The Urgench Branch of Tashkent Medical Academy stands as one of Uzbekistan’s most prominent institutions for higher medical education. Known for its commitment to producing skilled healthcare professionals, the academy has become a center of excellence for aspiring medical practitioners from both Uzbekistan and abroad. Established with the aim of decentralizing medical education and offering advanced healthcare training to regional students, the Urgench Branch combines traditional learning values with modern medical research and technology.
This article provides an in-depth exploration of the Urgench Branch – Tashkent Medical Academy, covering its history, academic structure, curriculum, facilities, international partnerships, and student experience.
The Urgench Branch of Tashkent Medical Academy was established as part of Uzbekistan’s effort to expand access to quality medical education beyond its capital, Tashkent. Its foundation aimed to address the healthcare needs of the Khorezm region and surrounding areas while providing world-class training in medicine and allied sciences.
The branch operates under the supervision of the Tashkent Medical Academy (TMA), one of the oldest and most respected medical institutions in Central Asia. Since its inception, the Urgench Branch has been recognized for upholding TMA’s educational standards, curriculum design, and research ethos.
The academy’s mission centers on developing competent, ethical, and research-oriented healthcare professionals. It emphasizes holistic medical education that blends theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and social responsibility. The institution strives to align with international standards in medical training and healthcare delivery, ensuring its graduates can work effectively in both local and global contexts.
The Urgench Branch’s vision focuses on fostering innovation in medical education, promoting interdisciplinary research, and nurturing compassionate physicians. Its core values include:
Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest moral standards in medical practice.
Scientific Excellence: Encouraging evidence-based learning and critical thinking.
Global Collaboration: Partnering with international universities and organizations.
Community Service: Addressing regional healthcare needs through public health initiatives.
The Urgench Branch offers a range of undergraduate programs designed to equip students with foundational and advanced knowledge in medical sciences. The General Medicine (MBBS) program is the flagship course, typically spanning six years, including clinical practice.
Students are trained in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical disciplines such as internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and obstetrics. The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory training, and real-world clinical experience.
In addition to undergraduate education, the academy offers postgraduate residencies and specialization programs in various medical fields such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, and public health. These programs prepare graduates for leadership roles in clinical practice, academia, and research.
The Urgench Branch places strong emphasis on continuing education. Through seminars, workshops, and refresher courses, healthcare professionals are encouraged to stay updated with the latest medical advances. CPD programs foster lifelong learning and ensure that practitioners remain competent in evolving medical environments.
The curriculum at the Urgench Branch follows international standards, emphasizing evidence-based medicine and hands-on clinical practice. Students are taught to approach medical problems through scientific reasoning, diagnosis, and patient-centered care.
The academy uses a blend of traditional lectures and modern pedagogical techniques such as:
Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Encourages analytical and decision-making skills.
Simulation Training: Uses modern equipment for practicing surgical and diagnostic procedures.
Interactive Workshops: Promote teamwork and communication among future healthcare professionals.
Clinical Rotations: Offer exposure to real medical settings in affiliated hospitals.
Students undergo continuous assessment through written exams, oral tests, practical demonstrations, and research projects. The evaluation process is designed to ensure mastery of theoretical knowledge and practical competence.
The Urgench Branch actively promotes scientific inquiry among both students and faculty. Its research focuses on areas such as:
Infectious diseases and public health
Cardiovascular and metabolic disorders
Medical microbiology and pharmacology
Rural healthcare innovations
Research activities aim to address both regional and global health challenges, aligning with Uzbekistan’s healthcare priorities.
Students are encouraged to engage in research early in their studies. Participation in national and international scientific conferences provides them with platforms to present findings, gain exposure, and develop critical thinking skills.
The branch collaborates with leading Uzbek and foreign universities to conduct joint research projects. These partnerships enhance academic exchange, facilitate publication in international journals, and foster knowledge sharing.
The Urgench Branch boasts modern facilities that support quality education. These include:
Well-equipped laboratories for physiology, anatomy, microbiology, and pathology.
Digital classrooms and multimedia lecture halls.
Simulation centers replicating real hospital conditions for clinical training.
A comprehensive library with medical literature, e-books, and access to online journals.
Clinical training forms the cornerstone of medical education at the Urgench Branch. Students gain hands-on experience through affiliations with regional hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers. Under the supervision of experienced doctors, they interact with patients, practice diagnosis, and assist in surgeries and treatments.
The academy provides comfortable and secure hostels for both local and international students. The dormitories are equipped with Wi-Fi, study areas, kitchens, and recreational spaces, ensuring a balanced student lifestyle.
Life at the Urgench Branch is not limited to academics. The university organizes sports competitions, cultural festivals, debates, and medical awareness campaigns. Such events foster community engagement, teamwork, and cultural exchange.
Admission to the Urgench Branch – Tashkent Medical Academy follows transparent and merit-based procedures. Applicants must meet the following general requirements:
Completion of secondary education (10+2 or equivalent).
Strong academic background in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Proficiency in English, Uzbek, or Russian, depending on the program language.
International students may also be required to submit recognized test scores or undergo entrance examinations.
The application process typically involves the following steps:
Online Application: Submission of required documents through the official portal.
Document Verification: Checking of academic transcripts and identification.
Entrance Examination: Evaluation of subject knowledge and language skills.
Interview (if applicable): Assessment of motivation and aptitude for medical studies.
Offer and Enrollment: Successful candidates receive admission letters and proceed with visa documentation (for international students).
The Urgench Branch offers various scholarships based on merit, academic excellence, or financial need. Additionally, government-funded programs and international partnerships support eligible students with tuition assistance and stipends.
The Urgench Branch maintains active collaborations with universities and medical institutions across Europe and Asia. These partnerships facilitate:
Student and faculty exchange programs
Joint research projects
Academic conferences and symposiums
Curriculum development aligned with international medical standards
The branch has become a preferred destination for students from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and African nations due to its affordable tuition, English-medium programs, and high academic quality. Dedicated international student offices assist with admissions, visas, and integration into campus life.
Graduates of the Urgench Branch are eligible to practice medicine in multiple countries after meeting national licensing requirements. The academy’s curriculum aligns with global medical education standards recognized by organizations such as the WHO and FAIMER.
The Urgench Branch prides itself on having a highly qualified faculty comprising professors, associate professors, and medical practitioners with extensive clinical experience. Many hold advanced degrees and have published research in reputable journals.
To maintain high teaching standards, the academy encourages faculty participation in professional development programs, international training, and academic collaborations. Faculty members regularly update their knowledge to keep pace with global medical advancements.
Beyond academia, the Urgench Branch plays an active role in regional healthcare. Students and faculty participate in vaccination drives, health awareness programs, and rural medical camps, addressing the needs of underserved communities.
The branch collaborates with Khorezm Regional Hospital and other healthcare centers to provide free or subsidized medical services, contributing significantly to public welfare and practical student training.
A dedicated student support system ensures academic guidance, psychological counseling, and career advice. The Student Affairs Office provides assistance with academic challenges, housing, and extracurricular engagement.
The campus fosters a multicultural atmosphere where students from different countries interact, learn, and share experiences. This global exposure helps build cultural competence—an essential skill for modern medical professionals.
Students can join medical, research, or cultural clubs that promote leadership, networking, and professional growth. Popular clubs include the Medical Research Society, Debate Club, and Cultural Harmony Forum.
The academy offers a world-class medical curriculum at a fraction of the cost compared to Western universities, making it an attractive choice for international students.
Graduates are eligible for international licensing exams such as the USMLE, PLAB, and FMGE, broadening their global career prospects.
Urgench is known for its peaceful environment, affordable living costs, and welcoming community, providing an ideal atmosphere for academic success.
The strong emphasis on clinical exposure ensures that graduates are ready to handle real-world medical challenges confidently.
The Urgench Branch aims to strengthen its research infrastructure by establishing specialized laboratories, encouraging publications, and increasing international collaborations.
Plans are underway to enhance e-learning platforms and introduce virtual reality tools for anatomy and clinical simulations.
The academy continues working towards achieving broader international accreditation to further validate its degrees and enhance its global recognition.
The Urgench Branch of Tashkent Medical Academy has emerged as a distinguished center of medical education and research in Uzbekistan. With its modern curriculum, expert faculty, and global outlook, it continues to shape the next generation of compassionate, skilled, and innovative healthcare professionals. Its commitment to academic excellence, ethical practice, and community service makes it a trusted choice for students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine both locally and internationally.
The branch’s growing global reputation reflects Uzbekistan’s broader ambition to become a hub of quality medical education in Central Asia. For students seeking affordable, internationally aligned, and comprehensive medical training, the Urgench Branch – Tashkent Medical Academy stands as a beacon of opportunity and excellence.