Tbilisi State Medical University hosted the US MD program graduates who participated in the US residency competition. From June, 2024 eight of them will continue their education in the US residency program. The meeting was initiated by the leadership of US MD program and Professor Gordon Churchward, Assistant Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs of Emory University School of Medicine. The event was also attended by Emeritus Joel Felner, Emory University School of Medicine, Professor and Lt. Col. Mark Hartell and the US Army Medical Research and Development Command Deputy Head and Researcher, Christy Martin. Professor Irakli Natroshvili, Rector of TSMU congratulated the graduates on the success and emphasized the important role of the US MD program. The rector also expressed his gratitude to the guests for a long-term partnership and collaboration.

“Tbilisi State Medical University has established collaboration with one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. It is noteworthy that graduates of this program continue their residency in the United States. It is significant that within a short period of time, approximately 30 graduates of the US MD program continue their residency in the United States. 8 graduates are going to join them this year. I want to express my gratitude to our partners, friends, guests and people involved in this program for the opportunities created for the TSMU students” said Professor Irakli Natroshvili, Rector of TSMU.

Professor Gordon Churchward thanked the academic staff of the US MD program for their contribution in the development of the program and wished success to the graduates. 

The following graduates will continue education in the USA:

• Mariam Pestvenidze – Internal Medicine, Ascension Saint Francis, Evanston, (IL);

• Tekle Dartsimelia - Internal Medicine, Mass General Brigham/Salem Hospital, Massachusetts;

• Sophia Pirtskhalava - Internal Medicine, Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, Georgia;

• Zura Katsitadze – Neurology, the University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama;

• Luka Abashishvili – Family Medicine, the University of New Mexico, Santa Fe, (NM);

• Mariam Gigilashvili – Neurology, Lincoln Medical Center, New York;

• Mariam Gabadadze – Neurology, the University of North Dakota (North Dakota);

• Reshma Mikkie Shaji – Internal Medicine, University of California (California).