Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy
The Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy was founded in 1992 by Petre Shotadze, a famous Georgian physician and pediatric surgeon. Since its foundation, TMA has grown to about 1,700 graduates who work successfully in leading Georgian and International Hospitals, Universities, and Scientific Centers. The Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy aims to provide high-quality education through internalization and establish an international academic reputation through engagement in academic and research processes with strategic partners of the Academy while retaining its core values of equality and equity.
The Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy over the last 3 decades has evolved significantly from an extremely low student enrolment and sustainability challenges of the university to a financially and operationally independent institution with a continuously growing number of local and international students, stepwise introduction of state-of-art teaching and research methodologies, and expanding partnerships in education and research areas both in Georgia and abroad. As of June 2021, 853 students were enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine (MD), undergraduate medical education programs of TMA, including 302 Georgian and 551 international students. The MD programs are taught in the Georgian language for local students and in English both for Georgian and foreign students. With a faculty consisting of 157 academic staff and invited lecturers, TMA offers medical education of continuously improving quality and a wide spectrum of innovative technologies and methodologies in teaching, examination, and research.
The Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy in 2018 received a 7-year authorization from the National Centre for Education Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia (MES), based on the European Higher Education Area (ESG) 2015 standards. Later, in 2020, medical educational curriculums of the Academy were accredited and awarded with recognition from NCEQE guided by National Standards for Higher Education, Sectoral Benchmarks for Medicine, and Basic Medical Education (BME) standards of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).
Faculty | Level of Education | Medium of Instruction | Term of Study |
School of Medicine | M.D.Clinical Residency | English/Georgian | M.D. – 6 years Clinical Residency – 2-3 years |
School of Public Health | M.D.Clinical Residency | English/Georgian | M.D. – 6 years Clinical Residency – 2-3 years |
Faculty of Postgraduate Education | Clinical Residency | English/Georgian | Clinical Residency – 2-3 years |
The teaching is guided by experienced faculty and professors based on the latest and most up-to-date foreign textbooks and educational material. TMA’s assessment and examination systems comply with international standards defined by the Bologna Process. It prepares students for qualification examinations (USMLE, PLAB, MCI, etc.) from the earliest steps of their learning. The TMA offers a comprehensive array of academic programs, spanning various levels of education, including undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees. The mentioned programs encompass a wide spectrum of medical and healthcare disciplines, providing aspiring students with an opportunity to pursue careers as medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. Here is the list of educational programs:
- General Medicine;
- Radiology;
- Obstetrics and Gynecology;
- Dermatology and Venerology;
- Endocrinology;
- Applied Public Health.
Accommodation
The Tbilisi Medical Academy provides students with a variety of student housing options, collectively offering accommodations for over 1,000 students. The TMA modern dormitory offers a range of room categories, encompassing VIP quarters, single rooms, and doubles, alongside shared facilities and spaces for leisure. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with complete furnishings, including beds, desks, chairs, and either air conditioning or centralized heating. The housing fees encompass vital services such as Wi-Fi access, utilities, housekeeping, and access to laundry facilities.
Common areas provide well-equipped study lounges with high-speed internet access, allowing students to focus on their academic pursuits. Additionally, recreational spaces are available for socializing, relaxation, and leisure activities. The dormitory’s commitment to student well-being is further reflected in its provision of laundry facilities, ensuring that students can maintain clean and organized living spaces.
About the City of Tbilisi
Nestled between the rugged slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, the modern city of Tbilisi stands as a vibrant fusion of history and innovation, a captivating tapestry that weaves together centuries-old charm and contemporary allure. The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi paints a picture of a city that embraces its past while eagerly reaching for the future. Such echoes of the past coexist harmoniously with the city’s modern developments, creating a landscape where age-old traditions and modern ambitions intertwine. As the city’s heart beats with tradition and modernity, students contribute their rhythm, creating a unique and thriving student life that mirrors the city’s diverse character.
Tbilisi wears its history of cultural crossroads like a badge of honor. This city has been a meeting point for various civilizations throughout its history, and it shows. The mingling of Georgian, Armenian, Azerbaijani, and Persian influences can be seen in its architecture, heard in its music, and tasted in its food. Tbilisi’s student population also is a microcosm of the city’s rich diversity. As international students converge from various corners of the world, they bring with them languages, cultures, and perspectives that enrich the academic environment. This cross-cultural exchange fosters a global mindset, preparing students for a connected world.
The streets of Tbilisi are a blend of history and urban vitality, offering a perfect backdrop for student exploration. Ancient churches and historic sites like the Holy Trinity Cathedral coexist with trendy cafes, music venues, and art galleries. Students can immerse themselves in centuries-old stories and the modern expressions that flourish around every corner. Tbilisi’s vibrant cafe culture becomes a natural extension of the student experience. Such cozy spots aren’t just places to grab a cup of Georgian coffee – they’re hubs of creativity, dialogue, and socializing. From animated discussions over textbooks to brainstorming sessions for group projects, these cafes foster a sense of community among students.
Tbilisi has got numerous sightseeing which are worth seeing. Here is an example of them:
- Old Town (Altstadt);
- Narikala Fortress;
- Bridge of Peace;
- Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi;
- Mtatsminda Park;
- Tbilisi Botanical Garden;
- Dry Bridge Market (Flea Market);
- Open Air Museum of Ethnography;
- Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre;
- Turtle Lake.
Tbilisi, with its rich history, cultural diversity, and forward-looking spirit, stands as a city with a soul. It’s a place where stories unfold at every corner, where ancient traditions merge with modern aspirations, and where the warmth of its people invites you to embrace its past and revel in its future. In Tbilisi, every step you take is a journey through time, a celebration of life, and an exploration of the dynamic spirit that defines this extraordinary city. In the bustling streets, in the quiet corners, and the shared experiences of international and local students, the spirit of Tbilisi thrives. It’s a spirit that celebrates the old and the new, that cherishes diversity, and that pulsates with the dreams and aspirations of those who call this city home during their journey of learning and growth.