Name: Bassett Fellowship Alumni, Dr. Tokhir Akhmediev
Training Program:
Neurosurgery Training Program: 3-Year Residency Program at Tashkent Medical Academy
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Sponsors:
Professor Samer K. Elbabaa, MD, FAANS, FACS
Dr. Ryan Jafrani, MD, FAANS, FACS
Dr. Zachary Wright, MD, FAANS, FACS
Fellowship Experience:
Dr. Tokhir Akhmediev, a pediatric neurosurgeon from Uzbekistan, completed his Bassett Fellowship at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children from May 15, 2025, to July 15, 2025.
During his observership, Dr. Akhmediev participated in a broad range of pediatric neurosurgical activities, including elective and emergency cases, daily operating room sessions, outpatient clinics, and multidisciplinary team meetings. He observed several complex procedures such as:
- Pediatric brain tumor resections
- Craniosynostosis corrections, including endoscopic-assisted techniques
- Epilepsy surgeries
- Spinal dysraphism repairs
- Hydrocephalus procedures, including endoscopic third ventriculostomy + choroid plexus cauterization (ETV+CPC)
In observing ETV+CPC procedures in neonates and children, Dr. Akhmediev gained firsthand insight into clinical benefits, anatomical landmarks, endoscopic instrumentation, and safe cauterization techniques. This experience solidified his interest in pediatric endoscopic neurosurgery and gave him a deeper understanding of the precision required for optimal hydrocephalus management.
Reflections from Dr. Akhmediev:
This observership was an extraordinary educational and clinical experience. It provided me with exposure to world-class pediatric neurosurgical practice, advanced surgical techniques, and multidisciplinary team collaboration. I am confident that the knowledge and skills I gained during this time will greatly benefit my neurosurgical training and future clinical practice in my home country Uzbekistan.
Looking Ahead:
Dr. Akhmediev is dedicated to improving neurosurgical outcomes for children in Uzbekistan. Currently, his hospital lacks pediatric endoscopic equipment, relying instead on shunt surgeries for hydrocephalus and cyst management—resulting in a 30% shunt malfunction rate within the first year.
I applied to Neurokids for granting a flexible scope… Our country is a low-middle income setting. Unfortunately, we don’t have pediatric endoscopic equipment in our hospital… it is not fair and I feel sorry for this child. During my visit I succeeded in watching a couple of ETV+CPC in neonates… It would be a great chance to get your help with establishing pediatric endoscopic equipment and help Uzbekistan’s kids to get cured and achieve better outcomes.
He plans to advocate for and help establish pediatric endoscopic neurosurgical capabilities in Uzbekistan, with the goal of significantly improving outcomes and reducing shunt dependence in hydrocephalus cases.
Acknowledgments:
I would like to express my profound gratitude to Professor Samer K. Elbabaa for his mentorship, invaluable teaching, and for welcoming me into his outstanding team. His dedication to pediatric neurosurgery and to fostering international education is truly inspiring.
I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to neurosurgeons Dr. Ryan Jafrani and Dr. Zachary Wright, to the physician assistants, and to the whole neuroscience team for your kindness, mentorship, and generosity in supporting my learning journey.
My sincere thanks also go to the Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery (FIENS) and the Bassett Fellowship for granting me this incredible opportunity. Their support made it possible for me to engage in this enriching experience, which will have a lasting impact on my professional development and future career in neurosurgery.
