A delegation from CAU and AKFA Medline University Hospital completed a professional development course at the Cleveland Clinic.

Delegation of Central Asian University (CAU) and AKFA Medline University Hospital participated in a two-day international educational program — the Global Physician Leadership Immersion Program — at Cleveland Clinic, one of the world’s leading medical centers.

The program included a tour of the Cleveland Clinic campus, meetings with leading physicians and administrators, and concluded with the awarding of official certificates to participants. The delegation from Uzbekistan was represented by leading clinicians of AKFA Medline University Hospital, including heads of specialized departments and divisions, the hospital’s CEO, as well as directors of key administrative areas.

During the course, the delegates from Uzbekistan studied modern approaches to healthcare management — from building team culture and communication to implementing technology and artificial intelligence in clinical practice. They became acquainted with the system of clinical effectiveness and the principles of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), completed modules on safety culture and reliability in healthcare, and gained deeper insights into patient experience and methods of engagement through the R.E.D.E. model.

In addition, participants acquired practical knowledge in healthcare finance and management, visited the Cleveland Clinic campus, took part in networking sessions with leading physicians and administrators, and completed the program by receiving official certificates.

The program provided participants with a unique opportunity to learn from global best practices and gain first-hand experience through direct interaction with Cleveland Clinic physicians and administrators.

The Uzbek delegation included leaders of key clinical and administrative divisions of CAU and AKFA Medline University Hospital, representing cardiac surgery, urology, infection control, international relations, and healthcare project management.

“For our team, this is not just training, but an investment in the future of healthcare in Uzbekistan,” noted Azimjon Tursunkulov, CEO of AKFA Medline University Hospital. “The knowledge and skills we have gained from Cleveland Clinic will be applied already at the design and launch stage of the new CAU University Hospital. We strive to implement international standards and create a system where patients receive world-class care.”

The experience gained at Cleveland Clinic will form part of a long-term strategic partnership, under which CAU and Cleveland Clinic are collaborating on the creation of the new Central Asian University Hospital in Tashkent. The future 120-bed hospital, set to open in 2027, will become a multidisciplinary clinical and educational Center of Excellence, where international quality standards, modern technologies, and innovative approaches to medicine will be implemented.

Training at Cleveland Clinic will enable Uzbek doctors and administrators to adopt best global practices already at the design and launch stage of the hospital. Participation in the Cleveland Clinic program is not only an investment in the future CAU hospital, but also in the development of the entire healthcare sector of the country. The expertise obtained from one of the world’s leading medical centers will help introduce international standards in Uzbekistan and create conditions where patients receive care of the highest level.

About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit, multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Founded in 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio by four physicians with the vision of building an outstanding healthcare system based on cooperation, compassion, and innovation, Cleveland Clinic is renowned for medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States.

Today, Cleveland Clinic employs more than 82,600 people, including 5,786 physicians and researchers, and 20,700 nurses and allied health professionals representing 140 specialties. Its network includes 23 hospitals, 280 outpatient facilities, and the 173-acre main campus in Cleveland. Each year, Cleveland Clinic provides care for millions of patients from all 50 U.S. states and over 110 countries.

About Cleveland Clinic Connected
Cleveland Clinic Connected is an international program providing participants access to Cleveland Clinic’s expertise to improve care quality, safety, and clinical outcomes in their institutions. The program leverages Cleveland Clinic’s experience both in the U.S. and internationally, adapting best practices to local healthcare systems. Participants also benefit from unique training opportunities, knowledge exchange, and marketing support backed by Cleveland Clinic’s global reputation.

About Central Asian University (CAU)
Founded in 2019 in Uzbekistan, Central Asian University is one of the fastest-growing private universities in the country. It offers international academic programs in medicine, dentistry, business, architecture and design, engineering, tourism and hospitality, and other fields in high demand. With a modern campus, internationally experienced faculty, and a focus on practical training, CAU is an attractive choice for students from around the world.

CAU ranks among the world’s TOP-1000 universities in the 2025 Round University Ranking, debuted in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings, was recognized as the most innovative university in Uzbekistan in 2024 by the Science and Innovation Awards, and as the best young university in Uzbekistan in 2025 according to the AD Scientific Index.

CAU is actively expanding strategic international partnerships and implementing joint academic and research projects with universities in Germany, Switzerland, the USA, and other countries. With its innovative educational model and global cooperation focus, CAU is strengthening its position as a leader in higher education in the region.