Today, it is possible to obtain various degrees from hundreds of schools around the world. While there are over 20 medical schools in Georgia alone, the quality of education maintained at all these medical schools in not homogenous. Started with a mission to ‘Provide higher education based on science and the best international experience in medicine’, David Tvildiani Medical University is the first private higher education institution set up with the objective of providing medical education in Georgia. Originally established in 1989 when Georgia was still a part of the USSR, David Tvildiani Medical University was built to transfer latest global biomedical science knowledge and skills to local physicians. Soon the institute became a higher educational institution known as AIETI Medical School, a name kept till 2011, which was then changed into David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU).
“The number of medical institutes in Georgia has increased rapidly over the last 5 years or so, surpassing 20 by today and counting. This is of course a demanding environment for a country of only 3.7 million people. Therefore, we need to keep our individuality strong. At DTMU, we are actively involved in development of national quality assurance standards, close communication with international partners in this regards and we contribute the best we can to achieve the goals of common interest”, says Sergo Tabagari, Vice-Rector, David Tvildiani Medical University.
Ensuring High Quality Medical Education
Emphasizing on constant development, enhancement of existing and introduction of new educational and research technologies and approaches, DTMU educational programmes are accredited in accordance to the World Federation for Medical Education standards, allowing the graduates to pursue careers around the globe. Specialized in Medicine, David Tvildiani Medical University offers enrolment in 2 of its MD (or as it is known in India – MBBS) programmes – MD and MD ePBL. The second has stronger emphasis on PBL educational methodology and has somewhat different structure but eventually leads to same knowledge and competencies as the usual MD degree programme. PBL is just one of the tools that DTMU actively uses in education and over the course of 6 years of studying in DTMU, the students experience various environments in domains like clinical sciences, research, basic medical sciences, social and behavioural sciences, public health with strong focus on Global Health issues. For student assessment, DTMU also uses a wide range of approaches, such as classical oral exams, written exams, MCQ quizzes, the International Progress Test, OSCE, research thesis defence or other formats of examinations.
“According to the National Board of Examinations (India), DTMU graduates have best performance FMGE screening test, among graduates from any Georgian institution (indeed significantly higher success rates!). We are absolutely sure that our graduates will keep this leadership and further improve the already good statistics. This is achieved through application of various learning environments, teaching and learning methods, innovative and fair examination and assessment formats and other factors, which are already in our organizational culture”, adds Sergo Tabagari.
Leading the Path for International Medical Experts
The first Indian future doctors came to study in DTMU around 20 years ago. Today, Indian students comprise approximately half of all DTMU student contingent. They have built a strong, friendly and integrated community. DTMU academic and administrative personnel got accustomed to Indian culture and lifestyle while our Indian students get integrated into Georgian community a few months after arrival. Furthermore, we support our students in their will to maintain cultural and religious customs, supporting relevant events, festivals and celebrations. Eventually, for most of our students, DTMU, the campus, teachers, administrative support staff and environment become a second home, and we are very proud and happy to have many friends, our graduates, in India. While DTMU students and teachers have an open relationship that is based on mutual trust and understanding, for many teachers become mentors, advisors, supervisors and for many -friends after graduation. David Tvildiani Medical University ensures that career paths are advised not only by the especially dedicated servicesbut also by many professors and teachers who are eager to share their experience and own vision and knowledge on the international future of medical practice.
“If you ask today virtually any Indian studying in Georgia, what they have heard about DTMU, they will say that it is impossible to graduate from here without hard studies, hard work and dedication to your final destination of becoming a medical doctor. While this may seem frightening to some but for most it means realization that without hard work and perfect knowledge, you cannot become a good doctor, let alone call yourself a doctor at all. However, to help Indian students through these challenges, Indian students are provided with internship opportunities which are the same as other DTMU students. They have access to dozens of medical facilities in Georgia, EU and USA. Soon, we will be happy to announce a long-term collaboration with an institution of clinical excellence in Kerala, one of the leading medical facilities in India in terms of service quality, innovation and accountability. We hope to initiate student internship placements and exchange activities as soon as the COVID-19 pandemic ends”, speaks Sergo Tabagari.
David Tvildiani Medical University has hundreds of its graduates working as leading doctors in many countries around the world, most of them (around 200) – in USA while many others became successful leaders in Public Health, international research communities, political leaders or teachers to next generations. Indian graduates have made the institute the most proud of by serving as doctors to their motherland in India but a few have found their life paths leading them to as far as Australia or Canada.
Considering many stories of strong friendship between Indian and Georgian students, Sergo Tabagari feels it is noteworthy that the two countries are very close to each other. “Unlike how it may seem, there are only 3 other countries separating us. We are much more similar than it might seem. So the main promise is that you won’t feel like on another planet, or totally stranger. You will definitely make many good friends, both among fellow Indians, but also among Georgians and other nations – other students, your teachers, or people from outside the school. Provided that you study hard, supported by strong secondary education, we will make sure that you graduate a good doctor, a professional who is in demand in any point of the world. So don’t be afraid, study hard, both in school and later one you join a class in DTMU”, signs off Sergo Tabagari.
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