54 | JADE
NAZIM ALI
skills in fulfilling roles such as scientist and a practitioner.
Widening the internationalization and sustainability
agenda using application of novel ICT platforms
Internationalization of the medical curriculum aims to equip doctors
with knowledge of different languages, cultures and the practicalities
associated with the delivery of healthcare in an international setting
(Bateman 2001). PBL represents the main method of channeling
internationalization into module. This is reflected by the makeup of individual PBL groups which contain a diverse collection of
students with an array of backgrounds stemming from different
cultural, social and religious divisions.
In its current format PBL cases of module are largely restricted to
settings within the UK which I think fails to expose students to the
issues of international health. In redeveloping the module I would
include PBL cases involving patients from different cultural and
locations of the world highlighting inequality or challenges faced
by the countries health care system. Critical analysis of the cases
would allow students to become aware of how medical care is
acted on by various factors such as the prevalence of diseases,
the demographics of the patients. PBL cases woven with sociopolitical and economic affairs have been reported to provide
students a broadened perspective on global health issues. As such
students become accustomed to or develop a ‘fit to work’ portfolio
in international settings through their experience of recognising
constraints and viewpoints stemming from different factors such as
economics, ethics, and politics (Ali 2011 Lancet).
Given that environmental factors account for the development of a
majority of cancers it is essential that medical education incorporates
learning outcomes which teach students the importance of
safeguarding the environment through sustainable approaches.
Overseen by the Sustainable Healthcare Education (SHE) Network,
a number of universities have adapted their curriculum to promote
sustainability within the healthcare system (Centre for Sustainable
Healthcare). Learning materials on sustainability which can be
incorporated within the module is limited by the space within
its timetable. As such innovative learning model such as Flipped
Learning could help to accommodate for the shortage of classroom
time. In this format I would provide students with articles, lecture
videos and Powerpoint presentations on a wide variety of topics
ranging from climate change to the dependence of health on
environment. The aim here is for students to ‘first gain exposure’
to material outside of class, thus requiring minimal contact time.