Eka Burkadze - Co-Founder | Research Scientist - Department of Scientific Research, Mental Health Clinic “Mental Hub”

Summary

Public health researcher with expertise in epidemiology, observational study design, and statistical analysis. Experienced in leading and collaborating on interdisciplinary research projects in clinical and population health. Skilled in analyzing complex datasets using SPSS and Python and applying advanced statistical methods to investigate disease patterns, psychiatric comorbidities, injury epidemiology, and health economics. Contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and international research collaborations.

Overview

13

years of professional experience

1

Certification

Work History

Co-Founder | Research Scientist

Department of Scientific Research, Mental Health Clinic “Mental Hub”

Tbilisi, Georgia (Remote)

09.2021 - Current

Project I: Depression Comorbidity among Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Gastritis

Designed an epidemiological study investigating depression comorbidity among patients with IBS and chronic gastritis.
Conducted statistical analyses in SPSS, including descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and logistic regression.
Examined the factor structure of HAMD-21 and BDI-II using principal component analysis with oblique (direct oblimin) rotation.
Collaborated with gastroenterologists and psychiatrists to integrate clinical and psychiatric data.
Drafted the research manuscript and published it in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Project II: Epidemiology of Pediatric Burn Injuries

Contributed to an observational epidemiological study examining patterns and clinical characteristics of pediatric burn injuries.
Performed statistical analyses including binary and ordinal logistic regression, as well as non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H) to evaluate associations and trends in clinical data.
Drafted the research manuscript and submitted it to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Project III: Depressive Symptoms and Psychiatric Disorders in Adults with Epilepsy

Conducted an observational epidemiological study examining psychiatric comorbidities among adults with epilepsy in Georgia.
Performed statistical analyses in SPSS and Python, including descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis H tests, and logistic regression.
Applied the Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) procedure to control for multiple comparisons.
Assessed the prevalence and clinical correlates of BDI-II and HAMD-21 scores in relation to seizure characteristics, treatment patterns, and comorbid psychiatric conditions.
Collaborated with neurologists and psychiatrists to integrate neurological and psychiatric clinical data.
Drafted the manuscript “Occurrence and Clinical Correlations of Depressive Symptoms and Psychiatric Disorders in Adults with Epilepsy: A Study in Georgia” for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

Project IV: Occupational Health Risks among Dental Professionals

Designed and implemented a cross-sectional survey investigating occupational health risks among dental professionals.
Managed study coordination, including participant recruitment, data collection, and engagement.
Conducted statistical analyses in SPSS and Python, including descriptive and inferential methods to evaluate occupational risk factors.
Drafted the research manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

Project V: Economic Burden and Cost Determinants of Epilepsy in Georgia

Led a longitudinal cost-of-illness study assessing the economic burden of epilepsy among adult outpatients in Georgia.
Conducted statistical analyses in SPSS, including descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis), and regression modeling to identify cost determinants.
Analyzed cost distributions (median, IQR, skewness, and kurtosis) and evaluated catastrophic health expenditures relative to annual household income.
Examined healthcare utilization patterns, including medication use, diagnostic testing (EEG and neuroimaging), specialist consultations, and seizure-related hospitalizations.
Interpreted findings within the context of healthcare financing, insurance coverage, and out-of-pocket payments in Georgia.
Drafted the full manuscript for submission to an international peer-reviewed journal.

Medical Claims Reimbursement Service Manager

GPI Holding – Vienna Insurance Group

Tbilisi, Georgia

10.2017 - 07.2018

Analyzed insurance documents, processed claims, and ensured accurate reimbursement.
Communicated effectively with patients, healthcare providers, and customer service teams.

Customer Service Specialist

GPI Holding – Vienna Insurance Group

Tbilisi, Georgia

02.2017 - 10.2017

Responded to customer queries and resolved complaints.
Reviewed customer policies and coordinated doctor appointments and emergency services.
Provided detailed information on life and non-life insurance products to prospective clients.

General Dentist

Live Dent

Tbilisi, Georgia

02.2013 - 08.2013

Provided comprehensive dental care to patients, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and preventive care.
Performed restorative and conservative dental procedures.
Maintained patient records and ensured adherence to clinical and safety standards.

Education

Ph.D. - Public Health

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

Tbilisi, Georgia

05-2022

Fogarty Global Health Trainee

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

12-2018

MPH - Public Health (Graduated With Honors)

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

Tbilisi, Georgia

07-2017

Residency - Conservative Dentistry

Dental Clinic And Scientific Research Center “Unident”

Tbilisi, Georgia

11-2013

DMD: Doctor of Dental Medicine -

Tbilisi State Medical University

Tbilisi, Georgia

07-2012

Skills

Data Analysis & Statistics: SPSS (advanced), Python (beginner), RedCap, Microsoft Excel, Descriptive & Inferential Statistics, Data Visualization
Research & Methodology: Survey Design and Analysis, Public Health Research, Quantitative Research, Clinical Research, Observational Research, Research Ethics (CITI-certified), Academic Writing, Research Presentation, Scientific Communication
Professional & Interpersonal: Team Collaboration, Cross-cultural Communication, Public Speaking, University Teaching, Mentoring

Certification

ASRI – 2025 Arkansas Summer Research Institute

Completed ~100 hours of professional development in Data Science, Statistical Analysis, Coding, Research Fundamentals, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence, culminating in a Student Research Symposium.

CITI – Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative Program

Human Research Curriculum Group 1 – Biomedical – IRB 01 (Basic Course), completed March 4, 2019

“Write Winning Grant Proposals” Workshop

Attended in Iowa City, IA, USA, 2018

SCOPE – Summer School on Violence and Injury Prevention

Cluj-Napoca, Romania, May 13–19, 2018

Civil Service Internship Program

Regulations Division, Health Care Department, Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, December 26, 2016 – March 25, 2017

Workshop: Resilient Iowa – Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

University of Northern Iowa, August 6, 2018

Languages

Georgian – Native

English – Professional Working Proficiency

Timeline

Co-Founder | Research Scientist

Department of Scientific Research, Mental Health Clinic “Mental Hub”

09.2021 - Current

Medical Claims Reimbursement Service Manager

GPI Holding – Vienna Insurance Group

10.2017 - 07.2018

Customer Service Specialist

GPI Holding – Vienna Insurance Group

02.2017 - 10.2017

General Dentist

Live Dent

02.2013 - 08.2013

Ph.D. - Public Health

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

Fogarty Global Health Trainee

University of Iowa

MPH - Public Health (Graduated With Honors)

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

Residency - Conservative Dentistry

Dental Clinic And Scientific Research Center “Unident”

DMD: Doctor of Dental Medicine -

Tbilisi State Medical University

Teaching Experience

Elective Joint Course, University of Tromso – The Arctic University of Norway | Norway

Introduction to Injury Prevention, 2021
Injuries and Global Health, 2020
The Global Trauma Epidemics: Focus on TBI Prevention, 2019

SCOPE Summer School on Violence and Injury Prevention, Babes–Bolyai University | Romania

Ethics and IRB in Injury and Violence Domain, 2021

Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University | Batumi, Georgia

Course in Epidemiology for MD International (Indian) Students
Invited Lecturer, 250 contact hours, 2019–2021

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University | Tbilisi, Georgia

Course in Health, Social Care, and Legislation for Undergraduate Occupational Therapy
Invited Lecturer, 60 contact hours, 2019–2021
Elective Online Course in Injury and Violence Prevention for MD Students (Georgian & English)
Invited Lecturer, 120 contact hours, 2020

PUBLICATIONS

Submitted

Silagadze K., Burkadze E., Areshidze M., Silagadze T., Kasradze S., Sander J.W. Occurrence and Clinical Correlations of Depressive Symptoms and Psychiatric Disorders in Adults with Epilepsy: A Study in Georgia.
Andriadze M., Burkadze E., Kereselidze M., Peek-Asa C., Hamann C., Duff D., Comman M., Chikhladze N. Pediatric Burn Injuries in Georgia: A Comprehensive Epidemiological and Clinical Analysis from a Tertiary Burn Center.

Published

Burkadze A., Burkadze E., Kandashvili T., Silagadze T. Factor Analysis of the BDI-II and HAMD-21 in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Alpha Psychiatry, Journal Impact Factor: 3.5
Chkhaberidze N., Burkadze E., Avobadze K., Pitskhelauri N., Kereselidze M., Chikhladze N., Coman M.A., Peek-Asa C. Epidemiological Characteristics of Injury in Georgia: A One-year Retrospective Study. Injury, 2022. Journal Impact Factor: 2.586
Burkadze E., Chikhladze N., Lobzhanidze G., Chkhaberidze N., Peek-Asa C. Brain Injuries: Health Care Capacity and Policy in Georgia. Journal of Injury and Violence Research, 2021
Chikhladze N., Burkadze E., Pitskhelauri N., Tsiskaridze A., Peek-Asa C., Coman M. A 6-year Trend in Hospitalization: Retrospective Study of Traumatic Brain Injury. European Journal of Public Health, 2022
Chikhladze N., Kereselidze M., Burkadze E., Avobadze K., Chkhaberidze N. Traumatic Brain Injuries in Children on the Example of Pediatric Hospital in Georgia. Georgian Medical News, 2020
Burkadze E., Avobadze K., Chkhaberidze N., Chikhladze N., Coman M.A., Dulf D., Peek-Asa C. Epidemiology of Traumatic Brain Injury in Georgia: A Prospective Hospital-based Study. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 2020. Journal Impact Factor: 3.200 (5-year impact: 4.527)

Conference Abstracts

Andriadze M., Burkadze E., Kereselidze M., Chikhladze N.
Epidemiology and Clinical Profile of Pediatric Burn Injuries: A Prospective Study from Georgia.
European Journal of Public Health. 2025;35(Suppl 5): OA2037. DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaf165.003.
Chkhaberidze N., Burkadze E., Avobadze K., Kereselidze M., Tsiskaridze A., Chikhladze N. Injuries Prevention: From Data Needs Towards Effective Strategies in Georgia (Abstract). Injury Prevention, 2021
Burkadze E., Chikhladze N. Traumatic Brain Injury Management Capabilities in Georgia. First Online Conference “Injury and Violence Prevention” Abstract Book, Tbilisi, 2020
Bandzava S., Burkadze E., Chkhaberidze N., Pitskhelauri N. Occupational Safety and Injuries in Georgia (Abstract). First Online Conference “Injury and Violence Prevention” Abstract Book, Tbilisi, 2020
Loria T., Burkadze E., Lobzhanidze G. Legal Framework for the Regulation of Violence Against Children with Disabilities in Georgia (Abstract). First Online Conference “Injury and Violence Prevention” Abstract Book, Tbilisi, 2020
Burkadze E., Chikhladze N. Traumatic Brain Injury: Epidemiological Data Collection Practice and Policy in Georgia (Abstract). Caucasus Journal of Health Sciences and Public Health, 2019

Conference Presentations

“Distribution and Characteristics of Traumatic Brain Injury in Georgia: A Prospective Hospital-Based Study” 4th International (Online) Conference in Non-Communicable Diseases “Injury and Violence Prevention – Global Perspectives”, June 21–22, 2021

“TBI Data Collection Practice in Georgia” Contemporary Issues in Preventive Medicine Conference, Yerevan State Medical University, May 21–23, 2018

“Psychorganic Syndrome – an Indirect Outcome of Traumatic Brain Injury” Students Third Scientific Conference, University of Georgia, June 2018

“Traumatic Brain Injury Management in Georgia” Young Researchers’ Scientific Conference, Tbilisi, 2018

Professional Service

Peer Reviewer – Springer Nature Journals, 2025

Reviewed 6 manuscripts for Scientific Reports, BMC Public Health, Child’s Nervous System, BMC Emergency Medicine, and BMC Nephrology.