Public Health Fellow Honored by University of Georgia

Tamar Gabunia will return to her home country this summer with a Master’s degree in Public Health and special honors from her host university. Faculty of the University of Georgia’s College of Public Health selected Tamar to receive the 2009 Health Policy and Management Student Award for Excellence. Graduating students are chosen based on their academic performance, contributions to the educational experience, and potential for leadership after graduation.

Tamar, a trained medical doctor and health policy specialist, worked at the Republic of Georgia’s National Institute of Health and Social Affairs before beginning her US studies as a Muskie fellow in 2007. During her fellowship, Tamar interned at the University of Georgia’s Institute of Gerontology and volunteered with the American Red Cross and the Athens Neighborhood Institute of Health Care.

Tamar plans to continue working towards improved quality of health for Georgians. “I believe that the expertise I have gained here will enable me to make an effective contribution to health systems strengthening efforts in my home country,” she said.