In September 2024, Professor Irakli Natroshvili Rector of TSMU, Aleksandre Buachidze Chancellor of TSMU, Professor Archil Undilashvili Head of the International Relations Department of TSMU, Nino Zardiashvili Deputy Director of US MD Program and Spartak Merkviladze Chief Specialist of Public Relations Service of Tbilisi State Medical University visited Emory University, Atlanta. The visit was of great importance for Tbilisi State Medical University as it strengthened the partnership opportunities between parties. Moreover, it was the first meeting between the leadership of Tbilisi State Medical University and Gregory L. Fenves President of Emory University and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda. The meeting was also attended by Professor Gordon Churchward, Ms. Natalie Cruz, Professor John William Ely, and Professor Mary Jo Lechowicz. The parties discussed the prospects of developing institutional collaboration and their shared strategic plans. The discussion also touched upon the future expansion of student and faculty exchange programs, the sharing of university clinic experiences, joint research initiatives, opportunities in medical education, etc. 

In Atlanta, meetings were held with Professor Gordon Churchward, Assistant Dean of Medical Education Emory University School of Medicine, Ms. Barbara Bingham Clinical Education Administrative Manager and coordinators Ms. Mary Kay Garcia and Ms. Cassandra Nicole Callan. The parties discussed the updated conditions, schedules, requirements, and necessary documentation for the participation of the US MD program medical graduates of TSMU in clinical training. These discussions are crucial for the effective planning of TSMU students' visits to Emory University as part of their clinical training and clerkship programs.

During the working meetings, special emphasis was placed on strengthening future collaborations, particularly in the areas of curriculum development, clinical bases, and exchange programs at TSMU. Professor Joe Le Doux, Executive Leader for Educational Transformation and Innovation at Emory University School of Medicine discussed current and future issues in medical education, innovative pedagogy and the importance of thoroughly preparing students in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

Professor John William Eley, Executive Associate Dean of the Emory University School of Medicine met the delegation of Tbilisi State Medical University. Professor provided the guests with information about the innovations introduced in medical education at Emory University. He reviewed the curriculum of the medical program, the integration of clinical and research training, and the existing student support mechanisms. Additionally, potential for developing cooperation between Emory University and Tbilisi State Medical University in the aforementioned areas were discussed.

An interesting meeting took place with Professor Douglas Ander, Department of Emergency Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and Professor Mary Jo Lechowicz, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine.

The TSMU delegation made a significant visit to MD Sandra Wong, the newly appointed Dean of the Emory University School of Medicine. The meeting was also attended by the partners from Emory University: Professors Douglas Ander, Gordon Churchward, Mary Jo Lechowicz, and Natalie Cruz (Associate Director of Global Strategies and Initiatives at Emory University). During this meeting, topics regarding broader institutional collaboration were discussed.

The representatives of Tbilisi State Medical University also met with Professor Daniel Dressler, Director of Internal Medicine Teaching Services at Emory University Hospital. Professor Daniel Dressler gave a presentation on the educational services implemented at Emory University, specifically on integrated clinical teaching within Emory University Hospitals. He also introduced the guests to a project regarding the potential implementation of a similar teaching model at Tbilisi State Medical University. Within the framework of the visit, a tour of Emory University Hospital was organized with the aim of familiarizing the delegation with the hospital management system on site. The President of Emory University Hospitals, Professor Matthew Wayne, together with his colleagues, shared the American model of hospital management and clinical training for students with the representatives of Tbilisi State Medical University.

By the end of the visit, the delegation of TSMU visited two of the largest autism centers in Atlanta (Marcus Autism Center and Emory Autism Center). The delegation had the opportunity to observe and become familiar with the early childhood development programs and the specific environment. The Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta is a non-profit organization affiliated with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University. It is one of the largest autism centers in the United States, offering clinical services, research, and training to children and their families. The center provides a variety of services, including diagnostics, behavioral therapy, and family support programs. A particularly important aspect of the Marcus Autism Center is its globally rare method, which enables early diagnosis of autism, specifically starting from the age of two months.

The Emory Autism Center (EAC) is part of the Emory University School of Medicine and specializes in serving individuals of all age groups with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The center offers a wide range of services, including diagnostic evaluations, therapeutic interventions, educational support, and family training programs. Additionally, it is involved in research aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with autism. The Emory Autism Center raises public awareness and establishes support systems within the community.

During the visit to the autism centers, future collaboration was planned, in which American partners will assist Tbilisi State Medical University in establishing new services in this field. This includes strengthening the existing services of the Early Childhood Development Academy through various means, such as conducting training sessions for staff and sharing experiences related to recent developments in the field.

It is worth noting that the meetings between the leadership of Tbilisi State Medical University and the administration and academic staff of Emory University were highly productive. Both sides expressed their readiness to strengthen long-term partnerships, which will benefit students and  academic staff of Tbilisi State Medical University and ultimately the healthcare system of Georgia.