Research

CareBlogResearch

Research fields of the Center of Applied Research and Education (CARE) include:

Announcement: Our Expert Dr. Natalia Kalandarisvili Achieves CPHQ Certification

We are pleased to share that Dr. Natalia Kalandarisvili, an expert of our organization, has been awarded the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) credential by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

The CPHQ is the only accredited certification in healthcare quality, internationally recognized for its rigor and relevance. By earning this credential, Dr. Kalandarisvili has demonstrated advanced knowledge and competence across all domains of the NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework, including patient safety, performance and process improvement, health data analytics, and population health.

This achievement reflects her deep commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement in healthcare. We are proud to have such a highly qualified professional contributing to our team’s mission and impact.

International Research Expedition Conducted in Racha to Study Climate and Wellbeing at Mountain Resorts

Racha, Georgia – June 2025
A scientific expedition was recently carried out in the mountainous region of Mravaldzali, Racha, as part of the international research project “Mountain Destinations/Resorts: A Scientific Study on Climate, Bioclimate, and Wellbeing Benefits“.

This 12-month initiative, launched in January 2025, was initiated by a strategic alliance between the Resorts Development Agency of Georgia, East-West University Medical School (Georgia), and the Center of Applied Research and Education (CARE), Czech Republic. The project brings together a multidisciplinary team of international experts in climate science, public health, physiology, and wellness.

Among the participating experts is Prof. Andreas Matzarakis, a renowned climatologist from the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Freiburg, Germany, whose involvement adds scientific depth and international credibility to the project.

The study aims to assess the unique climate and bioclimatic characteristics of Georgia’s mountain resorts and their impact on human health, wellbeing, and physical performance. Areas of investigation include air quality, altitude, humidity, temperature variations, and the presence of therapeutic environmental factors. The project also focuses on the potential of these destinations for hypoxia-based training, respiratory health, and recovery.

During the expedition to Mravaldzali, researchers carried out on-site data collection, including environmental monitoring and biodiversity assessments. Interviews with local residents and visitors were conducted to gather perceptions of health and wellness benefits associated with the region.

Alongside Prof. Khatuna Saganelidze and Prof. Andreas Matzarakis, Prof. Valishvili forms part of the project’s core research leadership team, guiding a multidisciplinary approach to evaluating how mountain climates impact physical performance, respiratory health, and overall wellbeing.

“This collaborative research will help position Georgia’s mountain resorts as premier destinations for wellness, rehabilitation, and climate-based health tourism,” said Prof. Khatuna Saganelidze, project lead from East-West University.

The research findings will be presented in a comprehensive scientific report, offering evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals, resort operators, and tourism stakeholders. The project also aims to support the long-term development of wellness, rehabilitation, and climate-health tourism in Georgia.

Updates on further stages of the project and final results will be shared through the official platforms of the partner institutions.

Salome Kvavilashvili – CEO | Spa & Wellness Industry Executive | Expert in Balneology Resort Management

Salome Kvavilashvili is an accomplished executive specializing in the management of spa, balneological, and wellness institutions.

Since 2017, she has served as the CEO of the Tbilisi Balneological Spa Resort, leading one of Georgia’s most established health and wellness centers through successful modernization and strategic growth.

With over 9 years of industry experience, she has completed advanced training in Spa and Wellness Management from internationally recognized programs, including Raison d’Être and Termas de São Pedro do Sul. Her core expertise includes spa resort operations, team leadership, financial planning, and quality improvement.

Beyond her leadership role in Georgia, Salome acts as a consultant for wellness and balneology resorts both locally and internationally, supporting the development of operational models, staff training systems, and guest experience strategies. She is committed to elevating wellness standards and promoting sustainable business practices in the industry.

Expert

Prof. Tamar Goderidze, MD, PhD
Academic Leader and Expert in Endocrinology, Telemedicine, and Medical Education

Prof. Tamar Goderidze is a leading medical professional with extensive expertise in endocrinology, digital health, and academic development. Since 2015, she has served as the Head of the international project “Telemedicine as the Foundation of Global Medicine,” where she has played a pivotal role in advancing global health systems through innovative telemedicine strategies and cross-border collaboration.

Her clinical practice continues alongside her academic contributions, as she has held the position of Endocrinologist at American Medical Centers since 2018. This dual engagement reflects her integrated approach to medical science and patient-centered care across both national and international contexts.

In 2023, Prof. Goderidze established the Georgian Federation of Continuing Medical Education (GFDCME), where she currently serves as Founder and Director, further emphasizing her commitment to the professional development of healthcare providers.

Since 2020, she has also been engaged as an Authorization and Accreditation Expert at the National Center for Education Quality Development, contributing to the evaluation and enhancement of academic programs in health education.

Prof. Goderidze’s work stands at the intersection of clinical excellence, technological advancement, and educational leadership, positioning her as a key figure in shaping the future of global healthcare education and practice.

Unlocking Collaborative Potential: Partnership Opportunities with CARE

The Center for Applied Research and Education (CARE) stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in an ever-changing world. Dedicated to fostering impactful partnerships, CARE bridges the gap between academia, industry, and government to address pressing societal challenges and drive progress across sectors.

Why Partner with CARE?

Partnering with CARE opens doors to an ecosystem of expertise, cutting-edge research, and transformative education. The organization’s mission is deeply rooted in fostering mutual growth and creating value for its collaborators. Here’s what makes CARE a partner of choice:

Expertise in Applied Research: CARE’s researchers are at the forefront of innovation, conducting studies that deliver actionable insights tailored to the needs of industries, governments, and communities.

Tailored Solutions for Partners: Whether it’s workforce training, research collaboration, or policy development, CARE provides custom solutions aligned with partner objectives.

Global and Local Reach: Through its diverse network, CARE facilitates collaborations that span borders, ensuring global best practices meet local needs.

Partnership Highlights

  1. Collaborative Research Opportunities
    CARE invites organizations to engage in high-impact research projects designed to address real-world problems. Whether in technology, education, health, or environmental sustainability, CARE’s applied research ensures practical, scalable solutions.

Case Study: A recent collaboration with a healthcare provider resulted in the development of data-driven strategies to improve patient care outcomes. By leveraging CARE’s expertise, the provider was able to implement cost-effective, evidence-based practices.

2. Custom Training and Education Programs
Workforce development is at the core of CARE’s educational offerings. From tailored certification programs to in-depth workshops, CARE equips professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Example: An industrial partner collaborated with CARE to design a leadership development program for middle management, resulting in a 25% improvement in team performance within six months.

3. Policy and Strategy Advisory Services
CARE offers consultation services for higher education institutions, businesses, and government entities, helping them navigate challenges with informed decision-making.

Notable Partnership: CARE recently worked with a regional government to create a roadmap for sustainable urban development, blending innovative research with community needs.

4. Knowledge Dissemination
CARE ensures that research findings reach relevant stakeholders and the broader public. Through conferences, publications, and online platforms, partners can amplify their impact by making knowledge accessible and actionable.