The Board of Trustees of Central Asian University brings together distinguished global leaders in healthcare, technology, education, and business. As an international advisory body, the Board provides strategic insight, mentorship, and external expertise to support CAU’s long-term development as an integrated ecosystem of higher education, clinical practice, research, and innovation.
About the Board
Vision of the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees envisions a future where Central Asian University becomes a regional leader and a global partner — advancing education, healthcare, and innovation with integrity and ambition.
Its mission is to provide strategic insight, institutional guidance, and international connections that help CAU deliver on its long-term vision — to secure the future through knowledge, care, and leadership.
The Board is not just a consultative group. It serves as a strategic standard-bearer for how next-generation universities evolve, collaborate, and lead in a rapidly transforming world — driving progress across AI-powered medicine, global accreditation, talent development, and impactful research.
Trustee for Institutional Strategy and People Development
Erica Komisar, LCSW is a New York City–based clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, bestselling author, and advisor to major organizations on mental health and workplace well-being. She is the founder of Komisar Wellness, and a contributor to The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Over the past two decades, she has consulted for corporations, healthcare institutions, and educational systems on issues of emotional resilience, parental leave, and inclusive leadership. Her work bridges individual well-being and institutional strategy, helping organizations create cultures that support both performance and human development.
Key Focus Areas:
Advancing women’s leadership in healthcare and education
Promoting mental health and inclusive campus culture
Shaping strategic HR and faculty development policies
Strengthening CAU’s social responsibility and impact
Trustee for Clinical Strategy and International Partnerships
Simon Scrivens is a global expert in healthcare management, infrastructure, and partnerships. With decades of leadership experience across the NHS and international medical networks, he now advises global clinics and governments. At CAU, Simon helps shape the strategy and structure of the university’s clinical operations, global medical partnerships, and the model of the university hospital.
Key Focus Areas:
Strategy for CAU’s university hospital and clinical infrastructure
Partnerships with global healthcare institutions
Development of clinical education models and international rotations
Integration of digital health tools and patient-centered design
Trustee for Strategic Development and AI Implementation
Zack Kass is a global AI strategist and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, where he led enterprise adoption of GPT-based technologies. He now advises Fortune 500 companies on AI transformation and serves as Executive-in-Residence at the University of Virginia. At CAU, Zack supports the development of an AI-powered education and healthcare ecosystem, guiding CAU’s digital strategy, AI integration, and global tech partnerships.
Key Focus Areas:
AI strategy and integration in education and healthcare
Development of the CAU AI Lab and tech-focused academic programs
Global tech partnerships and innovation ecosystem
Digital transformation and smart campus infrastructure
Prof. Dr. Martain Loonen, MD, PhD, FCC(Plast)
Professor of Plastic Surgery | Global Medical Educator | Academic Leader in Surgical Innovation
Trustee for Global Surgery and Academic Collaboration
Prof. Dr. Loonen is an internationally recognized plastic surgeon, educator, and academic leader. At CAU, he contributes to building international partnerships in surgical education, promoting research visibility, and enhancing CAU’s academic standing through collaboration with global institutions.
Key Focus Areas:
Establishing international partnerships in surgery and education
Research mentorship and academic publishing support
Global best practices in surgical training
Curriculum modernization and academic excellence
Akhmadjon Irmukhamedov, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon | Clinical Educator | Advisor on University Hospital Development
Trustee for Clinical Innovation and Medical Education
Dr. Irmukhamedov is a senior cardiothoracic surgeon and clinical educator with over 20 years of experience in complex surgeries and academic program leadership. He plays a key role in designing CAU’s clinical curriculum and supporting the planning of its university hospital. His expertise ensures the alignment of clinical practice with educational innovation and infrastructure strategy.
Key Focus Areas:
Integration of clinical practice into undergraduate and residency programs
Development of cardiothoracic surgery training modules and simulations
Strategic advisory on surgical and critical care facilities
Promoting innovation in patient-centered care
Alexander Minich, MD
Urologist | Residency Program Mentor | Advisor on Health Workforce Development
Trustee for Residency Training and Health Workforce Development
Dr. Minich is a practicing urologist and a seasoned residency program mentor. He is actively shaping CAU’s residency education model by applying evidence-based methods, mentoring young physicians, and aligning faculty development with the future needs of the healthcare system.
Key Focus Areas:
Design and implementation of residency education frameworks
Competency-based clinical mentorship and evaluation
Faculty training and teaching excellence
Strategic workforce planning aligned with CAU’s mission
Trustee for Patient Safety and Clinical Quality
Prof. Dr. Burceff is a senior anesthesiologist with deep expertise in perioperative care, intensive medicine, and simulation-based clinical training. At CAU, he leads efforts in quality assurance, patient safety protocols, and development of high-fidelity clinical simulation programs across critical departments.
Key Focus Areas:
Institutional standards for patient safety and clinical quality
Simulation-based education in anesthesiology and emergency care
Design and oversight of safety protocols for critical and surgical care
Enhancing infrastructure for safe, modern clinical services