16:20 19.03.2026
Continuing the dynasty: A family of doctors relocates to Yamal and builds a successful career
© Ayuna Galsanov
Chingiz and Ayuna Galsanov became acquainted, while studying at a medical academy. In September 2017, the young family decided to join the Rural Doctor program and to launch their own career in the village of Yar-Sale in the Yamal Peninsula.
Chingiz currently operates ultrasonographs for diagnostic purposes, and Ayuna works as a psychiatrist-narcologist. This story, posted on the Development of the Arctic and the Far East website, provides an insight into those who influenced their choice of career, how their coworkers reacted when they showed up at the hospital, and how the work rhythm of the Extreme North differs from that in other places.
Chingiz Galsanov who specializes in ultrasonograph diagnostics is a third-generation medical specialist. He graduated from a medical academy in Chita, obtained a degree in Medical Treatment and subsequently enrolled at an internship course in Irkutsk. In his decision to become a doctor, Chingiz was inspired by his grandfather, Tsydyp Baldanov, a famous doctor in the Trans-Baikal Territory.
“My grandfather was a surgeon-oncologist, and my parents also work as doctors. A desire to help people and to continue our family dynasty played an important role in choosing my career,” Chingiz noted.
He became acquainted with his future wife, Ayuna, while studying at the medical academy in Chita. There were also many doctors among members of her family, including general practitioners, pediatricians, surgeons and oncologists. Ayuna decided to become a psychiatrist-narcologist, and she completed internship and professional improvement courses in order to achieve this goal.
No tiny fonts
The couple learned about the Rural Doctor program while studying at the academy. They immediately decided to take part because they needed stable jobs for the next five years.
The Keselman Yar-Salinskaya Central District Hospital
© The VKontakte account of the Keselman Yar-Salinskaya Central District Hospital
In September 2017, the Yar-Salinskaya Central District Hospital, located 189 kilometers from Salekhard, simultaneously offered the required vacancies. Everything worked out just fine; Mr. and Ms. Galsanov submitted their resumes and discussed employment issues with the chief physician two hours later.
“The extremely transparent procedure has no snags and no tiny fonts. We signed contracts immediately after arriving and obtained the required payments in the next few days. People at the HR department helped us draw up and sign the package of documents,” the couple recalled.
After relocating, the family received their own apartment from among those reserved for medical personnel. Their cozy two-room apartment is located near the hospital and a kindergarten. He couple found the latter particularly important because Ayuna gave birth to a baby here in Yamal. The couple now raises two children, and the older offspring will become a Grade 1 student this coming autumn.
Warm reception in the freezing Arctic
A doctor’s work implies permanent self-improvement, the couple said. Consequently, young specialists appreciate any support they can get from experienced colleagues.
“They received us warmly and cared for us. Colleagues are always ready to help and to provide any kind of support, be it work-related or personal issues. In the past nine years, no one has ever refused to help,” Ayuna noted.
Ayuna Galsanov, a psychiatrist-narcologist with the Yar-Salinskaya Central District Hospital
© Ayuna Galsanov
According to Ayuna, doctors have a special rhythm of work in the Arctic, and one has to get used to it. This includes frequent trips and assignment, including those to remote communities, for treating patients. The Extreme North has its own morbidity specifics caused by the severe local climate.
Today, the family acts as mentors and helps new participants in the Rural Doctor program. Chingiz and Ayuna are also involved in research projects aiming to improve medical treatment standards for Arctic residents.
“We advise young specialists to get rid of all doubts, and they should not be afraid of relocating. While they are still full of strength and ready to accumulate experience, they should take advantage of this opportunity and join in the program,” he couple noted.
The family plans to continue their career in Yar-Sale. Chingiz wants to obtain a professional medical category, and Ayuna has already been appointed deputy chief physician.
