International Dialogue at KBSU: Experts from Four Countries Discussed the Future of Medicine at a Strategic Session
A strategic session on «Development of International Cooperation in Medical Education and Science» was held at Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov. The event brought together leading experts from Russia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and Kazakhstan—representatives of universities, research centers, and clinical institutions—whose efforts are aimed at shaping a new paradigm for medical education and healthcare.
Addressing the session’s participants with a welcoming address, Acting Rector of KBSU Yuri Altudov emphasized the meeting’s special significance:
«International scientific and educational collaboration today is not just a trend, but a strategic necessity. Only by combining intellectual potential, technology, and experience can we train a new generation of doctors—not just specialists, but thoughtful researchers ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Our university, as a classical university, possesses a unique ecosystem: here, science, medicine, and engineering already work together in a unified field. And our university is ready to be not just a platform for discussion, but a center for the practical implementation of joint projects.»
A significant event of the session was the awarding of the title of Honorary Professor of KBSU to the Rector of Samarkand State Medical University, Zhansur Rizaev. In his acceptance speech, he noted:
«It is a great honor for me to become part of Kabardino-Balkarian State University. Our universities are linked not only by partnership but also by sincere friendship. A classical university like KBSU possesses unique potential in the field of fundamental sciences. Their synthesis with medical disciplines opens up broad prospects for joint educational and scientific projects. I promise to honorably bear this title and contribute to the development of the university.»
The working portion of the session was devoted to a discussion of specific areas of cooperation. In their presentations, the participants touched on key topics in modern medical education and science.
Ismail Miziev, Director of the KBSU Medical Academy, spoke about the need to transform the educational process—a transition from a disciplinary approach to clinical and project-oriented models. He discussed in detail the benefits and risks of internationalizing education, emphasizing the importance of creating a comprehensive support system for international students.
Ramazan Ligidov, Director of the Institute of Management, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry, presented a large-scale interdisciplinary project to establish a Competence Center for Medical Tourism and High-Altitude Medicine at KBSU. The project, which has already received support at the national level and the interest of international partners, aims to create an ecosystem combining treatment, wellness, and active tourism.
Zaira Kharaeva, Head of the Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology at the KBSU Medical Academy, introduced colleagues to the scientific potential of a classical university. She spoke about interdisciplinary projects ready for implementation, where physicians work hand in hand with physicists, chemists, and biologists. These include the development of innovative biomaterials for medicine, the study of biologically active compounds, and the creation of functional foods.
Representatives from the Tashkent State Dental Institute, the Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute named after M.F. Vladimirsky, the Belarusian State Medical University, and the West Kazakhstan Medical University also participated in the session. Colleagues shared their experiences implementing digital solutions, cellular technologies, and artificial intelligence in clinical practice and educational processes, both online and offline, and expressed their willingness to participate in joint projects.
The university’s guests were also able to appreciate its modern facilities. A tour was organized for the delegation. They visited the Medical Academy, the Institute of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Center for Advanced Materials and Additive Technologies, the Boiling Point Center, the Unified Service Center, and other key venues.
Concluding the strategic session, the participants agreed to make such meetings a regular practice.