Interview with Professor Lado Kutchava and his family - Professor Lado Kuchava is a well-known oncologist and has been successfully working in the medical field for many years.

Lado Kuchava is not just a doctor - first and foremost, he is a father, an example, and an inspiration to his children. In their family, medicine is not merely a profession but a way of life.

Children, Irakli and Tina Kuchava, are carrying on their parents' professional legacy: Irakli is in his final year of general surgery residency, and Tina is a second-year radiology resident. Both are actively engaged in the clinic's hands-on activities. Today, their family stands as a unique example where a white coat is more than just clothing — it symbolizes responsibility, loyalty, and love for their profession.

"Surgery is one of the most difficult professions requiring high responsibility. Quite often it is romanticized in a society, but the reality is completely different." - Doctor Lado Kuchava talks to us about this very reality:

Lado Kuchava:

No one in my family, from either my mother's or father's side, was a doctor. I’m often asked if a movie or a book from my childhood inspired my desire to become a doctor, but honestly, that’s not the case. I’m a realist and never had a romantic view of this profession. Since I was a child, I’ve played football and had many other interests. I was good at learning and participated in olympiads. One of my relatives told me it was the hardest to pass the exams to medical school. I took this as a challenge and passed the exams.

–  What emotions did you have when Irakli decided to become a doctor?

When Irakli shared his decision with us, we first warned him that it would be a challenging and long-term journey, requiring at least 12 years of study. I asked if he was prepared for that. He replied: “Yes, I know, and that is what I want, I am ready”.

– Mr. Lado, has Irakli earned your professional trust?

„Yes, I truly trust him. Irakli never stops - he permanently works on his own development”.  

–  Do you talk about medicine at home?

"Yes, often. Especially about surgery and the patients we treat."                                                                            

Irakli Kutchava:

"My parents were doctors, so I wanted to be a doctor since I was a child. I was especially attracted to surgery. For me, this profession became a natural part of life."

– How did you choose your profession – was it only influence or an inner calling? 

Of course, my parents’ profession has greatly influenced my decision. In our family, medicine wasn't just a job – it was part of daily life, conversations, and values.

–  Have you thought about medicine since childhood?

Yes, I can’t recall a time when I had different interests. For me, this path has always been natural and deliberate from the start. 

– How did your parents react to your decision?

Although our parents always gave us free choice, we felt their support from the very beginning. Their knowledge and experience were invaluable, even though I was warned about the difficulties that come with this path. Being their child also means double responsibility.

– Do you ask your father or sister for advice?

„Of course, yes. I highly respect them as not only professionals but also as people whose experience is extremely valuable to me. I hope I’ll develop so that my advice will become important for them and for others too”.    

Tina Kutchava

My family environment has shaped my professional choice. Irakli was a strong motivator for me. Medicine was a constant presence in our home — I was listening, absorbing, and feeling it. My family environment has shaped my professional choice. Irakli was a strong motivator for me. Medicine was a constant presence in our home — I was listening, absorbing, and feeling it.     

–  Have you also thought about medicine since childhood?

„Yes.  Like Irakli, this path seemed natural to me from the beginning. I couldn't see myself in any other field." 

– Parents’ reaction?

It wasn’t a surprise to them. They supported us, but warned from the very beginning that the selection of medicine is not only a matter of desire, but also of hard work, willpower, and overcoming difficulties.” – Do you talk about professional issues at home?

„Yes. we spend a lot of time at the clinic and often discuss professional cases at home.”

– Do you ask your family members for advice?

"I highly value their advice and experience, and it means a lot to me. I hope that over time, my opinion will hold the same value for them."

Mr. Lado, how does it feel when your children follow in your footsteps in the profession?

“Child better than father - better for the homeland.”