Scientific Research Institute of Respiratory Medicine

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Mission:

To advance medical progress for the benefit of patients by developing scientific potential, generating new research ideas from clinical practice, improving the efficiency of healthcare organization, and training specialists in respiratory medicine.

Goal:

To develop translational science in the field of respiratory medicine and generate new scientific knowledge aimed at strengthening the respiratory health of the population.

Objectives:

1. Conduct fundamental and applied scientific research to uncover the mechanisms underlying respiratory diseases.
2. Develop and implement innovative methods for diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases, creating evidence-based management strategies for respiratory conditions.
3. Train a new generation of highly qualified specialists and researchers capable of addressing complex challenges in respiratory medicine.
4. Strengthen international collaboration and interdisciplinary interactions to tackle pressing issues in respiratory medicine.
5. Promote awareness and disseminate knowledge about respiratory health among the general population.

SCIENTIFIC AND CLINICAL DIRECTIONS

·         Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD). Head of the department – Doctor of Medical Sciences (M.D.) Bakenova R.A. A national multidisciplinary expert commission on progressive fibrotic ILD has been established to oversee the prescription and monitoring of antifibrotic therapy. The Commission holds monthly meetings, having reviewed over 100 ILD cases. Doctoral student Yesengeldinova M.A. serves as the commission’s secretary. A national ILD registry has been developed and implemented in Kazakhstan, with regional coordinators actively maintaining it.

·         Respiratory Failure, Respiratory Support, and Sleep-Disordered Breathing. Head of the department – Candidate of Medical Sciences (Ph.D.) Pak A.M. A pilot project has been launched in Astana to create an outpatient respiratory support service for patients with chronic respiratory failure. Physicians and nursing staff from city polyclinics have received training in respiratory support techniques. A reference center for respiratory support has been established at the National Scientific Medical Center (NSMC). This field is also the subject of ongoing master's and doctoral research.

·         Chronic Non-Communicable Obstructive Airway Diseases (CNOAD). Various aspects of COPD and bronchial asthma are a major focus of research at the Institute. Garkalov K.A. and Trofimova S.V. study management approaches, including remote monitoring of CNOAD. Professor Aynabekova B.A. leads research on the correlation between CNOAD and cardiovascular diseases. Jumagalieva A.N. has investigated the role of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in small airway disease and COPD pathogenesis. Latypova N.A., in collaboration with allergy centers, is involved in the development of diagnostics and treatment strategies for severe asthma, including biologic therapy.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections and Community-Acquired Pneumonia. This key research area is being developed in collaboration with Nazarbayev University, the Department of Infectious Diseases, and bacteriological laboratories. A research proposal for a scientific and technical project on pneumonia for the years 2025-2027 has been submitted.

SCIENTIFIC PROJECTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The Institute of Respiratory Medicine has built a highly qualified team of researchers and medical professionals. Innovation, expertise, and dedication to finding the most effective diagnostic and treatment methods for respiratory diseases define the institution's principles and work ethic.

The scientific achievements of the Institute’s staff include:

• 12 innovative patents,
• Over 350 publications in national and international journals,
• 20 methodological guidelines,
• Participation in multiple national and international projects.

A research proposal has been submitted in collaboration with Nazarbayev University for grant funding under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education’s program for 2025-2027. The project aims to identify key microbiological and immuno-inflammatory profiles influencing the clinical and diagnostic criteria and outcomes of community-acquired pneumonia.

The Institute is a co-organizer of the annual National Congress of Respiratory Medicine, in collaboration with the National Respiratory Society, the Medical Center Hospital of the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan, and the National Scientific Medical Center. On December 5-7, 2024, the III National Congress of Respiratory Medicine took place under the theme "Respiratory Medicine of Kazakhstan: Course for Integration and Cooperation."

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

The Institute of Respiratory Medicine offers extensive educational programs designed to train specialists in the field of respiratory medicine.

Residency, Master’s, and Doctoral Programs

Our residency, master’s, and doctoral programs aim to prepare highly qualified specialists capable of conducting both research and clinical work at the highest level. Students will have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of advanced diagnostic and treatment methods for respiratory diseases, participate in scientific research, and collaborate with leading experts in the field. The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical training, ensuring comprehensive preparation and enabling graduates to apply their knowledge effectively in real-world medical practice.

Professional Development Courses

The Institute of Respiratory Medicine offers regular professional development courses for physicians and healthcare professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in respiratory medicine. These courses are designed to incorporate the latest scientific advancements and methodologies, allowing participants to stay updated on cutting-edge trends and technologies in diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases. Led by top experts, the courses include both lectures and practical training.

Course Topics:

• Best practices in diagnosing and treating lung diseases
• Integrative approach in medical practice
• Clinical-radiological guide course on respiratory disease diagnostics
• Management of respiratory diseases in outpatient practice
• Nursing school: monitoring respiratory diseases
• Pulmonology from the perspective of European standards (based on HERMES education)

For more details and the annual schedule, visit: [link]

Seminars and Webinars

The Institute of Respiratory Medicine regularly organizes seminars and webinars on various aspects of respiratory medicine. These events feature leading national and international experts, providing participants with opportunities to exchange experiences and gain up-to-date insights into the latest developments and research in the field. The seminars and webinars are open to a wide range of professionals, including physicians, researchers, and students.

By offering access to advanced educational resources and scientific research, the Institute strives to create an environment for continuous professional growth and development of specialists in respiratory medicine

"RE§PIRA" – SUPPORTING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS!

In collaboration with the National Respiratory Medicine Society, the Institute has established the "RESSPIRA" Society, an organization for residents and young specialists. The goal is to foster the professional and research competencies of young professionals in respiratory medicine.

The Institute provides mentorship and ensures the quality and continuity of professional education within the Society.

Key Objectives:

• Develop clinical thinking and enhance the knowledge and practical skills of residents and young specialists
• Promote scientific interest and support research activities
• Strengthen connections between the Society and national and international professional communities, research centers, and educational institutions
• Encourage mentorship, experience sharing, and knowledge exchange among young professionals and residents

For more details, visit: [link]

PARTNERSHIP AND INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION

The primary scientific and clinical base of the Institute is the National Scientific Medical Center (NSMC).

To advance its research and clinical initiatives, the Institute actively collaborates with the Medical Center Hospital of the President’s affairs Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan , Nazarbayev University, and urban medical organizations.

A memorandum of cooperation has been signed with the National Respiratory Medicine Society, facilitating a partnership agreement with the European Respiratory Society.

The Institute has also established strong ties with the Russian Respiratory Society and the Belarusian Respiratory Society. 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Address: Astana, Abay Street 47, 6th floor, "Institute of Respiratory Medicine" office