ABSTRACT
Despite the intensive clinical application of the scientific and technological innovations, the effect of the human factor in surgical intervention remains decisive. The existing model of training highly qualified specialists in the residency program does not always render positive results. For this reason, the issue of early orientation and specialization of prospective specialists, starting from the Bachelor's stage, has received considerable attention. The experience of colleagues at the department of human anatomy, topographic anatomy and operative surgery of the medical faculty of Tbilisi State University is based on the example of early professional orientation of the students, and their active attraction in the specialized surgery groups within the department's "student scientific-practical laboratory." The laboratory has united the abdominal, thoracic, microvascular surgery, plastic surgery, anaesthesiology groups and the group of artificial life support. Teaching was carried out on the basic and specialized stages of preparation in the duration of 5 years in conjunction with regular classes at the faculty. The results of this approach included: significantly higher level of knowledge of theoretical foundations and practical skills in various fields of surgical specialty; positive influence on learning process in general, with improved academic performance of students in every surgical discipline; popularisation and promotion of research with active engagement of students in research activities of the department; "painless" adaptation of students in the clinical departments of city hospitals.
