On October 16, 2024, Clinical Skills and Multidisciplinary Simulation Center of Tbilisi State Medical University celebrated its 20th anniversary. The two-day event was attended by the TSMU academic and invited staff and students, as well as other Georgian universities and representatives from the European Society for Simulation SESAM. The conference was opened by Professor Irakli Natroshvili, Rector of Tbilisi State Medical University. 

“The Clinical Skills and Simulation Center of Tbilisi State Medical University was founded a long time ago when many European universities did not have similar centers. It played a significant role in teaching clinical skills, and today it is actively involved not only in the teaching but also in the assessment process, as the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is conducted in the center. As for the conference, it provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships and establish new connections. We have guests representing the European Association of Simulation Centers, which means our university will have more opportunities and resources to share experiences and establish new contacts. This is yet another step toward development and progress", - said Professor Irakli Natroshvili, Rector of Tbilisi State Medical University.

Professor Irma Manjavidze, Director of the Clinical Skills and Multidisciplinary Simulation Center, presented a report about the activities and teaching process of the center. 

"Exactly 20 years ago, the Clinical Skills Simulation Teaching Center was established to improve the quality of medical education. According to the sectoral benchmarks of the medical education standard, students must complete 10 credits in clinical skills. We have distributed these credits across different stages of learning, based on the students' knowledge and capabilities, and created syllabi that are designed so that by the time a student graduates, they will have all the necessary skills required for a future doctor. As for the conference, it provides the academic and invited staff of TSMU an opportunity to share experiences, discuss the results we have achieved, and outline future collaboration opportunities with our partners", - said Professor Irma Manjavidze.

The audience was greeted via video message by Pierre Luigi Ingrassia, President of the European Society for Simulation (SESAM). Moreover, presentations were delivered by Karlo Matitashvili and Leila Akhvlediani, leaders of accredited medical education programs in Georgia. The event was attended by Dr. Ulufer Sivrikaya, former Executive Committee member of SESAM and Vice President of the Prehospital Practice Society. She discussed the establishment of a new community of practice society in SESAM. The initiative will bring the Clinical Skills and Multidisciplinary Simulation Center of TSMU even closer to the European standard of simulation practice.

On October 17, within the framework of the event a scientific and practical conference was held. Academic and invited staff of TSMU, as well as representatives from other universities having implemented simulation-based education presented reports on their achievements in this direction. A medical technology exhibition took place alongside the event.

Notably, the "Central Laboratory for Clinical Skills" was established in 2004 at Tbilisi State Medical University. The aim of the laboratory was to enhance the effectiveness of educational-methodological, scientific, therapeutic, and clinical activities. Today, it operates as the "Clinical Skills and Multidisciplinary Simulation Center" within the university.

Clinical Skills and Multidisciplinary Simulations Center