Medicine remains one of the few fields where clinical practice is inseparably linked to research. A doctor who publishes the results of their observations gains access to doctoral studies, an academic title and a higher qualification level within the healthcare system. In Kazakhstan, requirements for such publications are enshrined in legislation. We look at the role they play in a doctor’s career.
How do publications affect obtaining an academic degree?
Doctoral studies are the third level of Kazakhstan’s higher education system, following the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The programme lasts three years and concludes with the defence of a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor by Profile. Doctoral candidates in the group of educational programmes 8D10 “Healthcare and Social Welfare (Medicine)” are subject to separate publication requirements, without which the dissertation cannot be admitted for defence.
Previously, seven scientific articles were required for admission to defence. Since 2021, the requirements have shifted towards fewer publications but in higher-quality journals. Today, a doctoral candidate in the medical field can fulfil one of the following conditions.
- One article with a Scopus CiteScore percentile of at least 25 or a non-zero JCR impact factor, supplemented by publications from the list recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education (KOKSNVO) of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
- One article with a percentile of at least 25, combined with an article in a journal within the first three JCR quartiles or with a Scopus percentile of 50 or higher.
- One article in a first-quartile JCR journal, with no additional publications required.
The journal’s quartile or percentile is assessed either at the time the article is published or at the time of the dissertation defence.
Publications and academic titles for doctors
A doctor who combines clinical practice with teaching at a medical university can apply for the academic title of associate professor (docent) or professor. The title of associate professor requires at least two articles in journals within the first three JCR quartiles or with a Scopus percentile of 35 or higher; the title of professor requires at least three articles in first- or second-quartile journals or with a percentile of 50 or higher, with the applicant listed as the first author or corresponding author.
How do publications affect a doctor’s qualification level?
Since 5 January 2021, the institution of the doctor’s qualification category has been abolished in Kazakhstan. It has been replaced by a system of qualification levels linked to the Sectoral Qualifications Framework for healthcare.
Holding a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, or higher medical education combined with management experience, allows a doctor to apply for a higher qualification level. In addition, doctors must confirm at least 210 continuing professional development credits and pass a professional competence assessment at an accredited organisation.
How do publications shape a doctor’s scientific reputation?
Beyond formal requirements, publication activity influences a doctor’s professional reputation within the medical community. Regular scientific publications are reflected in:
- the author’s h-index and citation count
- their profile on Google Scholar and other open scientific databases
- an ORCID identifier, which confirms authorship of publications
- participation in international conferences
- access to grant funding for research projects
The higher a doctor’s citation record, the greater the trust placed in them as a specialist by colleagues and research partners.
Scientific publications accompany a doctor at several stages of their career – from the dissertation defence to building a professional reputation. Requirements for them are periodically revised, so it is worth reviewing the current regulations before preparing an article.
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