The department of psychology and pedagogy was founded in 1994, December, 24 in Almaty State Medical Institute. The first head of the department was Senior lecturer Satybaldina Mayra Birlyanovna.
The course of general, medical psychology, communication skills was founded by professor M.A. Assimov at the department of psychiatry in 2007-2008 academic year.
The course of general, medical psychology, communication skills was reorganized according to the order of professor A. A. Akanov, Rector of KazNMU, and since 28.10.2008 it became the Department of communication skills, basics of psychotherapy, general and medical psychology. Since that time young and talented doctors, psychologists, pedagogues have joined the staff of the department. At present there are 21 employees working for the department.
According to the decision of Scientific Council of KazNMU (protocol # 6, 30.12.2008) the Department of communication skills, basics of psychotherapy, general and medical psychology is teaching theoretical and clinical disciplines. The clinical activity of the department is based in Internal medicine clinic after S.D. Asfendiarov, Kazakh Scientific Research Institution of Oncology and Radiology, Kazakh Scientific Research Institution of Cardiology and Internal diseases.
Students of all the faculties, intern doctors, and doctor-residents are trained at the department and study the courses “Basic of psychology” and “Communication skills”. Such interactive methods of teaching as discussion, “eureka” talk, training with elements of Problem Based Learning are used.
In 2008 a new textbook “Communication skills” written by Asimov M. A., Nurmagambetova S. A., Ignatyev Yu. V was prepared and published. This book was the first in the postsoveit area and used to study the new basic discipline.
Besides the educational work a lot of scientific-research work is done at the department. In 2004, the year of the 10th anniversary of the department, the Republic Scientific and practical conference devoted to actual problem of psychology and pedagogy was organized. In 2009 International Scientific and practical conference devoted to problems of forming of healthy way of life during University Days period. In 2010 Master–class was organized with international experts on communication skills in medicine: Juliet Draper (the UK), Beverly Dean (the UK). All the teaching staff of the department actively participate in the creative process and provide scientific and practical work directed at professional orientation and adaptation of students of KazNMU.
Teaching staff of the department constantly improve their level of qualification. Teachers regularly are trained in the specialty and technology of modern education training courses both within the country and in leading centers abroad. Particular attention is paid to the introduction multilingualism, continuous improvement the level of knowledge of the professional Russian, Kazakh and English languages. Almost all teachers teach in three languages in a professional manner.
Staff of the department is optimistic about the future and is making every effort in the preparation of high-level doctors.