Vice Chancellor (far left) and the guest of honour. - PHOTOS: LYNA MOHAMAD

By Lyna Mohamad

“IN THE rapidly changing international environment, we at UBD recognise the importance of preparing our students with skills and knowledge which are relevant and sensitive to the needs of society.”

This was stated by the Dean of the Institute of Medicine, Dr Hjh Anita Binurul Zahrina POKLDWSS Hj Awg Abd Aziz at the opening of the Institute of Medicine’s one-day seminar on `Today’s Health Professional Education’ yesterday.

She also highlighted that the institute of medicine, just like other medical schools globally, is a highly specialised faculty that focuses on health sciences, yet they are not unaware of the need to prepare their graduates for a changing world where adaptability and innovation through multidisciplinary approaches are essential for successful scientific, economic and social development thus continuous reviewing of their curricula is a must.

The seminar, she added, is part of their effort towards achieving their goals and hope to expand the excellent relationship they enjoy with their partner medical schools particularly in the areas of postgraduate studies and research.

“In the meantime, the Institute of Medicine is expanding. We will soon be introducing a Master’s Degree in Public Health, in addition to the Bachelor of Health Science Degrees in medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery,” she disclosed.

These programmes, part of the new generation of undergraduate degrees offered by UBD, are a four-year
degree programme that includes a Discovery Year where students will spend time abroad to hopefully increase their global awareness through study, work experience, clinical or laboratory rotation or even community service.

The event was held at the Senate Room of the Chancellor Hall, UBD. Present as the guest of honour was the Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education, Hj Daud Hj Mahmud. Also in attendance was the Vice Chancellor of UBD, Dr Hj Zulkarnain Hj Hanafi.

The opening event began with a recitation of the Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a welcoming remark from the Dean of the Institute of Medicine and address by the guest of honour.

This was then followed by a keynote talk entitled `Overview of Recent Advances in Health Professional Education’ by Professor Peter Mc Crorie of St George’s University of London and the morning session also saw talks on Inter-Professional Education, Preparing Tomorrow’s Doctors and Quality Assurance.

During the afternoon, the seminar proceeded with presentations on case-based versus problem-based learning namely on: Pre-clinical Years Perspective, Clinical Years Perspective and Curriculum Assessment.

Other invited speakers at the seminar were Associate Professor Steve Trumble of University of Melbourne, Dr Norman Carr of University of Southampton, Dr John Whittle of University of Nottingham, Professor David Wilkinson and Professor Geoff Cleghorn of University of Queensland and Professor Ben Canny of Monash University.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

• Live displays at Brunei Art Forum Exhibition
• Lost
• Visiting hours at hospital need to be respected
• 'Capitalise on Tutong's tourism'
• Blue Flag bid begins with ubiquitous recycling bins