Academic Programs

Study language: English

Amount of allocated ECTS: 360 ECTS

Awarded qualification/degree:  Medical Doctor

Code in NAEC registry: 0100117

Admission Type: Individual Admission

Program Overview

The educational program is based on Georgian Higher Education Medicine Sectoral Benchmarks and complies with the standards of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). The study program ensures the preparation of qualified physicians with appropriate knowledge and competencies, who will be able to effectively and competitively participate in the Healthcare field, both at the governmental and private sectors.

Language of instruction is English. Study materials are offered in English. This will enable students and lecturers to use up-to-date literature, utilize the latest achievements and experiences of the field.

University owns well-equipped auditoriums and computer classes, computer study programs, teaching laboratories, the university library and scientific facilities, student and lecturer electronic system – ARGUS, electronic teaching portal “Moodle”. Research institutes of the university (Institute of Medical and Public Health Research) and facilities of partner organizations ensure the development and strengthening of clinical-practical and scientific-research skills.

For the provision of research and clinical practice, University has cooperation agreements/liaises with partner organizations, including:

• Medi Club Georgia;
• Medical Center “Innova”;
• “Aversi” Clinic;
• S. Khechinashvili University Clinic;
• G. Chapidze Emergency Cardiology Clinic;
• Medical Corporation “EVEX”;
• D. Gagua Clinic;
• Tbilisi Heart and Vascular Clinic;
• Pineo Medical Ecosystems
• National Educational Center for Family Medicine;
• St. Michael Archangel Multi-profile Clinical Hospital;
• Scientific-Practical Center for Infectious Pathology, AIDS and Clinical Immunology;
• E.t.c

Program Objectives

Program “Medicine” at Ilia State University aims to prepare qualified and competent Medical Doctors, open to modern approaches and equipped with appropriate knowledge, skills and competencies to respond to tomorrow’s global challenges of the field. Furthermore, to be competitive at both – national and international levels. Graduates of the program are eligible to continue further medical education, work as junior doctors and teachers.

Main areas of study

Program is not only knowledge-based but is focused on the development of physician’s core competencies. During the stage of Clinical Attachment (VII-XII semester) student advances in roles defined by CanMEDS 2015 Physicians Competency Framework. Student’s activities are accumulated in Medical Portfolio, which is student-centered and incorporates feedbacks, self-reflection and Life-Long Learning principles

The first-semester program provides the necessary skills for scientific research (course “Academic skills”). The following semesters include courses of Bioethics, Epidemiology, Evidence-based Medicine and Bio-Medical Research

For those who might be interested, the program provides basic courses in the German language.

Additionally, the program envisages students access to university general courses (in the field of business, management, etc.), that give interdisciplinary knowledge, expand their awareness and generates no-sectoral, potentially useful theoretical and practical skills for a future professional career.

Learning Outcomes and Competencies

• Students will define pathological processes and their expected outcomes using the fundamental knowledge of biomedical science.
• Students will evaluate the clinical case, consult patients, define diagnosis and manage the state of the patient based on the knowledge of clinical sciences and fundamental principles of the field.
• Students will evaluate disease-related social and psychological aspects by use of the basic knowledge of behavioral and psychosocial sciences.
• Students will use evidence-based principles, up-to-date scientific information and research methods in medical practice and scientific research.
• Students will define and conduct disease preventive measures and promote health considering public healthcare principles for effective work in the healthcare system.
• Students will use ethical and legal principles in scientific and clinical practice.
• Students will effectively communicate with the patient, family members of the patient, colleagues and other persons concerned.
• Students will obtain, analyze and distribute medical information by effective use of informational technologies.
• Students will perform particular laboratory and medical manipulations.
• The student will demonstrate professionalism.

Teaching Methods

In order to achieve the aim of the program, the following methods of learning and teaching are used:

• Lecture
• Seminar
• Practical workshop
• Clinical work  – There are three parts involved in “clinical practice” – university, student, and potential employer/practice facility (hospital/medical center/center of clinical skills).
• Flipped learning method – Student individually plans and organizes time and frequency of learning material and practices with own natural study rhythm. During the auditorium time, the student applies acquired knowledge into the practice and improves clinical skills.
• Case-Based Learning (CBL)
• Bedside Teaching – is an interactive method that is conducted in the clinic, directly at the patient’s bed. A small group of students performs clinical tasks under the lecturer’s observations and upon the patient’s consent.
• Problem Based Learning (PBL)
• Research project
• Presentation
• Consultation with the supervisor

Employment  Opportunities

According to the law of higher education, program graduates have the right to continue studies and do a doctorate program (the third, post-graduate academic stage of education) in Georgian or foreign university.

Graduates can pass a residency program in Georgia (or residency equivalent course abroad) and after passing the unified state certification examination receive permission of independent clinical practice (Georgian law “about medical activity” Art.17).

Program graduates can:

• be employed as Junior Doctors in any organization related to public health care and medical service.
• implement the research and pedagogical activities in the theoretical field of medicine, and/or health care field, which does not imply independent medical practice (at scientific-research institutions, hospitals, etc.).
• receive permission of independent clinical practice – after graduation of residency and passing unified certification examination, according to the relevant state requirements.
• be employed in the national and international pharmaceutical industry and forensic expertise centers.
• be employed in management units of medical and healthcare institutions.

Program structure

The program is considered complete when at least 360 ECTS credits have been accumulated, which implies the completion of all the compulsory components provided by the program and collection of credits from the minimum required amount of elective components, and passes portfolio.