Recently, several students from Tbilisi State University’s Faculty of Medicine completed valuable professional internships at Friedrich Schiller University Jena’s University Hospital in Germany and Rize University in Turkey.

These internships allowed the students to become familiar with modern medical practices and environments that are characterized by high academic and clinical standards. They also had the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

During their time there, the students attended daily morning clinical conferences, reviewed patient cases with physicians, and learned about contemporary diagnostic and treatment methods. They also observed various surgeries and participated as assistants, gaining significant practical experience.

The students noted that the professionalism, sense of responsibility, and patient-centered approach of the doctors they met at university clinics motivated them greatly. Furthermore, their international experience underscored the importance of continuous professional development and testing their capabilities within an international medical environment.

We would now like to introduce the students currently undergoing practical training in Germany.

For Nino Gelenava, a student at Tbilisi State University’s Faculty of Medicine, continuing her studies and professional development in Germany is both a childhood dream and a clearly defined goal. A significant step toward achieving this goal was her internship in the Department of Gynecology at the University Hospital of Friedrich Schiller University Jena.

“This experience was not merely about deepening my professional knowledge. It reaffirmed my desire to build my professional future in this type of environment, which is defined by high academic and medical standards. I believe that great goals are not achieved through dreaming alone. They require hard work, knowledge, courage, and continuous development. The experience I gained in Germany marks yet another significant beginning on this path for me,” says Nino.

Ana Vardosanidze noted that the Georgian students were warmly welcomed by Georgian and German doctors at the clinic from the very first day, which made the work process enjoyable from the start. Her internship at Jena University Hospital was a highly significant and professionally rewarding experience.

“During the internship, I had the opportunity to gain in-depth insight into various branches of radiology. I attended daily morning conferences where clinical cases were discussed with doctors, which was an excellent way to acquire practical knowledge. I also presented a patient case to the radiology department staff, which provided valuable experience.

The practical training in gynecology was particularly noteworthy, and was made possible by the tremendous support of Georgian doctors Davit Bokhua and Levan Dzotsenidze. With their help, I was even able to assist in various surgeries. Beyond clinical work, I joined the gynecology team and a local guide on a city tour where we explored Jena’s history and learned many interesting details. I made wonderful friends who made daily life there far more interesting and enjoyable.

The doctors I met at the Jena clinic were a great source of motivation because of their professionalism and dedication to their work. I am very grateful for this opportunity and will certainly apply the experience I gained to my future work. "Thanks to my university and to Erasmus+,” notes Ana.

“My time at the Jena clinic was a wonderful experience. I acquired a great deal of knowledge, not only in radiology, but in other specialties as well. This was largely due to the welcoming attitude of the doctors, who were attentive and eager to help us learn as much as possible and find relevant materials. We were given the chance to tour various departments and present case studies on interesting and rare diseases to the doctors and residents. I am very grateful for this chance to deepen my knowledge,” said Elizabet Basiladze, another student.

Ilia Bedukadze completed a one-month internship at Jena University Hospital (Friedrich Schiller University), which he considers a major milestone in his professional and personal growth. “This program allowed me to deepen my knowledge. More importantly, though, I gained a wealth of experience and built relationships with Georgian and German colleagues. I intend to continue my studies in Germany, so it was crucial for me to familiarize myself with the system and meet German colleagues. They were incredibly warm and demonstrated a great sense of collegiality toward motivated students.

In conclusion, the 2026 Erasmus+ exchange program was a significant step in my professional and personal development - an experience I will never forget,” he said.