In my role as President-Elect of the International College of Dentists and International Councilor, and at the invitation of the Regent of District 16 Georgia, Professor Marina Mamaladze, I was invited to Tbilisi, Georgia, to attend the opening of the academic year at Tbilisi State University and deliver a keynote lecture.
Professor Mamaladze was supported in managing the flawless organization by the Rector of Tbilisi State University, Professor Zurab Vadachkoria, who offered me the opportunity to tour the entire academic complex, the museum, and various simulation centers. The entire structure is of exemplary scientific and organizational quality, comparable to the most renowned institutions in Northern Europe or the United States.
Most notably, the visit was enhanced by the exceptional and superb constant presence of her fellows, who made this experience unique and unforgettable. The whole group, always united, supportive, and welcoming, demonstrated to me what a district should represent, and I believe that Professor Mamaladze is a superb example of selection, recruitment, and engagement with her fellows.
On September 24, I had the honour of being hosted on stage, sharing it with the top academic and institutional figures, where I delivered a brief speech in front of at least a thousand students. On September 25, I gave a lecture in a beautiful hall to over 450 people, including students, residents, and specialists from the dental faculty.
It was truly a fantastic experience, and I would like to emphasize that what made it unique was, above all, the incredible sense of hospitality shown by everyone, perfectly cohesive and always ready to fulfill their assigned roles.
I extend my heartfelt and sincere thanks to Professor Mamaladze, and through her to her “Georgian girls,” for hosting me in such an incredible way and for allowing me to experience firsthand the great scientific and cultural level of their region, which is also splendid and one that I highly recommend visiting.