Within the framework of the Open Medical Institute (OMI) educational program, the OMI Satellite Symposium on Pediatric Radiology was held on November 25-26, 2025, at the Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology (KazIOR). The symposium featured Dr. Erich Sorantin (Medical University of Graz, Austria) as the primary international expert, who arrived in Almaty on November 24, 2025. On the same day, he visited the Almaty Children’s Hospital and, alongside Dr. Ekaterina Li, Head of the Department of Radiology, discussed key developments in pediatric radiology, reviewed CT protocols, analyzed complex clinical cases, and provided recommendations for optimizing diagnostic practices.
During the symposium, Dr. Sorantin delivered six lectures covering error prevention in radiology, abdominal imaging in children, building an effective pediatric radiology practice, applications of 3D imaging and 3D printing, and scientific paper writing.
Four clinical cases presented by physicians from KazIOR and local medical centers facilitated interactive discussions and knowledge exchange:
- Dynamic ultrasound in infants: assessing gastric emptying and gallbladder contractions (Dr. Shalkhar Khalitov)
- Retinoblastoma recurrence detection on FDG PET (Dr. Aiman Mukhai)
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis and craniofacial involvement: FDG PET in staging (Dr. Erkulan Igenbaev)
- Interim PET/CT in adolescent Hodgkin lymphoma (Dr. Madina Gabdullina)
The cases sparked active discussions, addressing diagnostic and clinical challenges and exploring ways to optimize patient management in pediatric radiology.
Organizational support and session moderation were provided by leading specialists of KazIOR and partner organizations:
- Yerbol Bekmukhambetov, Chairman of the Board, KazIOR
- Bakytzhan Ongarbayev, Deputy Chairman of the Board for Clinical Work
- Zhandos Amankulov, Head of the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, KazIOR
- Aigul Shinbolatova, Head of the Department of International Cooperation, KazIOR
- Rasulbek Aipov, Dean of the School of Pediatrics, Kazakh Asfendiyarov National Medical University
The symposium attracted 193 registered participants, with a majority female representation (68.91% female, 29.53% male, 1.55% unspecified) and an average age of 26.7 years. Participants hailed from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the United Arab Emirates, and India, demonstrating the international reach of the event.
The symposium successfully enhanced participants’ academic knowledge, facilitated international experience exchange, promoted modern diagnostic standards, and strengthened professional connections between European and Central Asian specialists.
The OMI Satellite Symposium on Pediatric Radiology was conducted at a high scientific and organizational standard, reflecting the effectiveness of the joint educational initiatives of the Open Medical Institute and KazIOR. Sincere gratitude is extended to Dr. Erich Sorantin, the organizers, and all participants for their contributions to advancing pediatric radiology in the region.
Report written by:
Amangeldi Mukhamejan, MD
OMI Alumnus and Member of the Organizing Committee