On June 30, 2023, at Tbilisi State Medical University the 5th Graduation Ceremony of the American MD Program was held. Graduation is an accomplishment that deserves recognition and encouragement. That’s the reason why Graduation Day is always one of the most moving and poignant days on the USMD calendar. Every year the American MD Program of TSMU and its graduates celebrate study accomplishments with a grand ceremony.

During the event of the year 2023 faculty and administrative personnel of Tbilisi State Medical University and other distinguished guests put scarves on students as a symbol of a Medical Degree. This day is always full of happiness and pride.

The Graduation Ceremony of the American MD Program Class of 2023 took place at the Theater Hall of TSMU. Study accomplishment was congratulated by the Rector of Tbilisi State Medical University, Professor Zurab Vadachkoria, the Head of the American MD Program, Professor Rima Beriashvili, the Director of the Program, Associate Professor Eka Ekaladze and the representatives of Emory University School of Medicine - the Director of Educational Programs, Professor Archil Undilashvili, the Assistant Dean, Professor Gordon Churchward and a visiting professor from the United States of America, Dr. Raya Chyorny. 

During the event the 6th-year USMD Program Student, Raghavendra Sameera Kapu addressed the audience: “Our journey at TSMU ends here with many amazing memories that will be cherished throughout our lives. If there is one thing that I learned from the remarkable people of this Class of 2023 over the past 6 years, is that we are capable of rising to any challenge. Thank you to all the administrative staff for the immense support and thank you to all the faculty members of TSMU for the knowledge you have given us which made us where we are today in our medical journey. We did it!..”

During the event a traditional Award Ceremony took place. The special Appreciation Award was presented to Professor Gordon Churchward in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of the American MD Program at TSMU. With the choice of the graduates of the Class of 2023: Exemplary Teacher Awards were presented to Nani Kavlashvili, MD, PhD; Nino Kantaria MD, PhD, Nona Janikashvili, PhD and Salome Dzidziguri.  

At the end of the ceremony, graduates pledged the Hippocratic Oath and threw the caps.

On behalf of Tbilisi State Medical University, American MD Program, and Emory University School of Medicine, we wish great success to the graduates of the American MD Program of TSMU!