Medicine (in Georgian)

Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) has been successfully implementing the one-step educational program of Medicine since 1992, with Georgian as the language of instruction.

The one-step educational program is developed based on the Sectoral Benchmark Statement of Higher Education in Medicine, standards of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), Can MEDS 2015 Physician Competency Framework and is tailored to European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

The program aims to prepare medical doctors capable of fulfilling the roles and competencies of a modern physician in society. TMA equips its students with evidence-based knowledge of international standards, skills in communication, clinical research, social and self-analysis as well as ethical and moral values essential for medical practice. Ultimately the program ensures high professionalism and successful work of TMA graduates both in national and international health care systems.

The 6-year undergraduate MD program with full 360 ECTS credits (annual load of 60 ECTS credits -30 per semester) includes 3 phases:

Basic, Behavioral and Social Sciences (Year I, II, III)
Clinical Sciences (Year IV, V)
General specialization (Year VI)

In each phase clinical and basic components are integrated.

The curriculum is built on competency-based medical education (CBME) concept and renewed in compliance to the results of authorization/accreditation process, updated Sectoral Benchmark Statement of Higher Education in Medicine. Accordingly, the curriculum strategy includes student-centered innovative approaches: active methods of problem-based learning (Lecture-free curriculum, TBL, CBL), integration of basic and clinical disciplines, elective courses, extra-curricular and social activities, etc.

The teaching process applies modern teaching, learning and assessment (TLAs) methods that ensure early clinical exposure (ECE) of students, clinical reasoning (CR and CBCR sessions), team work, self-analysis and reflection(portfolio), development of practical and research skills, mastering social roles and ultimately, by the time of graduation, attainment of competencies envisioned by the program.

The assessment and examination systems applied in the curriculum are compliant to international standards defined by the Bologna process, student transfer process makes use of European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). The program is recognized internationally and that allows graduates to take international qualification examinations (USMLE, PLAB, MCI etc.), as well as promotes internationalization of the students.

The teaching is led by high professional academic faculty and invited lecturers trained in modern medical education methodologies, while the efforts of the TMA administration ensure a relevant and modernized infrastructure. Clinical disciplines are instructed at clinics affiliated with TMA.

The Academy offers an enabling environment and complete set of resources for professional growth and development of every student: teaching and research laboratories equipped with modern technologies, clinical skills center, library, virtual teaching technologies, conference halls, auditoriums, examination center, cafeteria, and recreation space.

TMA students participate in various exchange programs, summer schools and scientific events, both in Georgia and abroad.

The annual students tuition fee is 6500 Georgian Lari (GEL)

As of today, more than 250 students are enrolled in the Georgian program of MEDICINE.