SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Residency in Gastroenterology
Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan, NU School of Medicine building, hospitals
Language: English, Kazakh, Russian
Delivery mode: Full time
Duration: 6 years
General information
The NU SOM Gastroenterology Residency Program is a six-year training program designed to train skilled general internists with subspecialty expertise in gastroenterology. The program emphasizes hands-on procedural experience, evidence-based practice, and clinical research, preparing physicians for hospital-based practice.
Following the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies, the program ensures residents gain comprehensive training in internal medicine for the first three years, followed by three years of specialized gastroenterology training. Residents will rotate through various inpatient and outpatient settings, gaining diverse clinical exposure.
Program aims
The aims of the NU SOM Gastroenterology Residency Program are:
- To educate residents according to the six ACGME core competencies in the field of Gastroenterology: (Patient Care and Procedural Skills, Medical Knowledge, Practice-Based Learning and Improvement, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Professionalism, System-Based Practice)
- To train MD graduates to become general internists and gastroenterology specialists capable of applying their knowledge and skills in both clinical and scholarly activities.
- To develop gastroenterology specialists who can meet the healthcare needs of both rural and urban populations in Kazakhstan.
Curriculum
The curriculum follows ACGME requirements for Gastroenterology Residency and covers essential competencies described previously. Training is conducted across multiple hospitals, including leading research and specialty centers in Astana.
Residency Structure
PGY-1 to PGY-3 focus on core internal medicine training with rotations in general medicine, subspecialties (neurology, pulmonology, cardiology, nephrology, hematology, endocrinology), intensive care, emergency medicine, ultrasound, and electives.
PGY-4 to PGY-6 transition into gastroenterology specialization, covering inpatient and
outpatient gastroenterology, hepatology, liver transplantation, endoscopy, ultrasound, imaging,
and advanced clinical research.
PGY-1: Core Internal Medicine Training
Interns actively participate in patient care, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and procedures under supervision. Responsibilities include order writing and student teaching. Rotations include:
- General Internal Medicine (2 months)
- Neurology (2 months)
- Pulmonology (2 months)
- Intensive Care Medicine (1 month)
- Emergency Medicine (2 months)
- Emergency & Point-of-Care Ultrasound (2 months)
PGY-2: Core Internal Medicine Training
Residents take on supervisory roles for interns and students, assisting in patient management, invasive procedures, and hospital medical records. Rotations include:
- General Internal Medicine (Nephrology, Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Cardiology) (6 months total)
- Cardiology (2 months)
- Rheumatology (2 months)
- Elective Clinical Rotation (1 month)
PGY-3: Core Internal Medicine Training
Senior residents refine their supervisory and teaching roles while gaining exposure to subspecialties and research. Rotations include:
- Endocrinology (2 months)
- Hematology (1 month)
- Gastroenterology (Hepatobiliary & Hepatology) (2 months)
- Nephrology & Hemodialysis (2 months)
- Ambulatory Medicine (1 month)
- Elective Clinical Rotation (3 months)
PGY-4 to PGY-6: Gastroenterology Specialization
Residents completing the 3-year Internal Medicine Residency at NU SOM are eligible to continue gastroenterology training.
PGY-4
- Clinical Gastroenterology (Inpatient & Outpatient) – 5 months
- Endoscopy – 4 months
- Imaging (CT, MRI, PET, Ultrasound) – 2 months
PGY-5
- Clinical Gastroenterology (Surgery & Coloproctology) – 6 months
- Endoscopy – 2 months
- Ultrasound – 3 months
PGY-6
- Clinical Gastroenterology (Inpatient & Outpatient) – 5 months
- Liver Transplant Service – 3 months
- Clinical Gastroenterology (Viral Hepatitis) – 2 months
- Elective – 1 month
Clinical rotation sites
During the training, residents will rotate through a variety of general internal medicine and gastroenterology inpatient services and outpatient clinics. All the clinical activities will be carried out in the following Hospitals/Centers:
Program learning outcomes
By the end of the program, residents will have achieved competency in the majority of the ACGME Milestones for Gastroenterology, including:
1. Patient Care and Procedural Skills:
- Proficiency in diagnosing and managing patients across diverse healthcare settings, including emergency, critical care, and ambulatory services.
- Competence in performing essential gastroenterological procedures, utilizing safe, effective, and cost-efficient medical practices.
2. Medical Knowledge:
- Comprehensive understanding of gastroenterological disorders and their management.
- Ability to evaluate undiagnosed and undifferentiated medical conditions effectively.
- Proper utilization of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in gastroenterology.
3. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement:
- Ability to identify gaps in knowledge and skills and address them through continuous learning.
- Implementation of quality improvement methods for better patient care.
- Critical appraisal of scientific literature to integrate new evidence into practice.
4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
- Effective communication with patients, families, and colleagues across diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Strong collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Serving as a consultant to other healthcare professionals regarding gastroenterology-related issues.
5. Professionalism:
- Commitment to ethical medical practice, patient privacy, and professional integrity.
- Prioritization of patient needs and advocacy for high-quality care.
- Cultural competence and responsiveness to the diverse patient population in Kazakhstan and beyond.
6. System-Based Practice:
- Effective navigation and utilization of various healthcare systems relevant to gastroenterology.
- Coordination of patient care within different medical settings.
- Integration of cost-effectiveness and risk-benefit analysis into patient management.
- Active participation in patient safety initiatives and quality improvement projects.
The NU SOM Gastroenterology Residency Program provides a rigorous and comprehensive training experience, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism necessary to advance the field of gastroenterology and improve patient care.
Career opportunities
Upon completing the NU SOM Gastroenterology Residency Program, graduates will be well-equipped for a variety of career paths, including:
- Clinical practice in hospitals, outpatient settings, and specialized internal medicine/gastroenterology centers
- Academic and research positions, contributing to medical education and scientific advancements
- Leadership roles in healthcare management and policy development
- Further subspecialty training or fellowships in advanced gastroenterology fields
The comprehensive nature of this program, coupled with its strong academic and clinical partnerships, ensures that graduates are prepared to excel in their careers while advancing the field of gastroenterology both locally and internationally.
The clinical curriculum is based on the ACGME Program Requirements for Gastroenterology Residency and fulfils the ACGME Competencies and Milestones described above.
Faculty
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Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency, Associate Professor
Entry requirements
There are two types of admission: Unconditional and Conditional
Applicants who qualify for unconditional admission are expected to have:
The NUSOM Admissions Committee will consider applicants recommended for admission by University Medical Center (UMC) Residency Admission Committee but the ultimate decision to admit these applicants is made by the NUSOM Admissions Committee.
- MD or an equivalent terminal medical degree (the highest-level medical qualification that provides eligibility for registration or certification to practice as an independent practitioner in the country), obtained from a recognized university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. During the application period, final year students may submit official current transcripts for consideration. Applicants recommended for admission must provide final transcript and diploma before the end of the Program’s enrollment term. Graduates of the University are enrolled based on the evidence of the final transcript confirming the degree completion followed by diploma submission within a month.
- MD or an equivalent terminal medical degree (the highest-level medical qualification that provides eligibility for registration or certification to practice as an independent practitioner in the country), obtained from a recognized university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. During the application period, final year students may submit official current transcripts for consideration. Applicants recommended for admission must provide final transcript and diploma before the end of the Program’s enrollment term. Graduates of the University are enrolled based on the evidence of the final transcript confirming the degree completion followed by diploma submission within a month.
- An overall IELTS test score of 6.0 or higher (with no sub-score less than 5.5 in each section), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website;
Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
- MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
- MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a program officially taught in English;
- The applicant is a graduate of NU.
- An overall IELTS test score of 6.0 or higher (with no sub-score less than 5.5 in each section), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website;
Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
- MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction and daily life;
- MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a program officially taught in English;
- The applicant is a graduate of NU.
- IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step 1 test report.
- You may provide an IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step 1 test report after receiving Conditional Admission during your first year of enrollment.
- A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in the personal statement.
- A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in the personal statement.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees, preferably related to the specific residency program.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees, preferably related to the specific residency program.
Important dates
Online application deadline for the residency program for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan and for international applicants - May 16, 2025, inclusively (2 pm Astana time).
List of documents to be submitted by the applicants
All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:
- Complete application form;
- National ID or passport;
- Official document confirming name change (if applicable);
- MD or equivalent terminal medical diploma with transcript;
- IELTS or TOEFL test report/certificate valid as of the date of online documents submission to the Programs (if applicable);
- IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE step 1 test report;
- Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees preferably related to the specific residency program (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy) ;
- Personal statement (up to 500 words);
- 075у medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health or other documents as requested by the University (for international applicants);
- The document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record.
- Complete application form;
- National ID or passport;
- Letter of recommendation from UMC;
- Official document confirming name change (if applicable);
- MD or equivalent terminal medical diploma with transcript;
- Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees preferably related to the specific residency program (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy) ;
- Personal statement (up to 500 words);
- 075у medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health or other documents as requested by the University (for international applicants);
- The document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record.
Tuition fee
The residency program fee is $11,200 (5 723 200 KZT) for the 2025/2026 academic year for all students.
To learn more about tuition fees, please contact us at bursars_office@nu.edu.kz.
How to apply
Read the Instructions about the application procedure given in your Personal account.
- In your Personal account, go to the “My Application Forms” section and click on the link on Step 1. Complete the Application Form, including the Consent Form for personal data processing, and click “Upload”.
- Proceed to Step 2 to upload the required documents in the specific format.
- Upload a 3×4 photo to the “Profile” section.
- To finalize your application, click the “PAY AND SUBMIT APPLICATION” in the “My Application Forms” section of your Personal account. The application fee must be paid online using the only available payment options; no other payment methods are accepted.
- You may apply for 2 programs - Master's/PhD but if accepted into both, you must choose one.
- The regular application fee is 15,000 tenge, and the late application fee is 45,000 tenge. The late application period is considered to be the last two weeks before the initially established application deadline. The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome or any payment errors.
- After submission, you cannot make any changes.
1. Electronic Submission:
- Send the electronic results of your valid IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT certificates directly to NU through the Test Administrator.
- Upload a scanned copy of your IELTS/TOEFL certificate and enter its unique number in the “Upload IELTS/TOEFL results” section of your Personal account. You can upload multiple certificates, but only the most recent one will be considered.
- Upload a scanned copy of your GRE/GMAT certificate in the “My Application Forms” section (Step 2) when submitting your documents (if required).
- IELTS: NU
- TOEFL iBT: 6762
- GRE: 6496
- GMAT: H6M-R7-93
- NU is not responsible for submitting your test results. You must independently contact the Test Administrator (Test Center) to send your certificate. This process may take at least 7-10 working days.
- Results received after the deadline will not be considered.
- All certificates must be valid at the time of application submission.
- Detailed instructions for submitting IELTS/TOEFL certificates are available in your Personal account.
- IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and TOEFL PDT results are not accepted.
- Video instructions on how to upload your IELTS/TOEFL results can be found here.
You may be exempt from providing IELTS/TOEFL if:
- You earned a degree in a country where English is the official language.
- Your undergraduate or graduate degree was taught in English (confirming document required).
- You are a graduate of NU.
Regularly check your email and Personal account for updates about your application status, and remember to check your spam folder, as emails from the University may end up there.
If invited, attend the interview with the Admissions Committee, which will be conducted in English.
If you have any issues with the application, email phd_admissions@nu.edu.kz with a detailed description of the problem, your IIN (for citizens of Kazakhstan) and your Applicant ID number.
Entry requirements
There are two types of admission: Unconditional and Conditional
Applicants who qualify for unconditional admission are expected to have:
The NUSOM Admissions Committee will consider applicants recommended for admission by University Medical Center (UMC) Residency Admission Committee but the ultimate decision to admit these applicants is made by the NUSOM Admissions Committee.
- MD or an equivalent terminal medical degree (the highest-level medical qualification that provides eligibility for registration or certification to practice as an independent practitioner in the country), obtained from a recognized university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. During the application period, final year students may submit official current transcripts for consideration. Applicants recommended for admission must provide final transcript and diploma before the end of the Program’s enrollment term. Graduates of the University are enrolled based on the evidence of the final transcript confirming the degree completion followed by diploma submission within a month.
- MD or an equivalent terminal medical degree (the highest-level medical qualification that provides eligibility for registration or certification to practice as an independent practitioner in the country), obtained from a recognized university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. During the application period, final year students may submit official current transcripts for consideration. Applicants recommended for admission must provide final transcript and diploma before the end of the Program’s enrollment term. Graduates of the University are enrolled based on the evidence of the final transcript confirming the degree completion followed by diploma submission within a month.
- An overall IELTS test score of 6.0 or higher (with no sub-score less than 5.5 in each section), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website;
Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
- MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
- MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a program officially taught in English;
- The applicant is a graduate of NU.
- An overall IELTS test score of 6.0 or higher (with no sub-score less than 5.5 in each section), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website;
Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
- MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction and daily life;
- MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a program officially taught in English;
- The applicant is a graduate of NU.
- IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step 1 test report.
- You may provide an IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step 1 test report after receiving Conditional Admission during your first year of enrollment.
- A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in the personal statement.
- A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in the personal statement.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees, preferably related to the specific residency program.
- Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees, preferably related to the specific residency program.
Important dates
Online application deadline for the residency program for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan and for international applicants - May 16, 2025, inclusively (2 pm Astana time).
List of documents to be submitted by the applicants
All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:
- Complete application form;
- National ID or passport;
- Official document confirming name change (if applicable);
- MD or equivalent terminal medical diploma with transcript;
- IELTS or TOEFL test report/certificate valid as of the date of online documents submission to the Programs (if applicable);
- IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE step 1 test report;
- Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees preferably related to the specific residency program (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy) ;
- Personal statement (up to 500 words);
- 075у medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health or other documents as requested by the University (for international applicants);
- The document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record.
- Complete application form;
- National ID or passport;
- Letter of recommendation from UMC;
- Official document confirming name change (if applicable);
- MD or equivalent terminal medical diploma with transcript;
- Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees preferably related to the specific residency program (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy) ;
- Personal statement (up to 500 words);
- 075у medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health or other documents as requested by the University (for international applicants);
- The document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record.
How to apply
To participate in the competition the following steps must be completed:
Read the Instructions about the application procedure given in your Personal account.
- In your Personal account, go to the “My Application Forms” section and click on the link on Step 1. Complete the Application Form, including the Consent Form for personal data processing, and click “Upload”.
- Proceed to Step 2 to upload the required documents in the specific format.
- Upload a 3×4 photo to the “Profile” section.
- To finalize your application, click the “PAY AND SUBMIT APPLICATION” in the “My Application Forms” section of your Personal account. The application fee must be paid online using the only available payment options; no other payment methods are accepted.
- You may apply for up to 2 Master's or PhD programs but if accepted into both, you must choose one.
- The regular application fee is 15,000 tenge, and the late application fee is 45,000 tenge. The late application period is considered to be the last two weeks before the initially established application deadline. The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome or any payment errors.
- After submission, you cannot make any changes.
1. Electronic Submission:
- Send the electronic results of your valid IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT certificates directly to NU by the Test Administrator.
- Upload a scanned copy of your IELTS/TOEFL certificate and enter its unique number in the “Upload IELTS/TOEFL results” section of your Personal account. You can upload multiple certificates, but only the most recent one will be considered.
- Upload a scanned copy of your GRE/GMAT certificate in the “My Application Forms” section (Step 2) when submitting your documents (if required).
- IELTS: NU, Admissions Department
- TOEFL iBT: 6762
- GRE: 6496
- GMAT: H6M-R7-93
- NU is not responsible for submitting your test results. You must contact the Test Administrator (Test Center) independently to send your certificate, which takes at least 7-10 working days.
- Results received after the deadline will not be considered.
- All certificates must be valid at the time of application submission.
- Detailed instructions for submitting IELTS/TOEFL certificates are available in your Personal account.
- IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and TOEFL PDT results are not accepted.
- Video instructions on how to upload your IELTS/TOEFL results can be found here.
You may be exempt from providing IELTS/TOEFL if:
- You earned a degree in a country where English is the official language.
- Your undergraduate or graduate degree was taught in English (confirming document required).
- You are a graduate of NU.
Regularly check your email and Personal account for updates about your application status, and remember to check your spam folder, as emails from the University may end up there.
If invited, attend the interview with the Admissions Committee, which will be conducted in English.
If you have any issues with the application, email phd_admissions@nu.edu.kz with a detailed description of the problem, your IIN (for citizens of Kazakhstan) and your Applicant ID number.
Status assigned to the candidate
All registered candidates can check the status of their application in the Personal account. Description of the status below is presented in the order of assignment to the candidate in the Personal account.
Application in processing. This is interim status, which means that the application is being processed. Admissions Committee will evaluate the application and inform the candidate on further steps/stages. Notification on final results will be sent to your email address.
Does not meet entry requirements. The status is assigned to the candidates who do not meet the minimum entry requirements. It is given after checking the application forms and the documents by the Admissions Department.
Disqualified. The status is assigned to candidates who are disqualified for gross violations of the conditions of the competition. For example, provided deliberately false information.
Rejected by Admissions Committee. At one of the competition stages, the Admissions Committee decided to reject the candidate’s application.
Transfer to another program. At the stage of an application screening the Admissions Committee has decided to recommend the candidate for consideration by the Admissions Committee of another program within the same School.
Pending. Candidate’s application is pending.
Waiting list. The Admissions Committee has finished reviewing the candidate’s application and made a decision to put you on a waiting list. Such candidates should expect notification from the University, as there is a possibility that if other candidates reject to study, they may be sent an invitation letter to study.
Recommended for admission to program. Admissions Committee has decided to recommend candidate for the program without going through the Zero Year of Graduate programs.
Recommended for conditional admission. The Admissions Committee has decided to recommend a candidate for the conditional admission with a requirement to fulfill the condition by the deadline specified in the notification.
Withdrawn. Candidate decided to withdraw from the competition.
Accepted Program admission offer. The status is assigned to candidates who received offer letter, signed Enrollment confirmation form and fulfilled all the сonditions of the University indicated in the offer letter.
Refused admission offer. The candidate was recommended for admission, but refused to study.
Refused in favor of another NU program. The status is applicable for those candidates, who applied for several graduate programs at NU. The status is assigned when the candidate chooses another program.
Deferred. The status is assigned to candidates who were accepted for the program, but decided to postpone their studies until the next year.
Did not submit the documents/Refused. The status assigned to candidates who did not provide originals of the documents by the stated deadline, which means that the candidate refuses to study at University.
Did not come to Orientation week/Refused. The status is assigned to candidates who accepted the offer letter, provided hard copies of documents, but did not participate in Orientation week. The vacant place, if available, can be offered to the candidates in the Waiting list.
Enrolled to program. The status is assigned to candidates who enrolled to the main program by the Decision of the Provost. Candidate officially became a student.