of Health Professions Education degree from the University of Maastricht and PhD in Physiology, active participant of several Erasmus+projects, and was a former director of KSMU Simulation Centre.

Gulmira Abakassova

Gulmira Abakassova is the specialist in the Centre for Transfer of Innovative Technologies of KSMU, she is currently the manager in TAME Erasmus+project, takes active part in implementing PBL, and adaptation of English learning resources to local context and language.

Aliya Bukeyeva

Aliya Bukeyeva, PhD, is the Director of Department of Academic Work of Karaganda State Medical University, holds PhD degree in Medicine, participates in WELCOME and TRUNAK Erasmus+projects. She is the primary coordinator of curriculum in KSMU.

Sholpan Kaliyeva

Sholpan Kaliyeva, PhD, is the Head of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology Department of Karaganda State Medical University and is an associate professorwith a PhD in Clinical Pharmacology. Currently, she is the Project Coordinator in TAME Erasmus+project and has a lot of experience in implementing PBL, TBL, and RBL.

Bakhtiyar Serik

Bakhtiyar Serik, PhD, is the Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, Pharmacy and Biology. He has expertise in developing and managing e-learning tools. He was the active participant in CANERIEH project and currently coordinates TUTORIAL project. He holds a PhD in Public Health.

Alma Muratova

Alma Muratova, PhD, is the Head of Office for Strategic Development of Karaganda State Medical University and an associate professor who holds a PhD in Hygiene. She currently coordinates TAME project in KSMU, participates in TRUNAK project, and was the coordinator of ePBLnet Erasmus+project.

Raushan Dosmagambetova

Raushan Dosmagambetova, PhD, is the Rector of Karaganda State Medical University, Professor, holds a PhD in Medicine, and is a Board certified internist of the highest category. Actively supports innovations in medical education, promoting enhancement, and transformation of curriculum.