On October 26, 2021, the Osh State University, Faculty of Medicine and the Open Medical Institute signed a memorandum of understanding to further integrate Kyrgyz physicians into the OMI global network.
Through the memorandum, Osh State University, Faculty of Medicine became an official partner in the OMI’s educational program, which is designed to improve healthcare in countries in transition and help prevent brain drain. Besides the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, located in Bishkek, the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan, the Osh State University is the second institution that the OMI holds a partnership agreement with, which was initiated by Dr. Lola Asanalieva, the OMI local coordinator in Kyrgyzstan and president of the Open Medical Club.
“The Open Medical Institute and the Open Medical Community in Bishkek have enjoyed a strong relationship for more than two decades, recognizing the need for highly qualified physicians in the country. We share a vision for the empowerment of physicians in Kyrgyzstan, offering a unique opportunity to some of the country’s best and brightest minds. This partnership further expands our activities in Central Asia”, said Dr. Wolfgang Aulitzky, CEO of the OMI.
The program will help Kyrgyz physicians to acquire state-of-the-art medical knowledge, learn about advanced innovation and technology, develop professional and interpersonal skills, and expand their professional network. Selected candidates are offered full scholarships for the OMI programs. So far, the OMI has trained more than 430 fellows from Kyrgyzstan and granted more than 50 observerships.
“This partnership will allow fellows a unique experience for their future careers. The doctors will make significant contributions to the healthcare sector in our country”, said Dr. Kudaiberdi Kojobekov, rector of the Osh State University, Faculty of Medicine, when signing the memorandum.
About Osh State University
The Osh State University is a public university located in Osh, the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan. Founded in 1939, the institution has a rich history as a training center for teachers, which in 1951 developed into the Osh Pedagogical Institute. In 1992, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the institution was awarded university status. Today, the Osh State University is one of the leading centers for higher education in the country. It enrolls more than 40,000 students, with 3,500 of them being medical students. Instruction is offered both in Russian and English.