What is the role of scientific medical centers and research institutes in the modern world? Opinion of Professor T. Batyraliev
Talantbek Batyraliev is a Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, and Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, as well as a full member of the American College of Cardiology (MD, PhD, DSc, FACC, FSCAI, FAHA, FESC).
Here are the main points of his speech:
“On December 31, 2025, a meeting of the Council on Science, Innovations, and New Technologies was held under the leadership of the Prime Minister. Adylbek Kasymaliev, who heads the Cabinet of Ministers, emphasized that science and innovation are fundamental factors for sustainable socio-economic development, technological independence, and the security of the country. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was noted that the development of science and geological research should be considered priority areas of state policy in the Kyrgyz Republic. The Cabinet of Ministers was recommended to implement systemic measures to enhance the effectiveness of scientific activity, including the development of state orders, a phased increase in funding, and the modernization of scientific institutions. With the support of the state in the scientific sphere, it is necessary to use resources as efficiently as possible.
In this context, the question arises: what is the role of scientific medical centers in Kyrgyzstan, and how do they differ from leading medical institutions in the world?
Scientific medical centers and research institutes are crucial in modern society, engaging in both fundamental and applied research. They develop innovative methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, such as artificial intelligence, genomic editing, and robotics. Moreover, they prepare highly qualified personnel and implement new technologies, contributing to progress in medicine, improving quality of life, and addressing global health issues, including combating pandemics and personalized medicine. Despite the general trends in the development of medical science, I would like to focus on cardiology.
The history of scientific centers began in the mid-20th century.
In the Soviet Union, on August 11, 1936, a resolution of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR No. 1462 was adopted, according to which the N.A. Semashko Hospital was transferred to the All-Union Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine named after A.M. Gorky (VIEM). A unified complex providing diverse medical assistance was formed on the basis of several medical institutions, which also became the largest scientific center.
In 1944, the establishment of the Academy of Medical Sciences was supported, which included dozens of clinical institutes, including the Institute of Experimental and Clinical Surgery. Soon, the Institute of Therapy was founded, which later became the Research Institute of Cardiology named after Academician A.L. Myasnikov. This initiative, proposed by the outstanding cardiologist E.I. Chazov, laid the foundation for the creation of cardiological institutes in the union republics.
In 1956, at the initiative of Academician A.N. Bakulev, the Institute of Thoracic Surgery was established based on the 1st City Hospital. This institute became an important center for the development of "open" heart surgery. Despite Bakulev's ascension to the presidency of the Academy of Medical Sciences, he continued to actively participate in the activities of the institute until the end of his life.
Thus, scientific clinical centers developed in a unified country.
After the collapse of the USSR, the newly independent states faced the challenge of developing national science. However, since the late 20th century, medical science has become international. Centers that sought uniqueness began to lag behind those that were more integrated. International cooperation became a salvation for the medical scientific community, which in recent years has faced difficulties again due to political confrontation.
American medical institutions, especially private ones, have served as a model for integrating global achievements for the past 50 years. The first coronary angiography was performed at the Cleveland Clinic in 1958, which subsequently led to a Nobel Prize for the physicians who performed this procedure. The method of aortocoronary bypass surgery also gained wide recognition thanks to the efforts of the clinic and Argentine surgeon Rene Favaloro.
American professional associations in cardiology, formed to protect national interests, have long become world leaders and continue to define scientific and practical directions in medicine. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) actively includes leading physicians and scientists in its ranks and formulates recommendations for doctors worldwide. Today, there are two honorary members of this organization in Kyrgyzstan. The educational resources of the ACC are vast, gathering thousands of doctors and scientists annually to exchange relevant information. Similarly, the American Heart Association (AHA) promotes measures to prevent cardiovascular diseases among the population.
Kyrgyzstan previously utilized the resources of these international organizations; however, the degree of their application leaves much to be desired. During the Soviet period, interaction with American medicine was extremely limited.
The international movement "Physicians of the World for the Prevention of Nuclear War" (IPPNW), founded in 1980, became one example of international cooperation. Despite active efforts, the exchange of information remained limited, and only a few scientists could maintain contacts with foreign colleagues. Since 1991, the integration of CIS countries into the global medical community has been a challenging process, especially in the field of cardiovascular diseases.
Today, one of the leading global congresses on cardiology is TCT (The Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutic), founded by a group of physicians working at Columbia University to create a platform for research and practice.
CRF Innovation Center:
The center directs early ideas and innovations within preclinical research programs, providing clinical treatment methods for patients.
Research at CRF:
The center conducts clinical studies ranging from small-scale to international, providing independent qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Training at CRF:
The educational center trains physicians annually at more than 50 meetings, including cardiology symposia.
This model, implemented at Columbia University, allows for the gathering and refining of new ideas and technologies for broad clinical application, disseminating knowledge worldwide.
There are many examples confirming that many medical centers are being formed based on private universities, shaping the future of global medicine. Science, especially medical science, cannot be tied to a specific country; it is always international.
The key functions and significance of scientific clinical centers can be highlighted as follows:
Main tasks:
Knowledge Generation: Conducting fundamental research that deepens the understanding of diseases and health mechanisms.
Innovation Development: Implementing new technologies such as AI and medical robotics.
Personnel Training: Training medical professionals in new methods and technologies.
Clinical Trials: Conducting trials of new drugs and treatment methods to ensure their safety.
- State orders;
- International orders;
- Orders from major medical companies;
- Applied scientific orders.
Strategic Development: Forming a scientific basis for state health policy.
Information Support: Collecting and disseminating scientific information necessary for the development of medicine.
Thus, research institutes and scientific medical centers become engines of progress, contributing to the development of medicine and improving the quality of life. In future sections, the criteria for evaluating scientific centers/research institutes, working methods, and sources of funding will be discussed.
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