Rashid Berkimbayev (Dosmambetov)

At the age of 17, in 2023, Rashid won a grant from the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation, earning the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree free of charge. He is currently 20 years old, and a third-year dentistry student at Semey State Medical University. We decided to find out why he chose medicine, how he uses his grant, and what advice he would give to those participating in the Foundation’s competitions.

How did I learn about the Orleu Program?
I am from the town of Kurchatov, located in the Abai Region of Kazakhstan. I learned about the Orleu Program even before applying to university, when I was calling different medical schools to ask about admission scores and opportunities to study on a grant. That’s when I was told about the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation and its Orleu Program.

How I chose my speciality
I’ve been interested in dentistry since I was a child, as cliché as it sounds. Back then, I frequently visited the dentist and noticed how important it is for a doctor not only to provide good treatment, but also to be able to support patients and help them overcome their fears. Gradually, I became interested in this profession, especially in how modern technologies help restore health and self-confidence, and give people their smiles back. I realized that this was exactly the field I wanted to work in. In dentistry you can help people and immediately see the results. That is why I chose this field.

The Yessenov Foundation competition
Most of all, I remember the second round of the competition. I realized that the expert commission evaluates not only my achievements, but also my mindset – how I reason and answer questions. I clearly remember an assignment where we had to solve a problem as a team. It was interesting to watch how everyone offered their own options and how, in the end, we reached a common solution. I believe what helped me win was simply being myself, calmly expressing my thoughts and sincerely sharing my goals and my interest in dentistry.

Tips for those who want to win
In my opinion, the most important thing is to be sincere and try not to pretend to be someone you are not. During the interview, it is essential not just to list your achievements, but also to show why you need the grant and how you plan to use this opportunity in the future. I advise preparing for the interview in advance, thoroughly thinking through your goals, projects, and interests, and practicing how to talk about them calmly. Above all, don’t be afraid – go for it, apply, and participate in competitions, even if the competition is tough and you think you might not pass.

How I study
I am currently in my third year. During my studies, I have attended several scientific conferences. These events are perfect for meeting students and professors from other universities, learning about their research, exchanging experiences, and building valuable professional and personal connections. I have also written several papers on modern trends, such as regenerative dentistry and caries prevention. I have learned how to work with scientific literature, efficiently search for up-to-date information, and speak confidently in front of an audience. Together with my research supervisor, I am currently working on a new topic related to the prospects of using graphene in dental implantology. I remain deeply interested in exploring modern materials and technologies in dentistry.

Plans
I plan to attend several more scientific conferences, continue my research, and, of course, consistently work on improving my practical skills. I also want to focus seriously on learning English so that I can pursue further studies abroad and expand my professional opportunities. It would be great to later apply this knowledge and experience in Kazakhstan.

And what else besides teeth?
I’m passionate about filming and video editing. I film parts of my daily life, studies, and trips, and then edit the footage myself – just for fun. I enjoy learning video editing, choosing music, arranging shots, and trying out different video styles and visual effects. It helps me take my mind off my studies and switch off after busy days at university. That’s my hobby.