Academic Mobility Training of Radiology Residents at Gaziantep University

Second-year residents of the Radiology specialty from the Faculty of Postgraduate Education — Marzhan Kuralsynova, Yerkebulan Smagul, Almira Bakhytova, and Abylai Mels — completed a training program at the Department of Nuclear Medicine of Gaziantep University (Turkey) as part of an academic mobility initiative. This educational exchange became an important milestone in their professional development, allowing the residents to become acquainted with modern approaches in nuclear medicine, the organization of clinical practice, and the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies.

During the month-long internship, the residents actively participated in the daily activities of the department, observed PET/CT examinations, scintigraphy, and radionuclide diagnostic procedures, and studied the specifics of patient management in a multidisciplinary university hospital. Special attention was given to the clinical discussion of complex cases and interdisciplinary collaboration among specialists. The residents attended multidisciplinary meetings where physicians from various fields jointly discussed treatment strategies and further management of patients with oncological and other severe diseases.

One of the most memorable parts of the training was the visit to the research complex equipped with a cyclotron — a high-tech facility used for the production of radiopharmaceuticals required for PET imaging. Familiarity with the process of radionuclide production provided a deeper understanding of the principles of nuclear medicine and demonstrated how fundamental science is integrated into clinical practice.

During the internship, the participants not only expanded their theoretical knowledge but also gained valuable practical experience and exchanged professional skills with their Turkish colleagues. Working in an international environment became an excellent opportunity for both professional and personal growth, strengthening academic ties, and fostering future collaboration between the universities.

The residents highlighted the high level of organization of the educational process, the modern technical facilities of the department, and the openness of the professors and physicians, who willingly shared their experience and supported the young resident doctors throughout every stage of the training. The Department of Nuclear Medicine at Gaziantep University is equipped with advanced PET and SPECT diagnostic systems and is actively engaged in scientific and educational activities.

The residents express their sincere gratitude to the administration of Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, the Faculty of Postgraduate Education, the Department of Visual Diagnostics, and Professor Umut Elboğa of Gaziantep University for providing them with the opportunity to undergo this training, gain invaluable experience, and become part of the professional community of nuclear medicine specialists. This experience has become a significant contribution to their future professional development and a strong motivation for new achievements in medicine.