SMALL GROUP ADVISORS' STUDY VISIT AT EMORY

Small group advisors of American MD Program of Tbilisi State Medical University have been visiting Emory University, School of Medicine, USA, for ten days. The aim of physicians’ visit – Dr. Gvantsa Vardosanidze, Nani Kavlashvili, Gvantsa Metskhvarishvili, Nino Toria, Elene Azmaiparashvili, and Nino Kantaria – to Atlanta, Emory University, School of Medicine was to get experience of working with small groups. They also wanted to get principles for groups coordination from American colleagues. 

During the visit, small group advisors had a meeting with the representatives of Emory University, including Assistant Dean – Gordon Churchward. Thanks to Dr. Churchward small group advisors attended several trainings (including faculty development training) at Emory University. Advisors met with a Head of Clinical Skills Center at Emory School of Medicine – Ginna Shanon. Due to Dr. Shanon’s support and encouragement, advisors participated in the preparatory process of Objectively Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Advisors were able to observe the exam itself and attended post-examination evaluation process. Besides, they discussed extremely hard cases with a standardized patient and an invited specialist. They discussed communication challenges with a complicated patient.

Dr. Lisa Berstein introduced Becoming a Doctor module curriculum to Georgian colleagues. Dr. Berstein also discussed working principles of small group advisors and main aspects for advisors’ professional development and working with the students. 
Tbilisi State Medical University constantly cares about faculty’s development and career progress. TSMU American MD Program small group advisors will use acquired knowledge and experience from Emory University in communication with the students and in planning and delivering learning process on high standards.