VISIT OF THE DELEGATION FROM SOUTH KAZAKHSTAN MEDICAL ACADEMY TO THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF GDANSK

On March 24-25, Rector Seitzhanova Zhanna Serikzhanovna and a delegation from the South Kazakhstan medical academy (SKMA) visited the Medical University of Gdansk (MUG) in Poland. This visit became an important milestone in the resumption of bilateral cooperation between educational institutions aimed at knowledge exchange, scientific cooperation and improvement of educational programs.

During the visit, meetings were held with the university's leadership - Rector of MUG, professor Michał Markuszewski, Vice-Rector for clinical affairs Professor Michał Hoffmann and Vice-Rector for development and cooperation professor Anna Żaczek. The prospects of cooperation in the field of academic mobility, joint research programs and professional development programs were discussed. An important part of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of cooperation, which will expand educational and scientific initiatives between SKMA and MUG.

In addition, several scientific and educational meetings were held to discuss strategies for the development of medical education, the improvement of curricula and the introduction of innovative teaching methods. The SKMA delegation also visited the First Doctoral School of MUG, met with the deans of the medical and pharmaceutical faculties, which allowed them to get acquainted with the university's educational system in more detail.

There was also a meeting with Professor Tomasz Bączek, a representative of the Rector of the Medical University of Gdansk (MUG) under the “Excellence Initiative – Research University” program. This program is aimed at increasing the international competitiveness of Polish universities and developing cutting-edge scientific research. As part of the initiative, MUG actively implements innovative teaching methods, supports world-class research projects and develops cooperation with leading research centers. This cooperation opens up new prospects for joint research and the exchange of best practices in the field of medicine and pharmacy.
The SKMA delegation had the opportunity to inspect the MUG campus and medical facilities of the university, accompanied by the heads of clinical departments. The visit also included a trip to Polpharma Biologics, Poland's largest biotech company engaged in the development and production of biosimilars, where issues of cooperation between science and industry in the development and implementation of new high-quality medicines were discussed.

Further, the delegation of the South Kazakhstan medical academy (SKMA) was invited to the Honorary Bureau of the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Gdansk. During the meeting, the rector of SKMA and the representative of the consulate discussed issues of support for Kazakhstani students studying in Gdansk, as well as prospects for strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Poland in the field of education.
During the visit, the parties exchanged memorable gifts, thereby emphasizing the importance of diplomatic and academic ties. Special attention was paid to the adaptation of Kazakhstani students studying in Poland, the organization of cultural and educational events, as well as internship opportunities and exchange programs.
This visit was an important step towards developing international cooperation and creating favorable conditions for students from Kazakhstan studying in Gdansk. The Consulate expressed its readiness to provide support in the implementation of educational initiatives and contribute to the further development of cooperation between academic and diplomatic institutions of the two countries.

In addition to official events, the delegation took part in a tour of the historical center of Gdansk, which allowed not only to get to know the cultural heritage of the city better, but also to strengthen informal ties between university representatives.
This visit laid a solid foundation for further cooperation and was an important step in the development of academic and scientific ties between SKMA and MUG.