WHITE COAT CEREMONY 2024

On January 17^th White Coat Ceremony of the American MD Program Class of 2029 was held at Tbilisi State Medical University.

Welcoming event for the incoming class is always filled with joy and celebration. White Coat Ceremony represents a traditional event of the American MD Program of TSMU and marks students' transition from high school to medical society.

During the ceremony, Professor Zurab Vadachkoria, Rector of the Tbilisi State Medical University, Professor Irakli Natroshvili, Rector Elect of the Tbilisi State Medical University, Associate Professor Eka Ekaladze, Director of American MD Program Program of TSMU, Professor Archil Undilashvili, Director of Educational Programs of Emory School of Medicine, Professor Zurab Orjonikidze, Chancellor of Tbilisi State Medical University, Aleksandre Buachidze, Chancellor Elect of Tbilisi State Medical University, Professor Rusudan Rukhadze, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of TSMU, Professor Rima Beriashvili, Head of the American MD Program of TSMU and distinguished guests coated students with the white coats as a symbol of welcome to medical profession.

When the white coats are placed on students' shoulders, they are committing to prioritize compassionate, collaborative, and scientifically excellent care from the very first day of their journey.

The first year students were greeted by distinguished guests from the United States of America: Gordon Churchward, PhD, Assistant Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs, Emory University School of Medicine; Mary Jo Lechowicz, MD, Professor and Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Margaret H. Rollins Chair in Oncology; Michael Charles Lowe, MD, MA, Associate Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology of the Department of Surgery,  Emory University School of Medicine; Colonel Matthew Scherer, Director - Army Medical Research Directorate - Georgia, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and Raisa Chyorny, MD, Family Medicine Physician, Board Certified Hospitalist at Christus St. Vincent Regional Hospital.

This year the White Coat Ceremony did not pass without traditional award part. Tbilisi State Medical University with an Honorary Doctorate Title Colonel Matthew Scherer, Director - Army Medical Research Directorate - Georgia, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

For their contribution to the development of the program with the honorary prize of the American MD Program of TSMU were awarded the teachers of the module - "Mankind’s Creativity”: Nana Khetsuriani, Lasha Kurdashvili, Ia Khutsishvili, Ana Mgaloblishvili and the teachers of the 1^st year course - "Becoming a Doctor" (BAD): Gvantsa Vardosanidze, Elene Azmaiparashvili, Nino Toria, Mariam Ghughunishvili, Nino Kurashvili, Salome Voronovi and Tamta Tolordava.

The American MD Program at Tbilisi State Medical University was established through a collaboration with Emory University School of Medicine in 2011. Its primary objective is to provide a modern, Western-style medical education in Georgia, fostering the development of globally competitive medical professionals. To accomplish this goal, the program utilizes the curriculum of Emory University School of Medicine as a foundation and receives ongoing support from its faculty.

Since its first admission year in 2013, the American MD Program has garnered significant interest, not only within Georgia but around the world. It has emerged as the most sought-after medical education curriculum, attracting students seeking affordable, high quality education, to its classrooms from over 26 countries. The program distinguishes itself with numerous innovative approaches, offering students unique opportunities to engage in clinical workshops, participate in exchange programs, and undergo clinical elective training at Emory University. These experiences provide an invaluable chance for students to gain diverse professional exposure and enhance their skill set.

The inception of the American MD Program was a visionary idea conceived by the late Dr. Ken Walker. We honor his legacy, even as we mourn his passing on February 23, 2018. The American MD program, along with numerous other initiatives throughout his career, stands as a testament to his tremendous contributions to Global Health and Education, reminding us of the positive impact he made on society worldwide and especially in Georgia.