SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Residency in Medical Oncology
Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan, NU School of Medicine building, hospitals
Language: English, Kazakh, Russian
Delivery mode: Full time
Duration: 5 years
General information
The NU SOM Medical Oncology Residency Program is a five-year training program designed to prepare physicians for a career in medical oncology. The program provides rigorous clinical training, hands-on procedural experience, and research opportunities, ensuring competency in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.
The curriculum follows the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements and integrates core internal medicine training for the first three years, followed by two years of intensive medical oncology specialization.
Program aims
The Medical Oncology Residency Program at NU SOM is designed to develop highly skilled oncologists who can provide comprehensive cancer care and contribute to research and education. The program follows the six ACGME core competencies, ensuring a well-rounded training experience. The primary goals of the residency program are:
- To educate residents according to the six ACGME core competencies in the field of Medical oncology: (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 medical oncology specialists who can apply their knowledge and skills in both clinical practice and scholarly activities.
- To develop medical oncology specialists capable of meeting the healthcare needs of both urban and rural populations in Kazakhstan.a
Career opportunities
Upon completing the NU SOM Medical Oncology Residency Program, graduates will be well-equipped for a variety of career paths, including:
- Clinical practice inoncology hospitals, centres, and outpatient clinics.
- Academic and research roles contributing to oncology advancements.
- Leadership positions in oncology healthcare systems.
Program learning outcomes
By the end of the Medical Oncology Residency Program, residents will have achieved competency in key ACGME Milestones for Oncology, including:
1. Patient Care and Procedural Skills
- Competence in diagnosing and managing cancer patients across inpatient, outpatient, and critical care settings.
- Proficiency in chemotherapy administration, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- Ability to perform and interpret bone marrow aspiration, biopsy, and lumbar puncture.
2. Medical Knowledge
- Comprehensive understanding of solid tumor and hematologic malignancies, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment.
- Mastery of diagnostic and staging tools such as imaging, biomarkers, and pathology.
- Expertise in cancer genetics, precision medicine, and clinical trials.
3. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
- Ability to evaluate and integrate new research into clinical practice.
- Continuous self-assessment to improve patient care and optimize treatment strategies.
- Participation in quality improvement initiatives for cancer care.
4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Effective communication with patients and families, including breaking bad news and discussing treatment options.
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, palliative care specialists).
- Leadership in oncology education and patient counseling.
5. Professionalism
- Commitment to ethical cancer care, patient advocacy, and informed consent.
- Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic factors influencing treatment decisions.
- Maintenance of professional integrity and accountability in clinical and research settings.
6. System-Based Practice
- Understanding of cancer care systems, treatment guidelines, and healthcare policies.
- Coordination of oncology care pathways, referrals, and survivorship programs.
- Active involvement in cancer prevention, screening, and public health initiatives.
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:
How to apply
STEP 1. Create your personal account
Register on www.admissions.nu.edu.kz portal to create a Personal Account. Read the instructions about the application procedure given in your Personal account.
STEP 2. Complete your Application Form and attach the required documents
Fill out the application form and attach the required documents:
- Scanned copy of a National ID card or passport;
- Scanned copy of secondary school or higher education institution certificate (attestat/diploma) with final academic performance or certificate from the school (spravka) according to the sample in the personal account;
- Motivation letter in English;
- Valid copies of certificates. The results of standardized tests must be sent directly to the University through test administrators.
STEP 3. Pay an application fee
The application fee is paid online via your personal account with a bank card.
The application fee is 10 000 tenge and it is increased 3 times from the established amount when paid within the last two weeks before the first officially approved deadline and/or during the extension period for accepting applications for participation in the admission process. This amount is non-refundable.
Step 4. Finish the registration process
Finish the registration process by pressing the “Submit application” button. After submission applicants can’t change their applications.
Step 5. Upload IELTS/TOEFL certificates
Upload IELTS/TOEFL certificates in your personal account in the section "Upload IELTS/TOEFL" and fill up the required information about the certificate.
Further steps
Check your e-mail for notifications from the NU Admissions Department and your personal account to learn about your application status.
If you experience any difficulties with the registration or online application, please contact info_admissions@nu.edu.kz. Refer to your IIN and/or Applicant ID while sending us your requests.
Entry requirements
- MD or an equivalent terminal medical degree (highest level medical qualification which provides the eligibility to obtain registration or certification to practice as an independent practitioner in the country), obtained in a recognized university according to 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 7.0 or higher (with no sub-score less than 6.0 in each section), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website;
- IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step1 test report;
- high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program outlined in the personal statement;
- 2 (two) confidential letters of recommendation.
The relevance of the academic and experiential background and the equivalency and appropriateness of earlier degrees will be determined by the Admissions Committee.
Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can 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 which was officially taught in English;
- the applicant is a graduate of Nazarbayev University.
Applicants applying to the Program for conditional admission are expected to have:
- MD or an equivalent terminal medical degree (highest level medical qualification which provides the eligibility to obtain registration or certification to practice as an independent practitioner in the country), obtained in a recognized university according to 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;
- high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program outlined in the personal statement;
- 2 (two) confidential letters of recommendation;
- Recommendation letter from University Medical Center (UMC).
The following conditions will apply to applicants admitted under Conditional Admission first year of enrollment:
- Provide IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step1 test report;
- An overall IELTS test score of 7.0 or higher (with no sub-scores less than 6.0 in each section), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
- The relevance of the academic and experiential background and the equivalency and appropriateness of earlier degrees will be determined by the Admissions Committee.
- Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can 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 which was officially taught in English;
- the applicant is a graduate of Nazarbayev University.
List of documents to be submitted by the applicants
- 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 candidates) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health or other documents as requested by the University (for international candidates);
- 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 candidates) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health or other documents as requested by the University (for international candidates);
- The document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record.
Important dates
Online application deadline for the residency program for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan and for international applicants - June 29, 2025, inclusively (2 pm Astana time).
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.
Curriculum
PGY-1 to PGY-3: Core Internal Medicine Training
Residents undergo foundational training in internal medicine, covering key specialities to develop broad clinical expertise.
PGY-1
- 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
- General Internal Medicine – Nephrology & Rheumatology (2 months)
- General Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology & Endocrinology (2 months)
- General Internal Medicine – Pulmonology & Cardiology (2 months)
- Cardiology (2 months)
- Rheumatology (2 months)
- Elective (1 month)
PGY-3
- Endocrinology (2 months)
- Hematology (1 month)
- Gastroenterology – Hepatology (2 months)
- Nephrology & Hemodialysis (2 months)
- Ambulatory Medicine (1 month)
- Elective Clinical Rotations (3 months)
PGY-4 to PGY-5: Medical Oncology Specialization
Residents completing the 3-year Internal Medicine Residency at NUSOM are eligible to continue Medical Oncology training.
PGY-4
- Clinical Medical Oncology (Solid Tumors – Inpatient & Outpatient) – 5 months
- Brain Tumors – 2 months (National Research Neurosurgery Center)
- Tumor Imaging (CT, MRI, PET) – 2 months
- Pathology & Laboratory Diagnostics – 1 month
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – 1 month
PGY-5
- Clinical Medical Oncology (Solid Tumors – Inpatient & Outpatient) – 5 months
- Oncohematology & Bone Marrow Transplantation – 5 months
- Elective (Palliative Care) – 1 month
This structured curriculum ensures residents develop expertise in solid tumor oncology, oncohematology, and supportive care, preparing them for independent oncology practice.
Faculty
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Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency, Associate Professor