GYEONGGI-DO

In April, while visiting Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the Gyeonggi Province delegation stopped by Almaty, Kazakhstan. There, they had the opportunity to catch up with Gyeonggi Province medical graduates who had taken part in training sessions, and also had some time for networking.

On April 24, the ‘Gyeonggi Province-invited Kazakhstan Medical Graduates Alumni Night’ took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Approximately 40 attendees graced the event, comprising representatives from various Gyeonggi Province medical institutions (including the Catholic University of Korea Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Bucheon, Ajou University Hospital, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, and Gangnam Women’s Hospital), along with Kazakhstan medical graduates who had undergone training in Gyeonggi Province between 2014 and 2023, alongside local medical professionals.

Despite the inclement weather and busy schedules, the participating alumni gladly attended the event after completing their respective duties. It was a joyous occasion as they reunited with Gyeonggi Province medical institution representatives, exchanging warm greetings and catching up on each other’s lives, which they hadn’t had the chance to do for quite some time.

At the event, the Gyeonggi Province delegation delivered an opening speech, followed by a congratulatory address from Director Na Hwa-yeob of Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, representing Gyeonggi Province medical institutions. Attendees also had the opportunity to watch promotional videos showcasing Gyeonggi Province’s medical training programs. Moreover, graduates from each institution were given time to share their impressions.

In 2019, three graduates, including Dr. Moldir Barankulova, Dr. Asilzat Aytbekova, and Dr. Ainur Karchalova, who underwent training in otolaryngology and neurosurgery at Korea University Ansan Hospital, presented traditional Kazakh attire and timepieces as tokens of gratitude to the Gyeonggi Province delegation for providing them with the training opportunity. They also expressed warm thanks and emphasized the importance of future collaboration to enhance training activities.

This gathering not only included medical graduates from training programs but also attracted around 10 medical professionals from Kazakhstan who are interested in and aspire to participate in the Gyeonggi Province medical training program. During the event, these Kazakh medical professionals watched an introductory video about the training program and engaged in a Q&A session with representatives from medical institutions. Amin Dara Muhitovna, a dentist from Kazakhstan eager to undergo training, shared aspirations inspired by watching Korean medical dramas, expressing a strong interest in Korean healthcare.

Since 2011, Gyeonggi Province has been running its invited medical training program, producing a total of 864 graduates to date, with 250 of them being doctors from Kazakhstan. Going beyond just the training itself, Gyeonggi Province has been actively promoting ongoing engagement for its alumni. Through its post-training management program, which includes networking events like alumni nights, continuing education through online courses, and hosting online conferences, graduates are encouraged to participate as Gyeonggi Province medical ambassadors, ensuring their involvement in diverse activities even after their training concludes.