Tbilisi State Medical University American MD Program hosted the annual Poster Discovery Conference.  The conference is a public communication of the original research conceived and carried out by the XI-XII semester American MD Program students in the framework of the Discovery Phase course. The research findings are presented as posters and short talks. 15 poster presentations were presented by the American MD Program students this year.

The conference was attended by Mr. Nodar Papukashvili, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia. Mr. Papukashvili noted that the program is the best example of quality medical education in Georgia. “Tbilisi State Medical University, with its hundred-year history, does the work that the Ministry of Education and Science supports in terms of development of internationalization not only for Georgia but for the entire region as well. The American MD Program is the best and most successful example of how to provide quality medical education for students. Today we got acquainted with very important research outcomes that were carried out within the framework of this program. Such projects will always have huge support from the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia” said the deputy minister.

The program curriculum envisages the development of students’ scientific research skills. "Scientific research skill implies a global approach to problems: searching and gathering information, analyzing data, making conclusions and reasoning. The process is finally completed by publishing scientific articles. This conference is the manifestation of one of the stages of research learning, when students present their works. I would like to highlight that they have presented very interesting ideas. I am glad, the students revealed their responsibility skills. All these skills will facilitate their career development", said Professor Irakli Natroshvili, Rector-Elect of Tbilisi State Medical University (He will exercise the authority on February 13, 2024).

Professor Archil Undilashvili, Head of USMD program, Director of educational programs, Emory University School of Medicine noted "Science is an important part of the medicine progress. We are glad that our students are strong in research as the scientific presentations exceeded expectations. I am sure soon they will participate in diverse research projects and the experience accumulated at Tbilisi State Medical University will contribute to their further development.

As the Director of the American MD Program, Associate Professor Eka Ekaladze said, Contemporary medicine is impossible without research. The American MD Program incorporates medical research skills into the curriculum for providing a well-rounded education, producing healthcare professionals who are not only adept at clinical practice but are also equipped to contribute to the advancement of medical science and patient care”.

"The students enthusiastically work on scientific research.  During the course we give them critical evaluations and assist to get quality research outcomes. I want to thank the American MD Program leadership for creating opportunities for the students” said the Discovery Phase coordinator Nona Janikashvili.

The best poster and presentation authors were announced at the end of the event.