An interdisciplinary perspective on the future of neurology: international scientific and practical conference held in Shymkent

On November 6–7, 2025, the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Interdisciplinary Neurology” took place, bringing together leading specialists, scientists, and practicing physicians from Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and other countries.
The conference became one of the largest scientific events of the year in the country’s medical community. It was attended by over 300 representatives from medical universities, research institutes, clinical centers, and specialized organizations, as well as postgraduate students and young researchers representing the new generation of neurology professionals.
The conference opening was held on November 6 at Rixos Khadisha Shymkent in a ceremonial yet warm atmosphere of scientific unity.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by representatives of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, regional health authorities, and leading specialists in neurology.
The opening ceremony was led by:
• Akmaral Sharipbaevna Alnazarova, Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• Zhanna Serikzhanovna Seitzhanova, Rector of the South Kazakhstan Medical Academy.
Honorary guests and speakers included:
• Askhan Markhabayevich Bayduvaliev, Head of the Turkestan Regional Health Department;
• Kairat Zhakypovich Kalibekov, Head of the Shymkent Health Department;
• Alla Borisovna Geht, President of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), Director of the Z.P. Solovyov Scientific and Practical Psychoneurological Center (Moscow), Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation;
• Elzhan Amantaevich Birtanov, Project Leader of the University Clinic of SKMA, Professor of the Department of Social Health Insurance and Public Health, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Master of Business Administration;
• Saule Tleubergenovna Turuspekova, Chief Freelance Neurologist of the Ministry of Health of the RK, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Nervous Diseases at KazNMU named after S.D. Asfendiyarov (Almaty);
• Nazira Asanovna Zharkinbekova, Chief Freelance Neurologist of the Turkestan Regional Health Department, Head of the Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, Rehabilitology, and Neurosurgery at SKMA, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Professor.
Speakers emphasized that the conference provided an effective platform for experience exchange and collaboration among specialists from diverse fields—from clinical neurologists to researchers in neurophysiology, psychiatry, and rehabilitology.
The conference featured plenary sessions, sectional discussions, and training masterclasses covering a wide range of topics: neurodegenerative diseases and modern treatment approaches; epilepsy and other paroxysmal disorders; cerebrovascular diseases; neuroinfections and post-COVID neurological complications; innovations in neuroimaging and neurosurgery; rehabilitation of patients with central nervous system dysfunction; and the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in neurological practice.
Special attention was given to early diagnostics, interdisciplinary collaboration, and personalized treatment approaches for patients.
Presentations highlighted that modern neurology develops at the intersection of multiple scientific disciplines—biochemistry, neurophysiology, psychology, genetic engineering, and even information technology. This approach opens new horizons in diagnosing and treating nervous system diseases.
The conference also involved representatives of international organizations and scientific communities. Foreign experts presented the latest research in epileptology, neurosurgery, and neurorehabilitation.
International participants highly appreciated the organization of the conference and the scientific activity of Kazakh colleagues.
The event confirmed that the South Kazakhstan Medical Academy serves as an important platform for international professional dialogue and actively contributes to the development of medical science in the region.
As a result of the conference, practical recommendations for medical institutions were formulated, along with proposals for developing scientific cooperation between universities, research centers, and clinics in Kazakhstan and other countries.
At the conclusion, participants noted the high level of organization and expressed confidence that such scientific meetings would become an annual tradition, promoting the integration of Kazakh neurology into the global scientific community.