Round Table on the Topic “My Profession - My Pride!”

On April 28, 2025, a round table titled “My Profession - My Pride!” was organized and conducted by Acting Associate Professor of the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, S.U. Eskerova. The event was attended by graduates of South Kazakhstan Medical Academy working in the field of sanitary and epidemiological control in Shymkent in the specialties “Medical and Preventive Care” and “Public Health,” faculty members of the department, as well as 1st- and 3rd-year students of the integrated educational program “Medical and Preventive Care” and 3rd-year students of the “Public Health” program.
The purpose of the round table was to highlight the importance of professions aimed at protecting public health and preventing diseases, as well as to help future specialists better understand their profession, choose their career path, and develop a professional outlook through direct interaction with practitioners in the field of sanitary and epidemiological well-being.
During the event, moderator S.U. Eskerova delivered a presentation on “The Present and Future of Training Specialists in the Field of Sanitary and Epidemiological Service,” addressing modern changes in higher education in the Republic of Kazakhstan, positive developments in education and science, and the features of the integrated educational program “Medical and Preventive Care.” A video created using artificial intelligence was also presented.

Chief Epidemiologist of the Regional Clinical Hospital A.O. Karabotayeva spoke about the functional responsibilities of a clinical epidemiologist, the scope of work, monitoring compliance with sanitary and epidemiological requirements, measures to prevent healthcare-associated infections, and the importance of proper handling, transportation, and disinfection of medical waste, as well as the correct use of disinfectants.
S.B. Ussibaliyeva, an epidemiologist at the anti-plague station of Shymkent, presented information on the structure, tasks, and functions of the station, working conditions (including in the bacteriological laboratory), biosafety measures, types of experiments conducted, and specifics of working in outbreaks of особо dangerous infections such as plague, cholera, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and tick-borne encephalitis. She also noted that staff receive annual targeted vaccinations.

S.A. Yernazar, Head of the Department of Sanitary-Epidemiological and Laboratory Analysis of the Turkestan Region филиал of the National Center of Expertise, described the types of laboratories, their functions, laboratory and instrumental testing procedures, environmental sampling, and the processes of delivery, documentation, and registration.
O.T. Abdukarimov, Head of the Epidemiology Department of the Turan District Sanitary-Epidemiological Control Office in Shymkent, presented information on the structure and functions of the service, rights and responsibilities of civil servants, required competencies (including communication and innovative technologies), procedures for взаимодействие with other bodies, types of inspections, and examples of administrative violations.

G.A. Karmanova, Head of the Department of the Turkestan Region Disinfection Center филиал of the National Center of Expertise (RSE on REM), introduced the participants to the structure of the center, the scope and types of work performed, emphasized the importance of disinfection equipment as well as disinfection, disinsection, and deratization activities, and encouraged future specialists to study well and pursue employment opportunities
Graduates of the “Medical and Preventive Care” specialty, including Deputy Dean of the Medical Faculty M.M. Duisenbayeva, shared their educational experiences, postgraduate studies, and current opportunities in education, healthcare, and science sectors.

PhD student Z.K. Avizova noted that she completed her studies in “Medical and Preventive Care,” earned a Master’s degree in Medicine, and is currently pursuing doctoral studies at West Kazakhstan Medical University under a state grant. Her research focuses on lung cancer prevention. She also highlighted her publications in international journals, experience working as an epidemiologist and lecturer, and encouraged students to master English, modern technologies, and engage in research.
The specialists successfully engaged the students with the information, prompting them to ask questions on topics of interest. The experts provided satisfactory answers to these inquiries. The round table concluded with closing remarks by Head of the Department D.M. Kulmirzayeva.