Health Professions Education Symposium attendees.CHS’s Annual Teaching and Learning Symposium Rebranded to Spotlight Collaborative Professional Education and Practice
Click here for isiZulu version
In a momentous event marked by insightful discussions and ground-breaking presentations, Professor Sinegugu Duma, the Dean of Teaching and Learning at the College of Health Sciences (CHS), hosted the recently rebranded Health Professions Education (HPE) Symposium.
The symposium, attended by esteemed guests including Professor Busi Ncama, CHS Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thabo Msibi, UKZN Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, and Professor Veena Singaram, Head of a newly established Health Professional Education, centred around collaborative professional education and practice.
The symposium aligned seamlessly with the overarching goals of the UKZN Strategic Plan, particularly emphasising Excellence in Teaching and Learning and Excellence in the Student Experience. A highlight of the event was the enlightening keynote address by guest speaker, Professor Champion Nyoni from the University of the Free State, who shared insights into the latest developments in interprofessional education and practice.
Underlining the significance of the rebranding, Duma expressed, ‘After a long hiatus caused by COVID-19, we decided to resuscitate and rebrand our annual Teaching and Learning Symposium to CHS Annual Health Professions Education Symposium. There are numerous reasons for this rebranding.’
Duma elaborated on the choice of the new name, stating, ‘We wanted a name that signifies the work that we do in the College of Health Sciences, who we teach, how we teach, and where we teach, and more importantly, why we teach.’
The symposium featured six distinct categories, each shedding light on various aspects of health professions education. Sessions covered topics ranging from innovative teaching methods to interprofessional education, mentorship, wellness, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Session one, chaired by Dr Sipho Mkhize, focused on Innovation in Teaching, Learning and Assessment. Notable presentations included discussions on online pre-clinical skills training, the effectiveness of web-based learning tools, and the role of ChatGPT in health professions education.
The subsequent sessions delved into Interprofessional Education, Mentorship and Wellness, and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, with experts presenting research and findings that promise to shape the future of health professions education.
Dr Deanne Johnston chaired the final session on Postgraduate Health Professions Education.
Duma expressed her gratitude to the Symposium Organising Committee led by Singaram, acknowledging their efforts in curating an exciting and informative programme. She also extended her gratitude to all speakers, emphasising the importance of their contributions to advancing health professions education.
The symposium stands as a testament to the College of Health Sciences’ commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching and learning, setting a benchmark for future endeavours in the field.
The symposium ended on a high note with Ncama promising that the College will launch the Health Professions Education Unit in 2024.
Words and photograph: Nombuso Dlamini