OMI Satellite Symposium in Pediatrics in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Official Report by Dr. Zilola Khadjieva
The OMI Satellite Symposium was successfully held on April 23-24, 2026, in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan. The event brought together 120 participants, including 32 alumni of the Open Medical Institute (OMI), reflecting a high level of professional engagement and international collaboration.
The symposium welcomed healthcare professionals from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan (26 doctors), Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom (student participant), creating a diverse and multidisciplinary academic environment.
The scientific sessions were conducted at:
- Republican Specialized Scientific Practical Medical Center of Pediatrics
- Central Asian University
Scientific Program and Key Highlights
The program addressed key contemporary topics in general pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology, featuring high-level expert presentations and interactive panel discussions. The sessions were characterized by their strong clinical relevance, evidence-based approach, and active audience participation.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the depth, clarity, and practical value of the lectures. Notably, many international colleagues who were unable to attend expressed a strong interest in participating in future OMI educational initiatives.
The symposium also received national media coverage, with official television channels of Uzbekistan conducting interviews and reportage with invited professors, highlighting the scientific importance and international significance of the event.
Faculty Lectures and Academic Program
Distinguished faculty members, including Dr. Almuthe C. Hauer and Dr. Reinhold Kerbl, delivered a series of high-level lectures addressing key topics in contemporary pediatrics. These included Early Aid and Intervention for Children, Cow’s Milk Allergy and Food Intolerances, Celiac Disease, Pediatric Sleep and Sleep Disorders, Fever of Unknown Origin, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children.
A particularly inspiring highlight was the motivational lecture delivered at Central Asian University, titled: “A Girl Who Wanted to Be a Pediatrician: From Unpaid Positions to European Council Leadership” (Dr. Almuthe C. Hauer). This session resonated strongly with students and young professionals, offering both inspiration and practical insight into career development in international medicine.
On April 24, 2026, the second day of the symposium commenced with live musical performances by university singers, creating a welcoming and memorable atmosphere that positively influenced participant engagement and set an uplifting tone for the day’s academic sessions.
Following the conclusion of the scientific program, faculty members were invited to participate in a guided tour of the Central Asian University campus, with particular emphasis on the advanced simulation center. The visiting professors expressed strong appreciation for the modern educational infrastructure and the opportunities provided to future healthcare professionals, and they conveyed their best wishes for the continued success and development of the university.
Cultural and Academic Exchange
In addition to the scientific program, distinguished professors and guests were introduced to Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage. In Tashkent, they visited the newly established Center of Islamic Civilization. The Center serves as a hub for research, education, and international dialogue, showcasing Uzbekistan’s historical role as a center of learning during the Islamic Golden Age. Its exhibitions highlight the legacy of renowned scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari, Avicenna, and Al-Khwarizmi, whose works have significantly influenced medicine, mathematics, and science globally.
The visit provided participants with valuable insight into the intellectual and spiritual heritage of the region, emphasizing the historical continuity between past scholarly excellence and modern scientific advancement in Uzbekistan.
On April 25, 2026, a cultural and academic visit to Samarkand was organized, further strengthening international ties and offering participants a deeper appreciation of the country’s historical and intellectual legacy.
Organization and Leadership
The symposium was locally organized by Zilola Khadjieva, in collaboration with OMI local coordinator Nasiba Isomukhamedova, Iroda Kasimova, and Zilola Khadjieva, a pediatric gastroenterologist, researcher at the Republican Specialized Scientific Practical Medical Center of Pediatrics, and lecturer in Medical School, Central Asian University.
Following the event, numerous participants and international guests expressed their appreciation for the high level of organization, coordination, and the exceptional quality of the scientific program, with continued messages of gratitude highlighting the impact of the symposium.
Key Organizational Main Support Was Provided by:
- Iroda Kasimova, Chief Specialist of International Relations of the Republican Specialized Scientific Practical Medical Center of Pediatrics, OMI alumna
- Svetlana Geller, Head of the International Department of the Republican Specialized Scientific Practical Medical Center of Pediatrics, OMI alumna
Institutional leadership and comprehensive support were ensured by:
- Abdumannon Abdumajidov, Director of the Republican Specialized Scientific Practical Medical Center of Pediatrics
- Kamran Gulyamov, Rector of the Central Asian University
- Murod Akhrarov, Dean of Medical School, the Central Asian University
Additional contributions from the Central Asian University included:
- Shirin Yunusova – Vice rector for research and innovation, CAU
- Sarvarbek Rakhmatullaev– Head of International Relations Department, CAU
- Sojida Shirinova– Chief Specialist of International Relations, CAU
The program included presentations delivered by OMI alumni, highlighting compelling clinical cases. These contributions provided strong evidence of the high-level competencies and professional development achieved following participation in Open Medical Institute programs.
Acknowledgements
We express our sincere and profound gratitude to the Open Medical Institute for making this symposium possible and for creating a unique platform for advanced medical education and international collaboration.
We extend our warmest appreciation to Professor Aulitzky and Stephanie Faschang for their invaluable support, professionalism, and dedication to strengthening medical education initiatives in Uzbekistan.
Conclusion
The OMI Satellite Symposium 2026 represents a significant milestone in regional medical education, successfully fostering knowledge exchange, professional development, and international partnership. The strong engagement, positive feedback, and continued interest from the global medical community underscore the importance and sustainability of such initiatives in the future.
