Kyrgyz Doctors Thrive in Siberian Clinics, Advancing Careers and Science

Kyrgyz physicians are finding significant professional opportunities in Siberia, undertaking complex surgeries and contributing to medical research in leading institutions. A recent press tour showcased the experiences of several doctors who have moved from Kyrgyzstan to cities like Novosibirsk, seeking advanced training and career growth.

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There hasn't been a traumatologist-orthopedist there for a long time, so at that moment I was the only specialist of this kind. I had to develop everything from scratch, I literally took the instruments from the warehouse and started working.

Dastanbek Abdikaparov, a 30-year-old traumatologist and orthopedist, followed in his father's footsteps into medicine. After graduating from the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy and completing his residency, he initially worked in a rural hospital in the Issyk-Kul region. There, he was the sole specialist, developing services from scratch and performing procedures previously unavailable. However, he soon felt the limitations of mentorship and sought a more advanced center for professional development.

In 2023, Abdikaparov joined the postgraduate program at the Tsivyan Novosibirsk Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics. Initially self-funded, he was later moved to a state-funded position and now receives a stipend. He admits that adapting to life away from home was challenging but has since grown accustomed to his new environment and colleagues. He is currently preparing to defend his doctoral dissertation.

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But later, I began to acutely feel the lack of mentors, questions arose that I did not have answers to. I realized that by working independently, there would be no development, so after two years I decided to look for a center where there are specialists in orthopedics.

Abdikaparov praises the Novosibirsk institute as one of the region's most advanced, offering the necessary technology for research and a supportive atmosphere for specialists. He emphasizes that the institute encourages diverse interests, providing support for both practical and scientific endeavors. This environment has allowed him to gain extensive knowledge and considers this his first step into scientific research, with no intention of stopping.

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The NIITO is one of the most advanced institutes in the region, it has the necessary technologies for conducting scientific activities. They give specialists freedom - whatever you want to do, if the institute has the capabilities, you can get support.

His research focuses on retrospective studies of patients with congenital hip dislocation, evaluating different surgical treatment methods. Abdikaparov aims to develop an algorithm for young practicing doctors to improve treatment outcomes. He notes that hip dysplasia is a common pediatric orthopedic condition, and delayed treatment can lead to lifelong disability, underscoring the importance of early intervention.

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Both in practical and scientific activities, I have acquired a very large baggage of knowledge. This is the first step for me into science, but I am sure: I do not intend to stop.