Formed initially as a modest association of three students in 2012, the Students’ and Young Scientists’ Scientific Association (SYSSA) of David Tvildiani Medical University (DTMU) has renewed DTMU’s tradition of annual conferences and has since organized scientific events biannually.
SYSSA strives to promote the maintenance of increased interest in medicine and scientific research among students, which is the foundation for progress in science. It provides collaboration and partnership with various Georgian, as well as, foreign universities, hospitals, and scientific organisations. It aims to create an intellectually demanding, competitive, and challenging yet supportive atmosphere by providing opportunities for students to engage in scientific sessions and conferences apart from DTMU’s rigorous curriculum.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist, lecturer, and poet – wrote, “Every artist was first an amateur”. SYSSA of David Tvildiani Medical University strives for the same in science. Students develop skills and gain experience in scientific research that will assist them in their future careers as medical doctors and especially, as scientific researchers. They learn how to conduct research in the field of their interest; how to publish and share their results at conferences that bring together students, doctors, and professors of different medical and scientific organisations, which is the basis for the development of science.
The SYSSA took its start from the successful and now annual event, “First Scientific Session: A. Nobel’s Day” on December 10th, 2012, held in MediClubGeorgia, which was the first session in Georgia dedicated to Alfred Nobel. It was dedicated to the scientific achievements that have received Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1901-2012) and that have made a special impact on the progress of modern medicine. Participants included foreign as well as Georgian undergraduate and Ph.D. students and professors from DTMU, Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU), and Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State Medical University (TSU). As one of the outcomes of the session’s success, Karaganda State Medical University of Kazakhstan hosted the scientific session.
SYSSA consists of 170 members, Georgian, Indian, and Nigerian students of David Tvildiani Medical University. With still a lot to achieve and with the invaluable experience SYSSA has gained in leadership and organizational aspects of conferences during these three years, SYSSA hopes to continue its contribution to diversifying the experience of students, young scientists, and professors alike, and to create an exciting and challenging environment that gives an opportunity for academic development.