Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) - Courses

Medicine – Program Overview

One-Step Educational Program in Medicine (English Language Instruction)
Program Overview and Academic Structure

TMA has been offering its English-language one-step MD program since 2012. The program adheres to international standards and frameworks, including the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), CanMEDS 2015, and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

Program Objectives

The program aims to train competent, ethical, and globally capable medical professionals equipped with:

  • Evidence-based medical knowledge
  • Communication and clinical research skills
  • Strong moral and professional values

Academic Program Details

Program Title

One-Step Educational Program – Medicine

Degree Awarded

Medical Doctor (MD)

Duration

6 Years (12 Semesters)

Total Credits

360 ECTS (60/year; 30/semester)

Language

English

Annual Tuition

6500 GEL (local students); 7000 USD equivalent in GEL (international students)

Phases of Study

  1. Phase I – Preclinical Years (Years 1–3)
    Focus: Basic, behavioral, and social sciences
    Includes: Anatomy, physiology, pathology, communication skills, ethics, and early clinical exposure.
  2. Phase II – Clinical Years (Years 4–5)
    Focus: Clinical disciplines, theoretical and practical skills through rotations and clerkships.
  3. Phase III – General Specialization (Year 6)
    Focus: Integrated syndromic learning in major disciplines such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and family medicine. Includes capstone and graduation OSCE assessments.

Curriculum Components

  • Integrated Professional Competency (IPC) Line: Combines communication, clinical skills, and professional behavior over 6 semesters.
  • Organ-System Based Modules:
    • Clinically Oriented Modules (COMs) (semesters 2–4)
    • Basics of Disease and Treatment (BDT) (semesters 4–6)
  • Research Line: From academic writing to full research projects in final semesters.
  • Metamedica Line: Courses in medical ethics, psychology, anthropology, and philosophy.
  • Electives: Available from 3rd to 12th semester (20 ECTS total), including practical skills and general development courses.
Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy

Teaching and Assessment Methods

Formats

  • Lectures, seminars, lab/practical work
  • Early Clinical Exposure (ECE)
  • Case-Based Clinical Reasoning (CBCR), Team-Based Learning (TBL), and Flipped Classrooms (FC)
  • Clinical clerkships and simulations

Assessment Tools

  • OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations) at end of 3rd and 6th year
  • Portfolios, research reports, presentations, and written exams
  • ECTS-compliant evaluation and student transfer systems

Infrastructure & Resources

  • Teaching and research laboratories
  • Clinical skills and simulation center
  • Library, conference halls, modern classrooms
  • Cafeteria and recreational spaces

International Engagement

TMA actively supports student mobility and academic exchange through:

  • Participation in summer schools, scientific events, and exchange programs
  • International recognition enabling graduates to sit for USMLE, PLAB, MCI, etc.
  • Courses in Georgian language for international students (12 ECTS)

TMA is listed in or affiliated with:

  • World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOM)
  • FAIMER, ECFMG, WFME, WHO Avicenna
  • AMEE, AMSE, EMSA
  • National Medical Commission (NMC), India

Admission Criteria

Eligible applicants:

  • Foreign nationals or Georgians educated abroad
  • Must have completed secondary education with science background
  • Must demonstrate English proficiency (minimum B1 level), verified via:
    • Standardized tests (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, etc.)
    • English-language secondary school certificate

Student Demographics

Currently, the English-taught MD program enrolls over 800 students, including nationals from:

  • USA, Canada, UK, India, Bhutan, Israel, Nigeria, and others.

PhD in Medical Sciences – Program Overview

Awarded Degree:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medicine

Language of Instruction:

  • English

Duration:

  • 3 to 5 years (6 to 10 semesters)

Credit Load:

  • 30 ECTS credits per semester (1 ECTS = 25 hours)

Admission Requirements

  • Academic Qualification:
    • Applicants must possess a Master’s degree or its equivalent.
    • MD diploma or equivalent academic qualifications are eligible.
  • English Proficiency:
    • A B2 level of proficiency in English, demonstrated by one of the following:
      • Valid international certificates (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
      • A diploma confirming the completion of an English-taught Master’s program or equivalent.
      • Document issued by the National Assessment and Examinations Center in Georgia.
  • Application Requirements:
    • A research proposal is required as part of the application.
  • Admission Process:
    • The open competition selection process is defined by the TMA Regulations of Scientific-Research and PhD Department and Dissertation Board.

Program Aim

The PhD in Medical Sciences program aims to:

  • Prepare highly qualified professionals for research and pedagogical activities in biomedicine, medicine, and related fields.
  • Equip students with the necessary skills to pursue independent scientific research and contribute to academic advancements.

 

PhD in Public Health – Program Overview

Awarded Degree:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health

Language of Instruction:

  • English

Duration:

  • 3 to 5 years (6 to 10 semesters)

Credit Load:

  • 30 ECTS credits per semester (1 ECTS = 25 hours)

Admission Requirements

  • Academic Qualification:
    • Master’s degree or equivalent in Biology, Life Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, General Medicine, Dental Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, or Occupational Safety.
  • English Proficiency:
    • A B2 level proficiency in English is required, demonstrated by:
      • Valid international certificates (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
      • A diploma from an English-taught Master’s program or equivalent.
      • Certification from the National Assessment and Examinations Center in Georgia.
  • Application Requirements:
    • A research proposal is required as part of the application.
  • Admission Process:
    • The open competition selection process, regulated by the TMA Regulations of Scientific-Research and PhD Department and Dissertation Board.

Program Aim

The PhD in Public Health program aims to:

  • Develop highly qualified professionals skilled in research and practical applications related to public health, biomedicine, and global health.
  • Equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead in public health research, health policy development, and global health strategies.

 

Program Structure for Both PhD Programs

General Program Structure:

  • The doctoral programs are structured to foster both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in medical sciences or public health. The programs are designed to prepare students for independent research in their field.

Curriculum Overview:

  • The curriculum spans 3 to 5 years, divided into 6 to 10 semesters.
  • Students are required to complete 30 ECTS credits per semester, with each ECTS credit equating to 25 hours of study.

Research Focus:

  • Both programs emphasize independent research, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry in biomedicine, medicine, or public health.
  • Students will work on a dissertation project under the guidance of faculty mentors, contributing to advancements in their chosen field.