On January 28–29, 2026, the International Higher School of Medicine (IHSM) welcomed a delegation from Maastricht University, The Netherlands, for an official visit aimed at strengthening academic cooperation within the framework of the Erasmus+ Strand 1 program and advancing collaboration in medical education and climate-related health studies.
The visit began with an official meeting at the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in the development of modern medical education. The Ministry was represented by Dr. Bakytbek Kadyraliev, Deputy Minister of Health; Dr. Ryspek Sadygaliev, Deputy Minister of Health; and Dr. Zuura Dolonbaeva, Head of the Department of Medical Education and Science.
The Maastricht University delegation was represented by Dr. Emmaline Brouwer, PhD, Assistant Professor at the School of Health Professions Education, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, an expert in education design, problem-based learning, and educational research.
Further meetings were held at the International Higher School of Medicine, bringing together IHSM leadership and faculty members.
During the visit, IHSM presented its institutional profile and strategic priorities, followed by a presentation of the Erasmus+ project “Climate Adaptation Education in Medical Schools in Central Asia.” Special attention was given to the implementation of new educational modules on climate and health for Master’s and PhD programs, reflecting the growing importance of environmental health challenges in medical education.
The program concluded with a meeting of the project’s working group, where participants discussed practical steps for project implementation, curriculum development, and future joint initiatives.
As part of the visit, Dr. Emmaline Brouwer also conducted a masterclass for IHSM staff, sharing best practices in innovative teaching approaches and contributing to the enhancement of educational quality at IHSM.
The visit marked an important milestone in strengthening international academic cooperation and reaffirmed IHSM’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global partnership in medical education.
The visit began with an official meeting at the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in the development of modern medical education. The Ministry was represented by Dr. Bakytbek Kadyraliev, Deputy Minister of Health; Dr. Ryspek Sadygaliev, Deputy Minister of Health; and Dr. Zuura Dolonbaeva, Head of the Department of Medical Education and Science.
The Maastricht University delegation was represented by Dr. Emmaline Brouwer, PhD, Assistant Professor at the School of Health Professions Education, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, an expert in education design, problem-based learning, and educational research.
Further meetings were held at the International Higher School of Medicine, bringing together IHSM leadership and faculty members.
During the visit, IHSM presented its institutional profile and strategic priorities, followed by a presentation of the Erasmus+ project “Climate Adaptation Education in Medical Schools in Central Asia.” Special attention was given to the implementation of new educational modules on climate and health for Master’s and PhD programs, reflecting the growing importance of environmental health challenges in medical education.
The program concluded with a meeting of the project’s working group, where participants discussed practical steps for project implementation, curriculum development, and future joint initiatives.
As part of the visit, Dr. Emmaline Brouwer also conducted a masterclass for IHSM staff, sharing best practices in innovative teaching approaches and contributing to the enhancement of educational quality at IHSM.
The visit marked an important milestone in strengthening international academic cooperation and reaffirmed IHSM’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global partnership in medical education.