At the 23rd Congress of the European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM), held in Florence from March 5 to 8, 2025, professors and doctoral students from the Department of Internal Medicine No. 3 of Tbilisi State Medical University presented seven scientific papers.
Professor Tamar Kandashvili, Head of the Department of Internal Medicine No. 3 of TSMU and President of the Georgian Association of Therapists presented a report: “The Impact of Probiotics on Patients with Insulin Resistance.” Professor Tamar Kandashvili attended the Congress as a member of the EFIM General Assembly and also served as a speaker and moderator of the Metabolic Disorders section, which consisted of nine presentations from diverse medical fields focusing on the prevention and management of metabolic changes in various pathological conditions.
Professor Tamar Kandashvili was elected as an Honorary Ambassador of European Internal Medicine by the EFIM Supervisory Board in September 2024. Moreover, the Georgian Association of Therapists became a full member of the European Federation of Internal Medicine in 2024.
“ECIM is the largest congress in the field of internal medicine, encompassing all specialties within the discipline. The EFIM provides an excellent platform for practicing physicians and young professionals to engage with the latest developments, clinical cases, workshops, and guidelines adapted to their needs, while also fostering scientific advancement. Members of the Georgian Association of Therapists are actively involved in EFIM’s scientific and clinical working groups and workshops,” stated Professor Tamar Kandashvili.
Within the framework of the Congress, Assistant Professor Maia Gotsadze participated in the EFIM Guideline Working Group, which is currently developing a guideline on "Prevention of Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Patients." The working group is tasked with the critical appraisal and adaptation of existing materials for use by practicing internists. The members of each guideline development group are selected by EFIM’s Executive Committee and national societies.
Another working group that included a TSMU representative during the congress was the EFIM Ultrasound Working Group.
“The objective of this group is to certify Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) training centers across EFIM member states. A set of specialized criteria is being developed alongside a standardized PoCUS seminar to be held regularly at EFIM events. In close collaboration with the EFIM Academy, this model may also be adapted for national events. A ‘train-the-trainers’ initiative is also planned to promote autonomy in PoCUS application. The working group aims to foster the integration of PoCUS into clinical practice for internists across EFIM countries, with clearly defined core competencies that every internist should master,” Professor Tamar Kandashvili said.
During the EFIM General Assembly held at the congress, Professor Frédéric Van Wouvern was elected as the new President of the European Federation of Internal Medicine. A total of 37 countries, including Georgia, participated in the election, each holding one voting right
