In March 2008 Eastern European Medical Society of MN (EEMS) in collaboration with nationwide Russian American Medical Association (RAMA) arranged for medical training and hosted Dr. Kubanych Takyrbashev, a distinguished Medical Officer from Kyrgyzstan. Minnesota became home to Dr. Takyrbashev and he was warmly received during March 16 – 24, 2008.

In the past Dr. Kybanych Takyrbrashev has overseen the AID/HIV medical services in Kyrgyzstan and was eager to come to Minnesota to see the newest procedures in pain intervention, treatments and protocols. During a non-stop week, Dr. Takyrbashev studied with renowned physicians at clinics which include: the Interventional & Integrative Pain Management (Dr. Elena Polukhin, Hennepin Faculty Association), MN Advanced Pain Specialists (Dr. David Schultz, MAPS), Institute for Athletic Medicine, Minnesota Center for Obesity and Pain Management (Dr. Michael Gonzales-Compoy), the Alternative Medicine Clinic and the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Takyrbashev visited the new Collaboration between the EEMS, Slavic Community Center, the Jewish Family Children’s Service in Minneapolis that serves recent Russian-speaking religious refugees from FSU.

As a result of this whirlwind week, a new initiative has been launched between the Eastern European Medical Society (EEMS) and the Kyrgyz Republic Embassy. The goals of this larger program between Minnesota/USA and Kyrgyzstan is to bring more monitored training to Kyrgyz physicians in the field of contemporary pain management, protocols, and rehabilitation. Kyrgyzstan is experiencing challenges as the result of recent political changes, and, its continued transition to a market economy and to democratization. EEMS, RAMA and their medical allies extend concern, expertise and world-class resources to the doctors of primary clinics in three different Kyrgyz ministries.

The Kyrgyz Republic Embassy and EEMS has already presented grants to IREX, the State Department and the Gates Foundation for this initiative. The Kyrgyz Embassy will also be submitting grants to the National Institute of Health to support the initiative. EEMS is also finalizing the curriculum for three more doctors from Kyrgyzstan to receive training in our collaborative facilities later this year.

The long-lasting collaboration will include, but not be limited to Kyrgyz medical doctors training in the United States. The Kyrgyzstan Victory Day (May 9, 2008) pain abatement project will target the needs of 4,000 beloved survivors and widows in Kyrgyzstan, which is the size of Minnesota with a population of 5.3 million ex-patriots, refugees and members of more than 50 ethnic and language groups. After the Victory Day campaign, EEMS and its Minnesota partners will reconvene at a week-long seminar to assist the Kyrgyz doctors with advanced case, and pain management techniques at the Issyk Kul lake resort this summer. A hoped for outcome is the development by Kyrgyzstan physicians of a pain management facility that will continue to provide updated medical education. We believe that this united effort with the three ministry-based clinics will help Kyrgyzstan create a national health care system.

EEMS and RAMA previous experience in humanitarian work in developing states and training of health care professionals from South America, Middle East and former Soviet countries, proves that trainees benefit in acquiring new knowledge, and, thanks to the social part of the workshops, both American and visiting counterparts enrich themselves tremendously in understanding different cultures and creating networks. These networks serve as bridges between nations and promote peoples diplomacy.

EEMS is completely in debt to Dr. Constaintine Starchook, Dr. Elena Polukhin of the Hennepin Faculty Associates, Mike Zolik of the Institute for Athletic Medicine, Dr. Michael Gonzales-Compoy of the Minnesota Center for Obesity management, Dr. David Schultz of the MAPS Interventional Pain Clinic, and many others for providing hands-on experiences to Dr. Takyrbrashev. As well, we thank our partners in the Coalition for Coordinated Service, Gedaly Meerovich of the Slavic Community Center, Margie Earhart of the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis, Jocelyn Ancheta of Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Leonid Grichener of the Zerkalo Russian-language newspaper and RAMA Board of Directors. Of course, we extend our thanks to all of the countless people who helped Dr. Takyrbreshev feel welcomed. He returned to the Kyrgyz Embassy with enthusiasm, new skills, and a commitment to continue our Global Exchange Program.