Almaz Sharman — Professor of Medicine, Global Health Leader
Dr. Almaz Sharman, an American scientist of Kazakh origin, brings over three decades of expertise in biomedical research, public health, and nutrition. Renowned for his impactful contributions to healthcare innovation, he has played an important role in advancing medical systems and technologies on the global stage.
Currently, Dr. Sharman serves as President of both the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition and the Academy of Preventive Medicine of Kazakhstan. In these leadership roles, he spearheads the development of cutting-edge digital health technologies, including NutriSteppe AI, a platform for personalized nutritional guidance, and VitAlem-AI, an advanced health assessment system powered by neural networks and large language models (LLMs). These innovations are designed to enhance diagnostic precision and support individualized strategies for disease prevention and treatment, marking a new era in evidence-based, tech-driven healthcare.
Dr. Sharman has also played a pivotal role in shaping public health policy in Kazakhstan, contributing to the formulation of modern nutrition standards for schools and healthcare institutions. He is the founder of www.sharman.pro a widely accessed online platform offering reliable, evidence-based health information to the general public.
His previous leadership appointments include serving as Chairman of the Board of the Center for Life Sciences at Nazarbayev University and founding the National Medical Holding (NMH) of Kazakhstan. Under his direction, NMH evolved into a network of state-of-the-art medical centers, with the NMH Center for Mother and Child earning prestigious accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI)—a first in the region and a benchmark of global healthcare quality.
As health Coordinator at ICF Macro, he led large-scale demographic and health surveys across multiple countries and pioneered a methodology for integrated population-based HIV testing as well as anemia assessment among women and children. This approach garnered international recognition and continues to influence public health monitoring practices worldwide.
Education and Scientific Career
Dr. Sharman earned his Candidate of Medical Sciences degree from the Institute of Immunology in Moscow and later completed his Doctor of Medicine degree at Kyiv Medical University. His academic journey led him to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where his research centered on mucosal immunology and the development of oral vaccines—areas critical to advancing preventative medicine.
During his tenure as a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Sharman contributed to population-based research, focusing on HIV epidemiology and the prevalence of anemia. His work bridged clinical science and public health, reinforcing his reputation as a thought leader in translational research and global health.
Professional Affiliations and Public Engagement
Dr. Sharman is actively involved in numerous esteemed professional organizations, reflecting the breadth of his expertise and commitment to advancing global health. His affiliations include the American Public Health Association (APHA), the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR)—underscoring his multidisciplinary contributions to medicine and public health.
In recognition of his academic and scientific achievements, he has been named an Honorary Professor of the S.D. Asfendiyarov National Medical University. He also served as a research fellow at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, further deepening his engagement in international scholarship and evidence-based health policy development.
Charitable Work and Public Outreach
In addition to his scientific and institutional leadership, Dr. Sharman is deeply engaged in philanthropic and educational initiatives. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Asyl Miras Charitable Foundation and sits on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Spoon International Charitable Foundation. Through these roles, he supports vulnerable populations and promotes inclusive approaches to health and well-being.
Dr. Sharman is also a prominent voice in public discourse on health. He regularly appears on Kazakhstan’s national “Khabar” TV channel, contributes expert commentary to media outlets such as Tengrinews, and connects with broader audiences through his educational YouTube channel, “Almaznye Sovety” (Diamond Tips), where he shares accessible insights on health, prevention, and longevity.
Publications and Ongoing Contributions
Dr. Sharman is the author of numerous scholarly articles published in leading international journals, including The Lancet and Nature Medicine. His research addresses pressing global health challenges such as obesity, diabetes, tuberculosis, and broader public health policy.
A dedicated physician, researcher, and innovator, Dr. Almaz Sharman continues to shape the future of healthcare through scientific leadership, digital transformation, and a lifelong commitment to improving population health and well-being.
