“Don't be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes,” Iroda Abdullayeva's entire journey begins with this thought.
“Becoming a doctor has been my dream since childhood,” says Iroda. With the opening of Central Asian University, she saw an opportunity that turned this dream into a real path.
The period of clinical rotations in her 5th–6th years became a turning point in her journey. Initially, she considered different specialties, but working closely with mentors and practicing physicians changed her perspective on the profession. According to her, it was the team of doctors in the clinical setting that showed how inspiring ophthalmology can be and how deeply it can improve patients’ quality of life.
Today, Iroda is an Ophthalmology Resident at AKFA Medline University Hospital. She is involved in patient examinations, learning to establish diagnoses, and developing treatment plans.
She describes the biggest challenge at this stage as the high level of responsibility and the constant need for learning. At the same time, the most inspiring part of her work is practical experience — especially moments when patients regain their vision after surgery and return to a full life.
She explains her choice of Central Asian University as a desire to study medicine in English within an international academic environment. At the time of her admission, such opportunities in medicine were limited in the country, and the opening of CAU became a decisive factor. She also highlights the simulation center, hands-on training, and an environment that combines competition with support, all of which helped her grow professionally.
Iroda emphasizes that her education at CAU shaped her critical thinking skills and her approach to evidence-based medicine. In her daily practice, she relies on modern international medical sources, considering it an essential part of being a professional physician.
As advice to students, she highlights the importance of going beyond academic studies — developing communication skills, participating in projects, and exploring different fields. In her opinion, soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and the ability to give and receive feedback are crucial in real medical practice.
