Webster Tashkent Hosts Healthcare Education Workshop

On May 30, 2025, Webster University in Tashkent held a landmark event for healthcare education in Uzbekistan: the international workshop “From Science to Practice: Advancing Healthcare Education in Uzbekistan.”

Hosted in the Grand Hall on campus, the event brought together local and international experts, faculty, students and healthcare professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue on the future of nursing education — and how Uzbekistan fits into a global conversation.

This workshop marked a milestone not only for Webster University Tashkent, but for the broader healthcare landscape in Central Asia. It spotlighted the country’s first and only American-style, health-related programs — the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — offered exclusively by Webster.

The BSN program at Webster Tashkent brings U.S.-based academic standards to the heart of Central Asia. Built on a foundation of evidence-based practice, global health competencies and holistic patient care, the program is designed to train nurses who are ready for the demands of both local and international healthcare systems.

Unlike traditional nursing education models, the BSN program emphasizes: A bachelor’s degree as the standard entry point for professional nursing; integration of technology in both education and patient care; hands-on clinical experience from early stages; a global perspective on health equity, leadership and patient advocacy; and preparation for international licensing pathways and career mobility. 

These priorities were echoed throughout the workshop presentations, particularly by Dr. Susan McFarlan, chair of the nursing department at the Webster Groves campus. In her keynote address, McFarlan noted the growing international demand for nurses with strong academic and practical foundations — and the need to prepare students to meet global healthcare challenges, including population health, universal coverage and preventive care.

The workshop featured an impressive roster of keynote speakers representing both Uzbekistan and the United States. Guests heard from:

• Dr. Rikhsi Salikhodjayeva, chief nurse of Uzbekistan, who discussed the evolving roles of nurses and midwives in today’s healthcare landscape
• Dr. Gulnora Yusupaliyeva from the Ministry of Health, who outlined current reforms in nurse education and policy
• Dr. Jody Spiess, global director of BSN Programs at Webster University, who spoke about blending traditional healing knowledge with modern clinical practices
• Dr. Emel Gumus, chief nursing officer at Acibadem Tashkent International Medical Clinic
• Johannes Meyer of GloboGate Concept AG, who joined via Zoom to present on international employment trends and the global demand for qualified nurses

Equally powerful was the testimony of Aziz Nasritdinov, a BSN student at Webster Tashkent, who shared how the program enabled him to build a future in healthcare and take the first steps toward international licensing. His story illustrated the program’s real-world impact and served as an inspiration for prospective students.

The workshop also included video messages from coordinators of Webster’s Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology programs, reinforcing the university’s interdisciplinary approach to health education. An award ceremony, group photo session and networking lunch brought the event to a close, giving attendees the chance to engage with experts and fellow participants in a more personal setting.

Health-related programs at Webster Tashkent are more than just degrees. They are gateways to the future of healthcare — a future rooted in professional excellence, ethical leadership and global engagement.

Whether you’re a student aspiring to build a healthcare career, a parent seeking world-class education for your child, or a professional looking to advance, these programs offer a clear path forward.

To explore admission requirements, curriculum details and career pathways through the health programs at Webster University in Tashkent, visit our undergraduate page or contact our admissions office at admissions@webster.uz.

Be part of the transformation. Join the future of healthcare — right here in Tashkent.

About Webster University in Tashkent: Established in 2019 through the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Webster University Tashkent is an official campus of Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. As the premier American university in Central Asia, Webster Tashkent is committed to ensuring high-quality learning that transforms students for global citizenship and individual excellence.