Title of Educational Program

PhD Program – “Medicine”

Stage of higher education

III

Awarded academic qualification/degree

Academic Doctor of Medicine

Credit Value of the Program

45 credits /minimum 3 years

Language of Instruction

Georgian

Program Objectives

The PhD program aims to prepare and train physicians to plan and carry out research in Biomedicine with globally recognized exceptional scientific and ethical standards; they should be able to identify new research topics at the national and international levels and provide innovative solutions to existing problems, also develop skills in independent research planning, implementation, and analysis of results, as well as interpretation and presentation of their findings through publications or presentations, etc.

 Additionally, the doctoral program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to teach at the higher medical education level.

Program Entry Requirements

1. A medical degree or an equivalent academic degree is required.

2. The doctoral research program must be approved by the Academic Council of TSMU.

3. B2-level proficiency in English can be confirmed:

·       By presenting a certificate of proficiency at B2 or higher level;

·       Passing the B2 level English language entrance exam.

4. Successfully passing the exam in the specialty includes the following:

a) Testing;

b) Oral interview.

The provision " PhD studies of the Faculty of Medicine of Tbilisi State Medical University" determines the procedure for enrolling in the doctoral program.

Teaching Methods

 The educational and research components of the doctoral program ensure the achievement of learning outcomes based on past experiences, the latest evidence in the field, the experience gained as a result of the implementation of the previous program, feedback from former and current doctoral students, employers, graduates, and staff involved in the program's implementation. The program's success is also measured by surveys, comments, and suggestions from the academic staff involved in teaching.

Teaching is centered on student-oriented methods, incorporating the active involvement of the PhD student in the educational process alongside their actual research work. This involvement encompasses various methods tailored for teaching adults, such as:

·       Determination of individual needs and independent learning;

·       Interactive presentation, incorporating question-answer sessions and "Brain Storm" segments, utilizing multimedia and other resources to enhance the learning experience;

·       Working in small groups, task-focused groups and group reports;

·       Case study, case-based learning/teaching;

·       Role-playing as a teaching method, playing the role of patient, doctor, and researcher;

·       Situational simulation/situational games, such as simulating a research ethics committee;

·       Problem-based learning or the incorporation of its elements;

·       Debates; Discussion;

·       Seminar;

·       Colloquium;

·       Application of distance learning resources

·       Preparation and presentation of the project

·       Preparation and presentation of analytical paper;

·       Engaging in teaching: independently preparing and conducting lecture-seminars under professor’s supervision;

·       Research projects

The research component is crucial for achieving learning outcomes, especially through research activities PhD student has the ability of:

a. Enhancement of more profound knowledge and critical vision skills received as a result of participation in study components in the chosen field;

b. Enhancement of the necessary skills  for successful biomedical research following  modern scientific, professional and ethical principles;

c. Enhancement of communication skills, which are necessary to effectively convey the vision and achievements to colleagues and the general public;

d. Enhancement of leadership skills through professional standards in practical, scientific, research, pedagogical or public activities.

c. To become an independent and accountable researcher and teacher in the field of biomedical sciences.

The scientific supervisor constantly evaluates the progress of the PhD student using appropriate methods, such as 360-degree evaluation.

Curriculum

The individual doctoral research program determines the research component of the doctoral program, the implementation plan for this program, and mandatory scientific activities like publications, reports, etc.) that must be completed to defend the thesis and ultimately complete the program. The dissertation itself is also a vital component of the program.

The study component consists of seven mandatory and two elective courses.

 There are five elective courses available to choose from.

The Mandatory study courses are as follows:

1. PhD Course I – 5 credits

2. PhD Course II – 5 credits

3. PhD Course III – 5 credits

4. Scientific Research Methodology and Biostatistics – 7 credits

5. Ethics of Biomedical Sciences – 4 credits

6. Pedagogy and Psychology of Higher Education – 5 credits

7. Medical English – 10 credits

The Elective study courses are as follows:

8. Methodology of drawing up a scientific project - 2 credits

9. Evidence-based medicine in practice – 2 credits

10. Academic Writing in English - 2 credits

11. Foreign Language (German, French) – 2 credits

12. Teaching Practice – 2 credits

The curriculum has been designed to ensure doctoral students can gradually achieve their targeted competencies. In the first stage, the candidate will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to plan and conduct research effectively, enabling them to move on to subsequent stages of study.

The study component consists of 3 doctoral courses with similar formats. Their primary objective is to provide a fundamental understanding of the latest trends and developments in the relevant scientific research field. Additionally, they aim to promote the development of the ability to systematically present a viewpoint on these achievements, encourage critical thinking and highlight the need for further research.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Knowledge based on the latest developments in the field of study and/or activity expands existing knowledge or utilizes new methods, even in multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary contexts. It is essential to have a systematic and critical understanding of the field of study or activity.

Ability

Planning and conducting research following the principles of academic integrity is essential. It involves developing new research or analytical methods and approaches to create new knowledge. This should be done at a level meeting the international refereed publication's requirements.

Critical analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of new, complex and conflicting ideas and approaches are necessary to make correct and effective decisions independently. This is important for solving complex problems in research and/or innovation.

The ability to clearly and substantially present and convey new knowledge in relation with existing knowledge to both colleagues and the general public.

Ability to participate in local and international thematic discussions.

Responsibility and autonomy

Carrying out the research projects and/or development - oriented activities, adhering to the principles of managerial, academic and/or professional integrity, as well as demonstrating innovation and independence.

Areas of graduate employment

The fields of employment of the PhD graduate - academic doctor of medicine are as follows:

• Scientific and research institutions;

• Educational institutions;

• Medical facilities:

It should be emphasized that according to the data obtained, the career advancement of PhD graduates is mainly related to higher education institutions (academic careers).