Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) hosted the NeuroGuard: Immune Insights conference, organized by Dandy TMA. This groundbreaking event focused on the vital field of neuroimmunology, highlighting the relationship between the nervous and immune systems. The event featured a full day of engaging discussions, expert-led presentations, and hands-on workshops, offering invaluable insights into this emerging field.

The conference was attended by distinguished keynote speakers, including Dr. Kakha Bregvadze, the Co-head of M.D. Program at TMA, Invited Lecturer and a renowned Dermatologist and Venerologist, who discussed the Neuroimmunology of Atopic Dermatitis. Dr. Bregvadze expressed his enthusiasm about the conference's theme, emphasizing the vast potential for future research in neuroimmunology. As he shared, "I like how the topic of the conference highlights neuroimmunology, which is a vast field of research with many aspects to explore, study, and develop ideas for future studies."

Dr. Nika Kvernadze, a Neurologist, presented on Myasthenia Gravis and Autoinflammatory Diseases, While Dr. Manchaban Singh Bedi, a Neurosurgeon, explored the Immune Response to Spinal Surgery. 

In addition to expert sessions, the conference featured student-led presentations, of which, notable student presentations included:

Mancho Lomadze (TMA): Multiple Sclerosis and emerging therapeutic approaches.

Aakanksha Saharan (Tbilisi State Medical University): Mismatch Negativity as a potential neurophysiological biomarker for schizophrenia.

Saja Ahmed (Ilia State Medical University): A Journey Through a Rare Disease.

Aishwarya Ezhil (European University, Georgia):  The Effectiveness of Stem Cell Therapy in Cerebral Palsy, which is based on the study results of an international team co-authored by Raghabendra Kumar Mahato (Gandaki Medical College, Nepal), Syed Ibad Hussain (Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan), and Amrendra Kumar Mahato (Nobel Medical College, Nepal).

Workshops were an integral part of the conference, providing hands-on learning experiences. Dr. Nino Khubulava led a workshop on Autoimmune Encephalitis, while Dr. Mariam Kvezere­li explored Neuroimmunological Disorders. Dr. Mariam Kvezere­li shared her appreciation for the event, saying, “I loved everything about this conference, especially the students who made us feel comfortable. The audience was highly interactive and intellectually engaged. I hope to see more Neuroimmunology conferences in the future, as it is such an important field.”. 

The Anatomage workshop, led by Milana Ostrovski (Senator of Dandy TMA), offered participants a unique chance to interact with cutting-edge technology, providing a deeper understanding of complex medical case studies.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with Nandini Ahuja, a student from Alte University, stating, “I enjoyed the keynote speakers and particularly the Anatomage workshop—it was something completely new that I learned. It was amazing!”

Atrum Ali, a medical student from East European University, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “The event was very interesting. I learned a lot, especially from the doctors who shared with us real-life case studies, and the Anatomage workshop was a great hands-on learning experience.”

The success of the NeuroGuard conference underscores the collaboration between students, faculty, and medical professionals. It fostered an environment of growth, knowledge-sharing, and inspiration. The event served as a testament to the importance of interdisciplinary learning and the ongoing need for research and dialogue in neuroimmunology.