Shedding light on unseen wounds
Traveling the world with my camera. One of many interests is understanding the challenges of healthcare systems in developing countries. The Novartis Live magazine published an article about a journey to Tbilisi, Georgia, that took place in 2019.
Dr. Guga Kashibadze, head of the Burn Center at the Simon Khechinashvili University Hospital in Tbilisi, resting between two surgeries.
As I look back on a journey to Tbilisi, Georgia, little did I know that this story would find its place in the heart of Novartis Live Magazine's Summer 2023 release. This 10-page feature delves into a unique intersection where my passion for travel and photography met the captivating realm of healthcare systems in developing countries.
I am deeply greatful to the people who made this project possible, including Goran Mijuk, and the Novartis Live team. To Grigori Pirtskhalaishvili, Michael Kangas, Bakhuti Shengelia, and their incredible network—your unwavering faith in my vision has been the bedrock of this achievement.
I am especially grateful to Dr. Guga Kashibadze for courageously sharing his moving story, his passion, his dreams, and his grief. His account speaks to the resilience of professionals living with lasting effects of war.
And a heartfelt shoutout to Justyna Mielnikiewicz for her mentorship, guidance, and warm hospitality in Tbilisi.
However, there lies a sad truth. The impact of war on professionals, families, and societies resonates through generations. It's a narrative that must be acknowledged—a reminder of the resilience and strength of those who strive to rebuild and excel despite adversity.
“The only thing that we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history.”
The effects of war ripple through time, shaping the trajectories of professionals and their families. It's a testament to the enduring challenges that extend far beyond the battleground, leaving an indelible imprint on every facet of life.
Read the full 10-page feature in the Summer 2023 Novartis Live. magazine.
The article was produced by Goran Mijuk, editor-in-chief of the magazine.
The Novartis Live magazine has received numerous awards: Best print magazine & best long feature (Ragan, USA), best European employee magazine (FEIEA), Golden Feather for the author and feature of the year (SVIK, CH) and Silver Grand Prix (inkom, DE).
Novartis International AG is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland. It is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies by both market capitalization and sales.

