Faculty Development

2022-03-22

Medical Education Innovation Center of TMA organized online training on the topic of creative integrated cases and assignments. 
The meeting was held by Prof. Joke Denekens and Prof. Herman Van Rosem (Antwerp, Belgium). The training aimed to harmonize the learning process within the integrated modules. The trainers made presentations in the following areas - student and patient-centered program, and how to create an integrated assignment. 
The online meeting was attended by academic staff who are implementing integrated modules and invited teachers who had the opportunity to work as a team on integrated assignments and receive feedback from Belgian colleagues.

2021-10-18

Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) held a portfolio mentor's three-day online training. The training was held by the heads of the Medical Education Innovation Center of TMA, Joke Denekens (Prof. In Medical Education) and Herman Van Rosem (Prof. In Medical Education) (Antwerp, Belgium). 

Within the frames of the training, through mini-lectures, workshops, and discussions the participants got introduced to the portfolio concept, developed at the academy, the structure of student assignments within the portfolio, assessment, principles of effective feedback, and the portfolio mentor rights and responsibilities. 

The portfolio is an innovative method of teaching and assessment in the educational programs of the Academy. The self-reflection learning activities and personal development plan (PDP) implemented within the portfolio enable students to engage in an active learning process for both professional and personal development and to achieve the competencies defined by the educational program that is directly related to professionalism (Including lifelong learning). 

Students are assisted by mentors in completing assignments provided through the portfolio system. 
TMA School of Medicine took the first steps towards the introduction of the portfolio method during the 2020-2021 academic year, and four mentors were involved in the process. Fifteen potential mentors are currently being trained.

2021-08-31

On August 27-30, 2021, Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) participated in a virtual conference organized by the International Association for Medical Education (AMEE). TMA presentation was made by Tsisana Lomashvili, Head of MD Programs. She presented on the topic of “Impact of Preclinical Flipped Classroom on Critical Thinking, Group working and Independent Learning Abilities from Students’ Perspective”. Co-authors: Tsisana Lomashvili, MD, Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA), Ia Khakhutaishvili, MD, PhD, (TMA); Tinatin Chikovani, MD, PhD, Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU), Leila Akhvlediani, MD, PhD, BAU International University Batumi (BAU), Levan Metreveli, MD, PhD, (BAU). 

The research shared by Tsisana Lomashvili was conducted within the scope of the RESME course training at the AMEE International Networking Center (Tbilisi), led by Professor David Tailor. Three Georgian institutions collaborated in the study: Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA), Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) and International University Batumi (BAU). 

TMA joined the AMEE International Conference in 2016 with the status of an attendee, whereas in 2017 it already presented a poster-presentation on the introduction of an Objective Structured Practical Exam (OSPE) in the curriculum. 

The Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) is a worldwide organization with members in 90 countries on five continents. 

The AMEE conference is the leading annual event for all stakeholders in medical and healthcare education. The 2021 AMEE Conference was attended by experts in the field of medical education and healthcare, who shared their experiences through plenary sessions, symposia, seminars and workshops.

2021-03-06

On March 2 and 5, was held an online training/workshop for the academic and visiting teaching staff of TMA, around the topic - 'How to create a standardized MCQ test'. 

During the training members of the teaching staff were introduced to the different types of MCQ questions and recommendations for designing standardized MCQ tests, based on the most up-to-date international experience. 

Attendees carried out practical exercises to create various types of standardized MCQ questions. 

Throughout the training were discussed the conditions for determining the validity and reliability of quiz assignments and final examination questions.

2021-01-16

The TURNITIN program is an important and integral component for developing academic honesty; this tool is also an effective method for expanding skills like critical thinking and reasoning. 

The partnership between Tbilisi Medical Academy and TURNITIN has started in 2020. In the scope of mentioned partnership, an online training will be conducted regarding the use of the program on 22nd of January at 17:30 Tbilisi Time. 

The training will be conducted using the Zoom platform. In order to attend the training, please follow the link 

2020-10-17

Training around the concept of ''Flipped Classroom'' was held for the academic and invited teaching staff of TMA. During the training, participants were introduced to the importance of collaborative and interactive teaching methods and the ways of Flipped Classroom implementation within basic subjects.

2020-10-10

The training on practical usage of the Turnitin software has been organized for the Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy staff members. This software is an important component of the development of the academic honesty culture at the institutional level. Furthermore, it is an effective tool for critical thinking and reasoning skills development. 

Training has been performed by Pamela Atzori, Ph.D., the Professional and Educational Services Consultant of the company Turnitin.

2020-02-07

From February 3rd to 7th, Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy held lectures and working meetings for its academic and administrative staff on the planning of the educational program and learning outcomes, as well as appropriate assessment methods, program integration, feedback, and interprofessional education. Above mentioned meetings were held by Josette Denekens – Emeritus professor in General Practice, Head of the Department of General Practice, former Vice Rector at the University of Antwerp, Belgium.

2026-08-01

TMA Faculty Development Department organized a working meeting with academic and invited faculty members.

The purpose of the meeting was to reflect on and share experiences gained during the first year of implementing the lecture-free curriculum and to discuss its achievements, challenges, and future opportunities.

During the meeting, faculty members had the opportunity to openly reflect on their own experiences, share successful practices, discuss existing challenges, and collaboratively explore ways to further improve the program. The exchange of experiences among colleagues facilitated the sharing of new ideas, effective teaching strategies, and practical solutions.

During the meeting, the Quality Assurance Office presented an analysis of the lecture-free curriculum based on student feedback and the results of focus groups conducted with course leaders.

The reflective meeting was attended by the head of programmes and the Dean, who actively participated in the discussions, listened to the experiences and perspectives of the academic staff, and provided valuable feedback.

The program directors emphasized that such meetings and reflective practice are essential for strengthening collaboration among faculty members, successfully implementing educational innovations, and continuously improving the quality of teaching.

2026-07-14

Tbilisi Medical Academy hosted The Research Day, an academic event dedicated to showcasing the institution's ongoing research activities, recent scientific achievements, and the outcomes of international collaborative projects.

The event aimed to promote research excellence, strengthen academic collaboration, and foster a vibrant research culture within the Academy. It provided academic staff with an opportunity to learn about one another's current research projects, exchange ideas, discuss future collaborations, and explore opportunities for developing joint research initiatives.

The Research Day program featured presentations on the following topics:

• The application of artificial intelligence in laboratory diagnostics
• Liposomal encapsulation and delivery of bacteriophages
• Cancer biomarker research
• Artificial intelligence-supported teaching in preclinical medical education
• Current Erasmus+ projects at Tbilisi Medical Academy

Through its research projects TMA encourages knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the continued advancement of its scientific and research capacity.

2026-07-14

We are delighted to announce that another cohort of TMA staff members has successfully completed the Essential Skills in Medical Education (ESME) certification program, offered by the International Association for Health Professions Education (AMEE).

After successfully completing four AMEE training courses, the following TMA representatives were awarded the internationally recognized Medical Educator status:

• Ia Avaliani - Vice Rector In International Affairs
• Kakha Bregvadze - Co-Head of the One-Step Educational Programme
• Bidzina Chachkhiani - Deputy Head of the Quality Assurance Office
• Ana Mamiseishvili -Coordinator of the Rector's Current Affairs
• Ina Leshkasheli - Study Process Management Coordinator

Tbilisi Medical Academy remains committed to supporting the continuous professional development of its academic and administrative staff in the field of medical education. The ESME (Essential Skills in Medical Education) programme, developed by AMEE, represents an important milestone in strengthening educational expertise and promoting excellence in teaching.

Participation in this internationally recognized programme also plays a significant role in advancing TMA's integration into the European Higher Education Area by aligning educational practices with internationally accepted standards.

The training courses were organized by the Georgian Regional Office of AMEE.

2026-05-05

Within the framework of this initiative, Associate Professor Maka Zarnadze, Head of the Faculty Development Department, and Dea Goderdzishvili, Medical Education and Research Specialist, represented Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) in the peer group and collaborated with European universities. 

The report summarizes the results of intensive cooperation carried out by TMA over the course of one year. In particular, it highlights best practices in the teaching and learning model that TMA implements for staff development. The report aims to bring together universities from across Europe, create a platform for sharing experiences, and foster the development of joint visions to enhance the quality of education.

This cooperation is particularly valuable as it generates mutual benefits. On the one hand, the Academy actively participates in the European University Association's activities and shares its experience. On the other hand, it adopts the best international practices and further strengthens its integration into the European Higher Education Area.

The recommendations and practical framework developed as a result of this year-long collaboration contribute to strengthening transnational cooperation and supporting the effective implementation of staff professional development across European higher education institutions.

The thematic peer group includes the University of Huelva (Spain), the University of Côte d’Azur (France), the University of Warwick (United Kingdom), among others. The group was led by Linköping University (Sweden). The coordinator of the working group is Jonas Leschke, Head of Unit for Strategic Teaching Projects, Ruhr University Bochum (Germany).

2026-04-01

Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) hosted a working visit by the Heads of the Curriculum Innovations in Medical Education Department (CIMED), Professors Joke Denekens and Herman Van Rossum (Antwerp, Belgium).

During the visit, the Belgian experts met with TMA’s administrative, academic, and invited personnel. Together, they reviewed key challenges in both basic and clinical courses education and discussed practical solutions. The experts emphasized the need to strengthen curriculum integration. They recommended improving horizontal integration by incorporating psychosocial and behavioral sciences into clinical reasoning sessions. They also highlighted the importance of vertical integration to ensure the continuous development of professional competencies from basic sciences through clinical training. In addition, participants discussed ways to improve the quality and effectiveness of clinical rotation overall.

The experts met with semester coordinators and shared international best practices for efficient academic process coordination.

They also attended clinical training seminars and provided professional feedback to clinicians.

In addition, Professors Denekens and Van Rossum delivered a training session for clinicians titled “Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Clinical Courses.” They also attended a workshop on Workplace-Based Assessment (WPBA) led by the program’s Clinical Co-Director, Kakha Bregvadze.

The sessions were held in an interactive format, encouraging active participation from clinicians. This approach enabled in-depth discussion of key challenges in clinical education and supported the exchange of effective teaching and assessment strategies.

2026-03-04

https://youtu.be/8nIm6THNy1U?si=dTwKnF6_hS-JCBFu

Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) is proud to serve as a partner and host of the official Kick-Off Meeting (KoM) of the Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange Project VITAL – Virtual Innovation and Training for Advancing Faculty Leaders, Digital Competencies, and Research Excellence.

VITAL aims to strengthen the professional development of early-career faculty in Georgia and Ukraine by focusing on 4 main objectives:

• Supporting career development through soft skills and academic leadership training;
• Improving digital competencies through innovative and AI-supported teaching methods;
• Strengthening research capacity through peer mentorship, methodology workshops, and co-authorship opportunities;
• Promoting European values through inclusive leadership and improved institutional policies.

The four-day meeting, held at TMA marked the official launch of this three-year project, lays the foundation for a coordinated start of the project, and supports its successful implementation.

VITAL is implemented by an international consortium bringing together partner universities from Spain (University of Santiago de Compostela), Italy (INFOR Elea Smart Business Academy), Ukraine (Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine - IFBG, Ternopil National Medical University, Ukraine - TNMU), and Georgia (Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy - TMA, Business and Technology University - BTU).

Within the project, TMA participates as a partner organization, and its implementation and coordination on behalf of the Academy are facilitated by the Faculty Development Department and the Research and PhD Department, ensuring strong institutional engagement.

2026-02-23

Within frames of Erasmus+ Staff Mobility Programme, TMA hosted the Head of the Centre for Medical Education of Lodz Medical University (Poland), Prof. Janusz Janczukowicz alongside his colleagues, in order to share their expertise and knowledge with the students and staff of TMA.

Throughout the visit, the guests presented impressive insights in defining and teaching Medical Professionalism, innovative methods in immunology and trauma informed care/education. Alongside interactive lectures, workshops were implemented around the topics of leadership and doctor-patient communication. The visit also included productive meetings with the administrative and academic staff of TMA, where best practices and current experiences were shared around planning and implementing medical professionalism in the curricula. The parties also discussed potential areas of prospective cooperation and established grounds for joint activities.

Alongside these topics, part of the visit was directed to the one-health approach and topics of planetary health. 

It was an honor and pleasure to host the colleagues from Poland and TMA looks forward to further cooperation opportunities that will involve joint scientific, research and transdisciplinary activities.

2026-02-16

The annual forum of the European University Association (EUA) was hosted this year by Lisbon, Portugal. The main theme of the forum was to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in European universities through staff development.

Within the framework of the meeting, Tbilisi Medical Academy was represented by Associate Professor Maka Zarnadze, Head of the Faculty Development Department, and Ana Mamiseishvili, Coordinator of the Rector’s Current Affairs. Together with European partner universities, the Academy’s representatives presented to the forum participants the results of a one-year work of the European University Association’s thematic working group. In particular, they facilitated a workshop dedicated to transnational cooperation in the field of staff development.