Introducing Dr. Aitbu Amankulova from Kyrgyzstan! She has worked as an oncologist-hematologist for more than 10 years and has been a Max partner physician since 2025. Learn more about her below.
Describe a typical work week:
My workdays are filled with patient consultations, follow-up care, medical documentation, and communication with colleagues. Every day is different because every patient has a unique story and needs individual care.
How did you hear about Max and connect with us?
I first learned about The Max Foundation early in my medical career. I was very interested in the Foundation’s work and its mission to help people living with cancer. Since 2025, I have had the opportunity to work more closely with the Foundation and see its impact firsthand.
How many patients are you treating in the program?
Thanks to the support of The Max Foundation, we are currently helping more than 500 patients living with CML, ALL+Ph, GIST, RCC, and DFSP.
Why do you do this work, caring for patients living with cancer or rare illness?
I truly enjoy my work because it gives me the opportunity to help people. For me, being a doctor is not only about treatment. It is also about giving patients hope, supporting them through difficult moments, and helping them move forward. Knowing that my work can make a difference in someone’s life is very meaningful to me.
What types of challenges do you and your patients reglarly face?
One of the main challenges is late diagnosis. Patients also often experience emotional difficulties after receiving a cancer diagnosis. We try to support them not only medically, but also emotionally, helping them understand their condition and giving them the strength to continue their journey.
What is a special memory you have with patients?
One of the most meaningful parts of my work is seeing patients continue their lives after receiving treatment and support. When a patient comes back feeling better, with hope in their eyes and plans for the future, it reminds me why this work is so important.
What do you love most about where you live?
Bishkek is my hometown. I was born here, so it has a very special place in my heart. I love everything about it, but especially the beauty of Kyrgyzstan. We are surrounded by mountains and beautiful lakes, and we have such clean air and incredible nature. Bishkek is also a small city where you can see and experience a lot in just one day.
What languages do you speak?
I speak Kyrgyz and Russian, and I am also learning English. My current level is A2, and I continue to improve my English.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy walking and spending time outdoors. My family and I often go to the mountains together. Being in nature helps me relax, recharge, and enjoy time with the people I love.
What’s your favorite food?
My favorite food is kuurdak, a traditional Kyrgyz dish.
The Max Foundation is a leading global health nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating health equity. For 28 years, Max has pioneered practical, scalable, high-quality solutions to bring life-extending treatments and patient-centered health care to more than 100,000 people living with cancer and critical illness in low- and middle-income countries. Max believes in a world where all people can access high-impact medicines, where geography is not destiny, and where everyone can strive for health with dignity and with hope.
Today we remember Dr. Damira Bayzakova, a CML specialist and cancer advocate from Kyrgyzstan who passed away on November 16th 2020, due to complications with COVID-19. Dr. Bayzakova was an implementing partner for The Max Foundation since 2006, and was monumental in bringing life-saving treatment and cancer diagnostics into Kyrgyzstan. Dr. Bayzakova’s efforts to expand….
In 2001, The Max Foundation partnered with the pharmaceutical corporation Novartis to develop an international treatment access program for people living with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Since then, we’ve helped thousands of patients in low- and middle-income countries access life-extending diagnostics, medication, and support services. A lot has changed over the years, but our focus….
It is The Max Foundation’s 20th Anniversary as an organization! That’s 7,300 days; 175,200 hours; 10,512,000 minutes. We are amazed, proud and grateful as we mark this milestone together with our global community.
