Dr. Yuriy Pya – the new Chairman of the Board of the University Medical Center

We are pleased to announce that by the decision of the Managing Council of Nazarbayev University, Yuriy Pya has been appointed as a Chairman of the Board of the University Medical Center with effect from September 1, 2020. Let us also inform you that Kanybek Ashirov will assume the role of an Executive Director.

Dr. Yuriy Pya brings a wealth of leadership experience to the University Medical Center with an outstanding contribution to the development and modernization of the healthcare system in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Under his leadership, the National Scientific Cardiac Surgery Center  (hereinafter – the Center) became one of the top 22  cardiac surgery clinics in the world, performing a range of complex operations, such as implantation of circulatory assist devices, donor heart transplantation and lung transplantation (performed for the first time in the country).  In 2017 for the first time internationally, a fully artificial heart was implanted at the Center. One of the highest achievements of the Center is the world’s first operation of a fully implantable left ventricular device conducted in December 2018. The Center is also a curator of high-tech multi-stage cardiac surgery for newborns and children of the first year of life.

Dr. Pya will also continue as Director of Surgery and Science in the National Scientific Cardiac Surgery Center, which will soon become fully integrated into the University Medical Center.

Yuriy Pya is a knight of «Kurmet» and «Parasat» medals, a laureate of   «Kazakhstannyn Yenbek Yeri» (Kazakhstan’s Hero of Labour) state award and the «Patriot of the Year» award of the V National Forum of Patriots of Kazakhstan.  He is also a winner of the «Altyn Adam» international prize in the nomination of «Doctor of the Year – 2012».

We would like to congratulate Doctor Pya and Mr. Ashirov with new appointments and wish them good luck!

Taking this opportunity, we would also like to thank Professor Zhaxybay Zhumadilov, who previously headed University Medical Center, for his outstanding work, commitment and professionalism and for having laid the foundation for the Integrated Academic Healthcare System. We are delighted that the University will continue to benefit from his leadership and international experience, as he will take on the role of Professor in the School of Medicine and Advisor to Provost Ilesanmi Adesida and to the Vice President for Medicine, Massimo Pignatelli on Biomedical Research. 

The «University Medical Center» Corporate Fund currently unites the leading medical centers of the country, including National Research Center for Maternal and Child Health, National Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Republican Diagnostic Center, Kyzylorda branch of the UMC. The Fund was founded pursuant to the decision of the Board of Trustees of Nazarbayev University dated 20 September 2015.