On June 7, 2019, at Tbilisi State Medical University the first graduation ceremony of American MD Program was held. Graduation day was congratulated by TSMU professors, administration, Emory University Professors, parents of graduates, fellow students and the special guest- United States National Basketball Association's two-time champion, Zaza Pachulia. World known basketball player, who currently plays in NBA’s club “Detroit Pistons”, was a guest of honour at the program graduation ceremony. Zaza Pachulia gave a speech to the US MD Program students and shared them his ten main rules of success that helped him achieved worldwide success. His impressive speech influenced not only students but the audience as well.  

At the graduation ceremony US MD Program students were hooded and given diplomas by Zaza Pachulia along with Professor Zurab Vadachkoria, the Rector of Tbilisi State Medical University.  

Professors from Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta visited Georgia for the graduation ceremony. Among them were Assistant Dean of Emory University School of Medicine- Gordon Churchward; Associate Dean- Joel Felner; Professor of the Hematology and Medical Oncology Department- Mary Jo Lechowicz; Professor of Law, Emeritus at Emory University School of Law- Nathaniel E. Gozansky. The event was hosted by the Educational Program Director of Emory University School of Medicine and the Head of American MD Program- Archil Undilashvili. 

American MD Students reminisced their classmate and friend Mariam Kapanadze. The audience stood for a minute’s silence to pay tribute to the memory of the deceased student. The guests of honour reminisced their colleague, founder of TSMU American MD Program, Professor of Emory University School of Medicine, Honorary citizen of Georgia and Tbilisi, Kenneth Walker. At the end of the graduation ceremony students along with the Program Director, Professor Eka Ekaladze pledged the oath and threw their hats as a sign of graduation. The choir of TSMU Folk Ensemble of Song and Dance performed the national anthem of Georgia and the United States. 

We have seven graduates from the first admission of American MD Program: Nodar Maisuradze, Ketevan Obolashvili, Sopiko Gigolashvili, Mounien Sonya, Nikoloz Bostashvili, Tamar Tamarashvili, Fethi Onal. 

On behalf of Tbilisi State Medical University, American MD Program and Emory University School of Medicine, we wish a great success to our program graduates.