Article Link:

https://issuu.com/cache_uoftuhn/docs/together_stories_of_collective_impact_vol._4.2_s

TMA's transdisciplinary project "Six Days of a Country Doctor" has been featured in the latest issue of Together: Stories of Collective Impact (Vol. 4.2), published by the Centre for Advancing Collaborative Healthcare & Education (CACHE), a partnership between the University of Toronto and the University Health Network in Canada.

The article explores one of TMA's most distinctive community-oriented initiatives, an effort that documented the lives and work of physicians serving in Georgia's remote rural and mountainous regions. Through photography, storytelling, and direct engagement with local healthcare professionals, the project offered medical students a unique opportunity to experience healthcare beyond hospital walls and gain a deeper understanding of the social realities shaping patients' lives.

Over three seasons, 17 medical students traveled across Adjara, Guria, Lechkhumi, and Svaneti, shadowing rural physicians and documenting their daily work. The photographs and stories captured during these journeys highlight the dedication, resilience, and humanity of doctors who continue to provide essential care in some of Georgia's most underserved communities.

The project's impact extended far beyond photography. Based on feedback from the participating doctors, TMA launched online English language courses and organized a skin cancer screening campaign in Khulo involving faculty members and students. These initiatives strengthened ties between the academy and rural healthcare professionals while addressing locally identified needs.

As highlighted in the publication, Six Days of a Country Doctor demonstrates how medicine, education, and the arts can come together to foster social responsibility, deepen understanding of community health, and inspire future physicians. The project encouraged students to explore the social determinants of health firsthand while developing a greater appreciation for the challenges and rewards of practicing medicine in rural communities.

Together: Stories of Collective Impact serves as an international platform for sharing innovative approaches to healthcare, education, and community engagement. Published by CACHE, the magazine features contributions from educators, healthcare professionals, researchers, students, and institutions from around the world, showcasing initiatives that create meaningful social impact through collaboration and innovation.

The inclusion of Six Days of a Country Doctor in this publication brings international attention to the stories of Georgia's rural physicians and highlights TMA's commitment to socially accountable medical education, community partnership, and innovative learning experiences that connect future doctors with the realities of healthcare delivery in underserved regions.

TMA plans to further strengthen its collaboration with rural physicians by creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in rural communities, enhancing both clinical skills and understanding of the broader social determinants of health.