Doctors to study under new system: what will change in medical training in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is set to overhaul its medical education system, with proposed changes to take effect from the 2027 academic year. The Ministry of Healthcare aims to create a more robust training program that better prepares doctors for practice, particularly in underserved regions.

The new model will extend basic medical education to five or six years, followed by a mandatory one-year internship. Upon completion, graduates will be qualified to practice in six key clinical specialties: internal medicine, pediatrics, general practice, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatric surgery. This comprehensive training is intended to equip them to work in various healthcare settings, including primary care and remote district-level facilities.

A significant focus of the reform is strengthening the internship phase, transforming it into supervised clinical practice. Interns will work under mentors with defined responsibilities and follow a doctor's schedule, gaining hands-on experience with digital medical systems. The workload for internships will increase to 70 academic credits, equivalent to 2,100 hours of study, emphasizing practical skills and the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Officials believe the enhanced practical training will reduce clinical errors and improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities. The Ministry also plans to develop a dedicated mentoring system. By linking internship and residency into a unified educational framework, the reforms aim to streamline the path for specialists and ensure a higher standard of medical care across Kazakhstan, addressing a critical shortage of doctors in rural areas.