Program Overview
Grigol Robakidze University's six-year MD Educational Program prepares medical personnel to meet WFME standards. Spanning two stages, it integrates basic and clinical disciplines using horizontal, vertical, and spiral principles. Combining lectures, group work, and PBL sessions, the program emphasizes clinical skills training and research methodology. Graduates can pursue diverse career paths in medicine upon completion.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MD Educational Program aims to prepare medical personnel with competences meeting World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) and Tuning Project standards. The 6-year program totals 360 credits, with each 19-week semester (30 credits) equating to 25 working hours per credit (half contact, half independent study). The program integrates basic and clinical disciplines using horizontal, vertical, and spiral principles, structured into two main stages: Initial Medical Stage and Clinical Medical Stage. The program is built on successive blocks, with each building upon the previous one and setting more complex learning objectives.
Outline:
The program is divided into two main stages:
- Initial Medical Stage (1 semester, 30 credits): Focuses on Core Principles of Biomedical Sciences, introducing fundamental principles and vocabulary applicable to basic sciences. This lays the groundwork for learning about human organ systems in subsequent semesters. Horizontal and vertical integration is achieved through basic clinical sciences (Health Promotion and Scientific Research) and Professional Latin. Students learn health promotion basics, research methodology (search, critical analysis, literature review, research planning, data collection, statistical analysis, and result publication), and effective use of Latin terminology. Each module reviews micro and macro structures, progressing through Human Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Cytology, Embryology, and Biochemistry of the specific organ system. Horizontal and vertical integration is achieved by coordinating basic and clinical science courses. These are vertically linked to Patient Care, clinical and communication skills, core values of medicine, Pathology, Immunology, Microbiology, Virology, Parasitology, research methods, Health Care Management, Medical Psychology, Preventive Medicine, and Pharmacology, creating 5 organ system learning modules. Learning methodologies include lectures, group work, discussions, demonstrations, self-study, and PBL sessions.
- Transition Block (semester VI): This block connects pathological changes and disease symptoms with modern diagnostic principles and methods. It covers Evidence Based Medicine, Physical Diagnosis, Systemic Pathology fundamentals, Pharmacology, Radiology research methods and diagnostic techniques, and common surgical diseases. The focus is on developing clinical reasoning, applying theoretical knowledge, analyzing patient data, interpreting research results, and enhancing clinical decision-making. The Case Based Clinical Reasoning (CBCR) method is used.
- Clinical Rotation Cycles I, II, III, IV, V, VI (semesters VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII): These cycles are disease-oriented, building on prior competences to deepen knowledge, master skills, and develop values. Students apply basic medical knowledge in clinical settings, studying disease treatment according to the latest clinical guidelines and evidence-based medicine protocols. Students function as Auxiliary Medical Staff (Clerkship) under supervision in affiliated clinical institutions. Each semester has 30 ECTS credits. Clinical skills training is delivered stepwise across five academic courses (14 credits total).
Teaching:
Teaching methodologies include lectures, group work, discussions, demonstrations, self-study, PBL sessions, and the Case Based Clinical Reasoning (CBCR) method. The program emphasizes stepwise clinical skills training and research skills training through dedicated courses.
Other:
The program's duration is six years and it uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). The program is based at Grigol Robakidze University.
Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI) is a prominent private higher education institution in Georgia, established in 1992. Named after the esteemed Georgian writer and thinker Grigol Robakidze, the university is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Academic Structure:
GRUNI offers a diverse range of programs across various disciplines through its specialized schools:
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Law
- School of Business and Management
- School of Medicine
- School of Public Administration and Politics
Facilities and Resources:
The university boasts a comprehensive library with approximately 20,000 books and digital materials. In 2010, an electronic library was established, enhancing accessibility to academic resources for students and faculty. Additionally, GRUNI operates its own multi-specialty hospital, Pineo, in Tbilisi. This 350-bed facility offers advanced healthcare services and serves as a practical training ground for medical students, providing hands-on clinical experience from their third year onwards.
Campus Life and Community Engagement:
Beyond academics, GRUNI fosters a vibrant campus life, encouraging student participation in extracurricular activities, sports events, and multicultural gatherings. The university emphasizes the importance of community service and societal responsibility, aiming to inspire students to contribute positively to society.
