EMORY STUDENTS UNDERGO INTERNSHIP AT TSMU USMD PROGRAM

In January 2020, three senior (in there last year of education) medical students from Emory University School of Medicine visited American MD Program of Tbilisi State Medical University. Visiting students spent 10 days in Georgia under the framework of collaborative agreement between two universities, enabling exchange programs between the faculty and students to share knowledge, expertise and experience in medical education. 

During their visit, Emory Students: Caroline Coleman, Anna Maria Carorata and Michael Kimbrell participated in the study process of American MD Program and attended and participated in clinical education sessions at Tbilisi State Medical University Clinical Bases. (N. Kipshidze Central University Clinic; Simon Khechinashvili University Clinic; New Hospitals; K. Mardaleishvili Medical Center). Besides attending educational process, they were actively engaged in preclinical teaching, Becoming a Doctor Course and participated in series of discussions analyzing and planning for further improvement of the educational processes in the program. 

Emory University Students initiated several meetings with American MD Program students. Peers shared their opinions and professional experience regarding medical education on undergraduate level. They also discussed postgraduate medical education – residency, in the United States of America.

Anna Maria Coronata: “We have planned our visit to Georgia in cooperation with professors of Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Mary Jo Lechowicz and Dr. Gordon Churchward. We are so happy that Emory University granted us the opportunity to attend and participate in study process of American MD Program at Tbilisi State Medical University. We also had a chance to meet with the students from different years and share our experience. I want to express my gratitude towards leadership of Emory University School of Medicine and Tbilisi State Medical University, heads of American MD Program and professors and students for their hospitality. I think I have gained a great experience during this visit. I want to point out, that American MD Program has strong academic personnel and a very motivated and talented students. We are sure a lot of successes wait for them ahead. We wish them to fulfill their goals!”

By the end of their ten-day-long visit, students of Emory University School of Medicine met with Tbilisi State Medical University administration representatives and summarized their experience. Irakli Kokhreidze, Associate Professor, Vice-rector; Sophio Bakhtadze, Associate Professor, Vice-rector; Tinatin Kilasonia, Associate Professor, Head of International Affairs Department; Irina Kapetivadze - Head of Rector Office; Eka Ekaladze, Associate Professor, Director of American MD Program and program’s administrative personnel participated in the meeting.  

Student and Faculty exchange activities have been conveyed between Tbilisi State Medical University and Emory University School of Medicine since 2013. American MD Program students, academic and administrative personnel from Tbilisi State Medical University regularly visit Emory University School of Medicine. Currently 4 senior American MD Students undergo clinical rotation (clerkship) at Emory University School of Medicine and 13 students are preparing to spend month of February in a “Introduction to American Medical Education” program.

Partnership between Emory University and Tbilisi State Medical University counts almost 3 decades and will successfully continue in the future. Next visit of five Emory students is already planned for Spring and Fall 2020.