Department of infectious diseases

Introduction
As one of the oldest departments of the School of Medicine of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS), the Department of Infectious Diseases consists of the following staff: Head of the Department, Associate Professor, Senior Consultant Physician V. Nyamtsengel; Professor, Member of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Academician, Consultant Physician O. Baatarkhuu; Associate Professor, Consultant Physician R. Oyungerel, Senior Consultant Physician, MSc., G. Khorolgarav; MSc, E. Enerel; MSc, B. Munkh-Undrakh; and MSc, B. Nomin—seven faculty members in total—along with Assistant Staff Member L. Purevsod. With this composition, the department conducts undergraduate, graduation, and postgraduate training, as well as research and clinical activities at a professional level. The department provides professional medical consultation and healthcare services nationwide in the fields of infectious diseases, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and AIDS for physicians, healthcare professionals, and the general population of Mongolia. Among the department’s faculty members, there is 1 professor (14.3%), 2 associate professors (28.6%), 3 PhD’s (42.9%), and 4 MSc’s, (57.1%); 2 consultant physicians (28.6%) and 2 senior consultant physicians (28.6%). Overall, 42.9% of the faculty hold academic titles, while 57.1% hold professional clinical ranks.

History of the Department
Professional training in infectious diseases in Mongolia began in 1932 with the organization of an elementary service known as the “Plague Surveillance Sanitarian,” through which more than 30 specialists were trained via short-term courses and deployed to endemic areas. In the teaching staff plan of the National University of Mongolia (NUM) for the 1946–1947 academic year, specialists from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics were appointed: V.N. Chernova served as Head of the Department starting from July 1, 1947, and from September 1, 1953, Yu.M. Mikhailova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, served in the same position. By Resolution No. 21 of the Council of Ministers of the Mongolian People’s Republic dated January 17, 1954, the “Department of Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases” was established under the Medical Faculty of NUM, with Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor D. Namsraijav appointed as Head of the Department. From August 28, 1956, the department was reorganized as the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Between July 1, 1958, and 1959, Candidate of Medical Sciences T.A. Strakhova, and during 1959–1960, G. Jamba, served as Heads of the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Pursuant to Resolution No. 179 of the Politburo of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party dated May 17, 1961, and Resolution No. 431 of the Council of Ministers of the Mongolian People’s Republic dated August 16, 1961, the Faculty of Human Medicine of NUM was reorganized as the Medical Institute (Medical School) starting from the 1961–1962 academic year. Subsequently, during 1964–1977, Candidate of Medical Sciences G. Dulamsuren, and during 1963–1964 and 1977–1984, Candidate of Medical Sciences L. Damdinsuren, served as Heads of the Department of Infectious Diseases. From 1984 to 1994, during the tenure of Honored Teacher of Mongolia G. Tserendagva as Head of the Department, the following scholars began working as faculty members: PhD, S. Olzvoi (from 1986), Professor Ya. Dagvadorj, MSc, B. Baigal (from 1988), Associate Professor, senior consultant physician G. Zulkhuu, PhD, N. Khorolsuren, PhD, D. Jargalsaikhan, PhD, Associate Professor B. Bayarmagnai, PhD, R. Bayanaa (from 1989), Associate Professor R. Oyungerel (from 1990), and PhD, J. Bayarmaa (from 1993). In 1995, PhD, Ya. Dagvadorj was appointed Head of the Department, and the field of Epidemiology was integrated into the department. As a result, Associate Professor T. Gombosuren, Clinical Professor Ts. Chuluunbaatar, Lecturer B. Ganbat, as well as G. Davaa (from 1997) and O. Baatarkhuu (from 2001), began working as faculty members of the department. From 2012 to 2016, the department was headed by Professor O. Baatarkhuu; from 2016 to 2025, by Associate Professor R. Oyungerel; and since 2025, by Associate Professor V. Nyamtsengel. In order to train the next generation of academic staff, the following have been working as lecturers: MSc, E. Enerel (since 2017), MSc, G. Dolgorsuren (since 2018), MSc, B. Munkh-Undrakh (since 2020), MSc, G. Khorolgarav (since 2021), and MSc, B. Nomin (since 2025). The department’s assistant staff have included N. Natsagyum; from 1960, N. Terbish; from 1970 to 1980, N. Dolgor; from 1980 to 1990, N. Ariunaa; from 1989 to 2019, S. Gantsetseg; from 2019 to 2020, Ch. Otgonjargal; from 2021 to 2025, Z. Tserennadmid; and since 2025, L. Purevsod.

Educational activities
Undergraduate Education
1. School of Medicine
– General Physician
– Pediatrician
2. International School of Mongolian Medicine
– Doctor of Traditional Medicine
– Doctor of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
– Practitioner of Traditional Medical Therapy
3. School of Public Health
– Public Health Specialist
– Nutritionist
– Occupational Safety and Health Specialist
– Sanitarian and Epidemiologist
4. School of Dentistry
– Doctor of Dental Medicine
5. School of Biomedical Sciences
– Biomedical Scientist
Postgraduate Education
– Primary Residency Training
– Specialist in Infectious Diseases
– Specialist in Tuberculosis
– Subspecialty Training
– Specialist in STIs, HIV, and AIDS
– Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Continuing Professional Development
– Infectious Diseases
– Tuberculosis
– STIs, HIV, and AIDS
Graduate Education
– Master’s and Doctoral degree programs in Infectious Diseases, Tuberculosis, and STIs
– In collaboration with Cyber International University, an online Master’s degree program is also offered.

Nyamtsengel Vangan
MD, PhD, Associate professor, Senior consultant physician
Head of the Department;
Senior Specialist Physician in STIs and HIV/AIDS
Education
– 1995–2001, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, General Medicine (MD)
– 2001–2002, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), HIV/AIDS Physician
– 2005–2009, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Master of Medical Sciences (MSc)
– 2011–2015, People’s Republic of China, Inner Mongolia Medical University, School of Natural Sciences, Doctor of Medical Sciences (PhD)
– 2017–2018, Harvard Medical School, Medical Education, TT (Train-the-Trainer) Training
Employment
– 2025–Present, Head, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, MNUMS
– 2007–2025, Faculty Member, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, MNUMS
– 2003–2007, NCCD, HIV/AIDS and STD Surveillance and Research Unit, Physician
– 2002–2003, NCCD, Infectious Disease Surveillance and Research Unit, Physician
Research Interests and Collaboration
– Infectious disease surveillance and prevention
– Surveillance, clinical management, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prevention of STDs, HIV, and AIDS; collaborative projects implemented and ongoing with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Health, Global Fund (HIV and tuberculosis projects), UNICEF, KOICA, and in partnership with the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD)
Courses Taught: STDs, HIV, and AIDS Studies

Oidov Baatarkhuu
MD., ScD, Professor
Member of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences; Honorary Professor of Irkutsk State Medical University, Russian Federation; Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases
Education
– 1988–1994, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, General Medicine (MD)
– 1994–1995, Institute of Medical Sciences, Intensive Care and Anesthesiology Physician
– 1998, MNUMS, Master of Medical Sciences (MSc)
– 2001, MNUMS, Infectious Disease Specialist
– 2006, MNUMS, Doctor of Medical Sciences (PhD)
– 2015, Academy of Management, Public Administration Manager
– 2023, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Medical Sciences (ScD)
Advanced Training / Professional Development
Advanced training in infectious disease immunology, molecular biology, biotechnology, infectious disease surveillance, internal medicine, and hepatology at leading international institutions, including the University of Lausanne (Switzerland), Swiss Tropical Institute (Basel), Yonsei University (Republic of Korea), Department of Internal Medicine III and Hepatology Center of AKH Hospital at the University of Vienna (Austria), Liver Research Center at the University of Sydney (Australia), WHO Reference Laboratory at the Doherty Institute (Australia), and the University of Calgary (Canada).
Employment
– 2020–Present, Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, MNUMS
– 2020, Director, School of Medicine, MNUMS
– 2016–2020, Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, MNUMS
– 2012–2016, Head, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, MNUMS
– 2006–2007, National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD), Scientific Secretary
– 2001–2012, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Lecturer / Senior Lecturer
– 1998–1999, Assistant to the Minister of Health and Head of the Policy and Planning Department
– 1994–1998, Shastin Central Clinical Hospital (Third State Central Hospital), Intensive Care and Anesthesiology Physician
Research Interests and Collaboration
– Viral hepatitis, chronic liver diseases, and hepatocellular carcinoma: molecular epidemiology, genotype distribution, clinical characteristics, treatment, diagnostics, and genetic features
– Molecular epidemiological characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases
– Surveillance, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of infectious diseases, conducted in collaboration with Yonsei University (Republic of Korea); the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver; the Japan Society of Hepatology; the Medical University of Vienna (Austria); the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases; the European Association for the Study of the Liver; the University of Sydney (Australia); Ankara University (Türkiye); the Department of Infectious Diseases, Irkutsk State Medical University (Russian Federation); and the University of Calgary (Canada)
Courses Taught
– Infectious Diseases

Ravjir Oyungerel MD., PhD, Associate Professor
Consultant Physician in Infectious Diseases;
Education
– 1983–1989, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Pediatrician (MD)
– 1990–1991, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Infectious Disease Specialist
– 1998–2001, IESPI, Intermediate and Advanced English Language Courses
– 2001–2004, Academy of Management, Social Management Manager
Advanced Training / Professional Development
Advanced training in infectious diseases—particularly infectious disease surveillance, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, pandemics, and immunization—in the Netherlands, Philippines, Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Germany, Austria, Republic of Korea, China, and Thailand; management-focused training in Germany.
Employment
– 2025–Present, Associate Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, MNUMS
– 2016–2025, Head, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, MNUMS
– 2011–2013, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Vice Director for Research and International Relations (part-time)
– 2004–2015, National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD), Scientific Secretary
– 2001–2004, National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD), Deputy Director for Clinical Affairs
– 1998–2001, National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD), Quality Manager
– 1990–2016, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Lecturer / Senior Lecturer
– 1989–1990, Dornogovi Province, Khar–Airag Soum, Inter-Soum General Hospital, Pediatrician and Infectious Disease Physician
Research Interests and Collaboration
– Surveillance, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, hepatitis, tuberculosis, diarrheal infections, antimicrobial resistance, artificial intelligence technologies, and sexually transmitted infections, implemented and ongoing in collaboration with national and international organizations.
Courses Taught
– Infectious Diseases

Ganbaatar Khorolgarav MD., MSc,
Senior Specialist Physician in Infectious Diseases
Education
– 2001–2007, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, General Medicine (MD)
– 2009–2010, Ministry of Health, Health Development Center, Infectious Disease Specialist
– 2016, Ministry of Health, Health Development Center, Advanced Training Course for Infectious Disease Physicians
– 2021, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Master of Medical Sciences (MSc)
– 2022–2023, Wall Street English, Elementary to Upper-Intermediate English Language Program
– 2022–Present, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, PhD Candidate
– 2023–2024, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Specialist in Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), HIV/AIDS
Employment
– 2021–Present, Lecturer, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, MNUMS
– 2021, National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD), Male Ward, Head
– 2010–2021, NCCD, Departments of Highly Pathogenic Infections and HIV/AIDS, Female Wards, Physician
– 2008–2010, Bayangol District Health Association, Sixth Health Center, Intern Physician
– 2007–2008, “Ikh-Amgalan” Family Health Center, 9th Khoroo, Bayangol District, Family Physician
Research Interests and Collaboration
– Measles, viral hepatitis, and COVID-19
Courses Taught
– Infectious Diseases

Enerel Enkhbayar MD., MSc,
Education
– 2006–2008, Institute of Medical Sciences
– 2008–2009, Russian Federation, Irkutsk State Technical University, Preparatory Russian Language Program
– 2009–2015, Russian Federation, Irkutsk State Medical University, General Medicine (MD)
– 2015, Russian Federation, Moscow, Irkutsk State Medical University, Master of Medical Sciences (MSc)
– 2016, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, PhD Candidate
– 2017–2019, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease Specialist
– 2019, MNUMS, School of Public Health, Epidemiologist
– 2019–2020, Harvard Medical School, Training to Clinicians (T2C) Mongolia Program
– 2019–2020, Wall Street English, Intermediate and Advanced English Language Program
– 2022, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Subspecialty Training in Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Employment
– 2021–2024, MNUMS Central Hospital, Head, Infection Prevention and Control Department
– 2020–2021, MNUMS Mongolia–Japan Hospital, Contract Physician
– 2017–Present, Lecturer, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, MNUMS
– 2016, United Nations, Fifth National Survey on Population Nutrition Status, Pediatric Endocrinologist
– 2015–2017, Ministry of Education and Science / Asian Development Bank, “Higher Education Reform” Project, Contract Researcher
Research Interests and Collaboration
– Surveillance, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of infectious diseases, particularly gastrointestinal infectious diseases
Courses Taught
– Infectious Diseases

Munkh-Undrakh Batmunkh MD., MSc,
Education
– 2010–2016, MNUMS, School of Medicine, General Medicine (MD)
– 2017–2019, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Master of Medical Sciences (MSc)
– 2018–2020, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease Specialist
– 2021–2022, MNUMS, School of Allied Health Sciences, Clinical Immunologist Physician
– 2020–Present, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, PhD Candidate
– 2024, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Tuberculosis Specialist
Employment
– 2020–Present, Lecturer, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, MNUMS
– 2016–2017, “Usan Turiu” Family Health Center, 15th Khoroo, Bayangol District, Family Physician
Research Interests and Collaboration
– COVID-19; application of artificial intelligence technologies in chest X-ray imaging
Courses Taught
– Infectious Diseases
– Tuberculosis

Nomin Buyankhishig MD., MSc,
Education
– 2009–2015, MNUMS, School of Medicine, General Medicine (MD)
– 2020–2021, Global Leadership University, Master’s Degree in Health Policy and Management
– 2021–2023, Ministry of Health, Health Development Center, Infectious Disease Specialist
– 2024–2025, Ministry of Health, Health Development Center, Epidemiologist
Employment
– 2015–2017, “Mendtsolmon” Family Health Center, Chingeltei District, Family Physician
– 2017–2019, Novartis International Organization, Medical Representative
– 2023–2024, International Research Project, Research Coordinator
– 2024–2025, National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD), Outpatient Department, Infectious Disease Physician
– 2025–Present, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Young Lecturer
Research Interests and Collaboration
– Surveillance, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of infectious diseases
Courses Taught
– Infectious Diseases

Purevsod Lkhagvasuren MD.
Department Assistant
Education
– 2017–2023, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS), School of Medicine, General Medicine (MD)
– 2023–2025, MNUMS, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease Specialist
Employment
– 2025–Present, Department Assistant, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, MNUMS
Research Interests and Collaboration
– Viral hepatitis
– Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases