Visit to Almaty by U.S. Maxillofacial Reconstructive and Plastic Surgeons for Training and Professional Exchange
July 2025
Introduction
The Kazakhstan Cultural-Business Association of North America (KCBANA)’s medical mission to Kazakhstan was an outstanding success. From June 29 to July 6, 2025, KCBANA organized a visit of highly qualified American surgeons to Almaty as part of a cooperation program between medical professionals of the United States and Kazakhstan.
This initiative combined direct patient care with large-scale professional training, resulting in life-changing outcomes for patients while significantly strengthening the skills and capacity of Kazakhstan’s medical community.
Impactful Outcomes of the Mission
Surgical Collaboration
A distinguished team of U.S. maxillofacial surgeons partnered with physicians at City Clinical Hospital No. 5 in Almaty to perform ten free reconstructive surgeries for children and adults suffering from congenital deformities and acquired facial injuries. The cases were selected through a joint review by American and Kazakhstani lead surgeons, combining preliminary documentation analysis and in-person examinations.
The surgeries addressed a wide range of conditions, including:
- Cleft revisions and congenital lip deformities
- Burn scar contracture releases with skin grafts
- Excision of facial neurofibromas
- Repair of complex facial fractures
- Correction of deformities from facial nerve paralysis
- Eyelid scar revisions and ectropion repair
Some procedures required tissue transplantation and lasted up to six hours, highlighting the complexity and precision involved. Despite the intricate nature of these cases, the collaborative surgical team was able to achieve positive outcomes for all patients. Their expertise and versatility allowed them to address the full spectrum of conditions, from pediatric congenital deformities to traumatic injuries and disfiguring growths in adult patients. This remarkable success, made possible through the generous support of donors, underscores the profound impact the medical mission had on improving access to high-quality, specialized care in Kazakhstan.
In addition, the U.S. surgical team conducted more than 50 individual consultations for patients with local Kazakhstani doctors, providing valuable advice and sharing treatment options for complex cases.
Knowledge Transfer & Training
Beyond surgical care, the mission created a platform for advanced professional exchange:
- Lectures and Workshops: The program included lectures and hands-on workshops for Kazakhstani doctors, specialists, and students, disseminating knowledge on the latest cutting-edge head and neck surgical techniques that are considered advanced in U.S. medicine. This collaborative knowledge exchange was well received by local clinicians.
- Specialized Topics Covered:
- Basics of Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer
- Soft Tissue Flaps of the Face and Head
- Treatment Algorithm: Segmental Mandibulectomy
- Treatment Algorithm: Total Rhinectomy and Segmental Maxillectomy
- Equipment Donation: The U.S. medical team donated essential surgical supplies and equipment for future use at Clinic No. 5.
Expanding Reach Through Technology
The KCBANA team donated a high-definition LED screen to Clinic No. 5, enabling live-streaming of surgeries from the operating room to a large auditorium in the mornings, and presentations during lectures in the afternoons.
This innovation dramatically expanded the program’s reach, allowing over 150 specialists from 15 regions of Kazakhstan to observe complex surgeries in real time, interact with U.S. surgeons, and participate in post-operation discussions. The screen will continue serving as a lasting resource for professional training and exchange.
U.S. Medical Team
- Dr. Darrin Hubert, MD — Chief Plastic Surgeon at Chippenham-Johnston Willis Medical Center (Richmond, VA); University of Pennsylvania graduate; specialist in reconstructive surgery of the face and body; member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- Dr. Thomas Lee, MD — Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; NYU graduate; leading specialist in otolaryngology, reconstructive and oncologic surgery, microvascular reconstruction, and facial nerve paralysis treatment.
- Dr. Zhazira Irgebay, MD — Resident in Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh; graduate of New York Medical College; specialist in pediatric craniofacial reconstructive surgery; author of 20+ peer-reviewed articles; born in Almaty, with professional career in the U.S.
- Ms. Marilyn Bagen, MEd — Certified Surgical Technologist, Virginia Commonwealth University; extensive experience in plastic surgeries, patient care, and international charitable medical projects.
Honoring Our Donors and Partners
The success of this medical mission would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors and partners. KCBANA extends its deepest gratitude to:
- Regulatory Economics Group, LLC
- Ibis Almaty Jetisu Hotel
- Numerous private and individual donors
Since its founding, all KCBANA initiatives have been supported by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the United States, Washington, D.C., with special gratitude to Ambassador HE Yerzhan Ashikbayev and Mrs. Dinara Ashikbayeva for their consistent encouragement and engagement.
We are especially grateful to Ibis Almaty Jetisu Hotel, under the auspices of Aq Niet Group, for their generous contribution of logistical support, accommodations, and catering for the U.S. surgical team and the KCBANA staff. The support of Ibis Almaty Jetisu Hotel exemplified the spirit of solidarity and partnership that defined this mission.
Your generosity is turning hope into healing, building bridges between nations, and transforming lives. On behalf of every patient, family, and physician touched by this mission — thank you for making a lasting impact.
Conclusion
This medical project provided life-changing surgeries to patients who otherwise would not have had access to such care. It also empowered medical professionals in Kazakhstan by providing advanced training, knowledge, and tools to support long-term capacity building.
KCBANA is proud to have facilitated this impactful initiative and remains committed to strengthening the lasting partnerships formed between the medical communities of Kazakhstan and the United States.
On behalf of the entire KCBANA team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every sponsor and donor whose generosity made this mission possible. Your support empowers us to reach more communities in need and create lasting change.
Thank you for standing with us!
— KCBANA Team
KCBANA Medical Mission in the News
American Chamber of Commerce: “CSR Working Group Showcases U.S. Surgeons’ Mission to Transform Young Lives in Kazakhstan”, www.amcham.kz/meetings/csr-working-group-showcases-u-s-surgeons-mission-to-transform-young-lives-in-kazakhstan.
DKN World News: “Leading U.S. Surgeons Perform Free Operations for Children in Almaty”, dknews.kz/en/articles-in-english/364207-leading-u-s-surgeons-perform-free-operations-for.
Tatler Asia: “В Алматы провели бесплатные челюстно-лицевые операции”, www.tatlerasia.kz/power-purpose/impact/besplatnye-operacii-ot-specialistov-iz-ssa-ru
QazaqPress: “АҚШ-тың үздік жақ-бет реконструктивті-пластикалық хирургтары Алматыда балаларға ота жасайды”, www.qazaqpress.kz/2025/07/04/aқsh-tyң-үzdik-zhaқ-bet-rekonstruktivti-plastikalyқ-hirurgtary-almatyda-balalarғa-ota-zhasajdy/
Egemen Qazaqstan: “Алматыға келген америкалық дәрігерлер 10 науқасқа күрделі ота жасады”, www.egemen.kz/article/394278-almatygha-kelgen-amerikalyq-darigerler-10-nauqasqa-kurdeli-ota-dgasady
Interview of Dr. Lee to Koryo_Ilbo: www.facebook.com/reel/751820700653802
Kore Ilbo“Как казахи привезли американского корейца”, www.koreilbo.com/news/kak-kazakhi-privezli-amerikanskogo-koreytsa/
PharmNews.KZ: www.pharmnewskz.com/ru/news/veduschie-chelyustno-licevye-rekonstruktivnye-i-plasticheskie-hirurgi-ssha-provodyat-operacii-detyam-v-almaty_25024
Optimism.kz: www.optimism.kz/2025/07/04/vedushhie-chelyustno-liczevye-rekonstruktivnye-i-plasticheskie-hirurgi-ssha-provodyat-operaczii-detyam-v-almaty/
