I came to the United States in the 2000s, after graduating with honors from the Aieti Medical School (currently the David Tvildiani Medical University). Even before enrolling in medical school, I knew that I would move to the United States because in Georgia acquiring a good education and working professionally was practically impossible in the 1990s. Back then, Aieti was the only school that had an American curriculum and offered a chance to continue studying abroad.
The study process at Aieti was not easy, especially from today’s perspective. We had no modern English-language medical literature and relied on photocopies. Electricity was scarce and we had to study by candlelight. Public transport didn’t work, so we had to walk many miles to the school every day. Our auditoriums were not heated and we consoled ourselves with the fact that the professor praised us as being the most frost-resistant students in the world. There was no internet and no computers. But we had a lot of determination, love of learning, love, and support for each other, which made it all easier. My dedication paid off and I managed to pass two levels of American licensing exams during my studies, which allowed me to continue my education in the United States.
At first, I came to Emory University, Atlanta, at the invitation of Mr. Ken Walker. He was a big supporter of Georgian students and of Georgia in general. This was my first experience with the American medical system, and it helped me pass my third and final exam, where clinical skills are demonstrated through direct interaction with patients. After that, I spent three years in the Department of Psychiatry at Emory University, doing scientific work.
My first years as an immigrant are very memorable for me. In addition to having a lot of professional growth, I met a lot of interesting people and made many new friends during those years. I got independent life skills – receiving my first salary, and getting my first house and first car gave me feelings of gratification. Even these small achievements, which later might seem very trivial, were very motivating at the time; without them, it would have been hard to cope with the difficulties of immigration. Integration into such a new and drastically different society can be shocking. The most important thing that helped me at the time was interaction with the local Georgian community, which made my assimilation process a little easier. Today, in my opinion, it is relatively easier, as the world has become more globalized, but still, for all people who have moved here from Georgia, whether they are doctors or not, support from fellow Georgians is very important.
I completed a residency program in psychiatry at Drexel University in Philadelphia. This period is also unforgettable, and I think it was the period of my fastest professional growth. I’m still in touch with my colleagues and mentors from there. It was also where I met my wife, who is also a US-based Georgian doctor.
Currently, I work as a psychiatrist in one of the largest federal medical centers in the United States, where I lead the departments of psychiatry, addiction and crisis intervention. My career at this center began 15 years ago, and I’m very proud of our achievements here. I have been cooperating with the American Psychiatric Association for a long time and currently hold the position of the Vice President of the Pennsylvania branch of this association. Organized psychiatry is no less important than clinical psychiatry, as it shapes the strategic plan for the development of the field. Here, we work on topics like continuous professional education for psychiatrists, provision of information and advice to the public, as well as informing legislators about existing issues and problems, so that the right bills can be passed. I’m also involved in the education of students and residents. We cooperate closely with Drexel and Pennsylvania universities. Several times I had an opportunity to host students and graduates from Georgia.
I grew up on the words of Ilia Chavchavadze, “For whom was I good today?” This has been the credo of my life. That’s why I am a doctor; I don’t have to question myself about this anymore, since doing good is part of my profession. Seeing smiles on the faces of grateful patients, improving the quality of their lives, and saving lives, especially in the face of America’s opioid epidemic, is what energizes me.
There are challenges. The number of people who ask us for consultation has significantly increased. There are probably many reasons for this, but I would single out three. Social stress levels have risen everywhere and more people need help; stigma related to psychiatric disorders is decreasing and this now poses less of a barrier to seeking help; and finally, because of effective treatments, people have the feeling and confidence that if they come to us, they will get better.
In modern psychiatry we can indeed boast that we have many more possibilities and are much more efficient than even 20 years ago. But unfortunately, we are experiencing a shortage of mental health professionals, and there’s a long waiting period involved for those seeking treatment.
I hope that more students and young doctors will want to work in this field. There is a real need for this. When a need exists, people and society should stand up for it. Of course, making such an important decision as your choice of career cannot be solely based on external demand. You should know yourself and choose medicine for the right reasons. As the saying goes, if you find a job you love, you will never have to work in your life. In my field and in medicine in general, empathy is of utmost importance, that is, the ability to recognize and share other people’s emotions. Good communication skills, self-organization and efficient use of time are essential. Of course, the achievement of any kind of success does not depend on your personal characteristics alone; it also relies on the people who are by your side.
This is the general trajectory my path has taken. But my path was not always conventional and there were many speed bumps in it. Sometimes you will fall down on the path of life, but you should definitely get up and continue moving; sometimes when something gets in your way, you have to take care of it; sometimes things might not work out for you, but you shouldn’t be discouraged and just try again.
The conclusion I want young readers to draw from my story is not that there are many obstacles to success, but that despite these obstacles, anything is possible. Do not blame anything on fate but rather work on yourself. Fortune favors the well-prepared. When the window of opportunity opens, you must be ready. Believe me, one meeting, one open door can lead to success if we are prepared to face it and don’t miss our chance.
