The 1st AMSN OBGYN Networking Conference

On October 1st, 2024, the ASEAN Medical School Network (AMSN) hosted the 1st OBGYN Networking Conference online, bringing together experts from across the region to share insights and advancements in obstetrics and gynecology. The event featured a series of presentations that highlighted the latest research and clinical updates:

  • Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor Management
    Presented by Phan Thanh Thuy NGO, M.D., Thai Giang NGUYEN, M.D., and Prof. Sy Hung HO, M.D., from Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam.
  • Preterm Birth: Management Update
    Presented by Prof. Vallikannu Narayanan, University Malaya, Malaysia.
  • Simulation in OBG or Pre-Eclampsia Management
    Presented by Prof. Maria Julieta Germar, University of Philippines, Philippines.
  • Fetal Therapy
    Presented by Assoc.Prof. Nisarat Yamaphai, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand.

This collaborative event allowed AMSN partners to exchange knowledge and foster stronger connections, advancing the field of OBGYN across ASEAN.

14th AMDS and 10th AMSN Student Chapter Forum in the Philippines 

The 14th ASEAN Medical Deans’ Summit (AMDS), hosted by the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, convened on June 12-14, 2024, under the theme “Revolutionizing Medical Education for the Next Generation.” This pivotal event provided a platform for medical educators and administrators from across the ASEAN region to discuss innovative strategies and best practices in medical education.

Opening Ceremonies and Plenary Sessions

The summit commenced with welcome remarks from esteemed dignitaries, followed by a series of plenary sessions addressing critical areas in medical education.

  • Plenary 1: Strategies in Simulation-based Medical Education explored the use of cutting-edge simulation technologies to create immersive training environments for medical students. Experts from the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia shared successful case studies and valuable insights.
  • Plenary 2: Recruitment, Retention and Revitalization of Faculty focused on strategies to attract, retain, and support a robust faculty body. Participants from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia exchanged experiences and explored frameworks for fostering a nurturing and development-oriented faculty culture.
  • Plenary 3: Evaluation Strategies and Controversies examined various assessment tools and methodologies for ensuring the competence of medical graduates. Representatives from the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia discussed the strengths, limitations, and potential for integrating these tools into existing curricula.
  • Plenary 4: Social Accountability of Medical Education emphasized the responsibility of medical schools to address the health needs of their communities. Experts from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore offered insightful perspectives on aligning educational objectives with societal health priorities and the impact of medical education on issues like global warming.

Interactive Workshops and Focused Discussions

The summit facilitated interactive workshops where members of the ASEAN Medical School Network (AMSN) engaged in discussions on the core themes of the conference. These discussions centered on:

  • Simulation-Based Medical Education: Further exploration of innovative approaches and best practices.
  • Faculty Development: Sharing experiences and best practices for faculty recruitment, retention, and development.
  • Evaluation Tools: Examining the integration of various assessment tools and methodologies into existing curricula.
  • Social Accountability Evaluation: Developing frameworks to evaluate the social accountability of medical schools and ensure alignment with societal health needs.
  • Adapting Digital Technology: Integrating digital tools and platforms into teaching and learning, addressing both benefits and challenges.
  • Next Generation Challenges: Adapting teaching methods to the unique learning styles and expectations of Generation Z medical students.
  • Curriculum Harmonization: Efforts to ensure consistency and quality across ASEAN medical education programs while respecting regional and cultural differences.
  • Research Collaboration: Fostering collaboration between ASEAN medical schools to advance medical knowledge and improve healthcare outcomes.

The workshops concluded with a summation highlighting the valuable presentations and discussions that will enhance AMSN member institutions. Closing remarks emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge exchange in driving innovation and excellence in medical education.

Concurrent ASEAN Medical School Network Student Chapter Forum

Complementing the AMDS, the 10th AMSN Student Chapter Forum provided a platform for students from across ASEAN countries to engage under the theme “Advancing Medical Practice Through Integrated Collaboration and Progressive Learning.” Key sessions included:

  • Promoting Collaboration by Transcending Professional Silos: Emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in medical practice and exploring ways to foster teamwork among healthcare professionals.
  • Enhancing Clinical Learning Through Digital Technology: Focusing on innovative ways to incorporate digital tools into clinical training.
  • Achieving Team Culture by Challenging Hierarchy: Exploring strategies for creating inclusive and collaborative team environments by challenging traditional hierarchical structures.
  • Presentation on Action Plans: Providing a platform for students to showcase innovative ideas and projects developed during the forum, aimed at advancing medical education and practice.

These sessions fostered knowledge sharing, collaboration, and progressive learning among future healthcare leaders in the ASEAN region.

A Significant Milestone

The 14th AMDS and 10th AMSN Student Chapter Forum served as a significant milestone in the ongoing pursuit of revolutionizing medical education for the next generation. By bringing together educators, administrators, and students from across ASEAN, the summit and forum facilitated the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions. The collective discussions and activities highlighted the shared commitment to excellence in medical education and the collaborative effort to address the evolving challenges in healthcare. As participants returned to their institutions, they carried with them new insights, ideas, and connections that will shape the future of medical education in their respective countries.

14th ASEAN Medical Deans’ Summit

University of the Philippines College of Medicine

“REVOLUTIONIZING
MEDICAL EDUCATION FOR THE NEXT GENERATION”

14th AMDS

The 13th ASEAN Medical Deans’ Summit & the 9th ASEAN Medical School Network: Student Chapter

“13th ASEAN MEDICAL DEANS’ SUMMIT 2024 – Personalizing Medical Education for a Healthier World” held between February 5th – 6th, 2024, hosted by the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. The event served as a platform for discussing the latest advancements and challenges in medical education, sharing best practices, and collaborating on regional initiatives to improve health outcomes.


The two-day summit featured two insightful sessions:
Day 1: February 5th, 2024:
The ASEAN Medical Deans’ Summit commenced with an opening remark by Prof. Charlotte Chiong, President of the ASEAN Medical School Network, and a speech from Clin. Prof. Artit Ungkanont, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, then followed by the 9th ASEAN Medical School Network Board Meeting & Student Chapter.
Day 2: February 6th, 2024:
The ASEAN Medical School Network Sub-Committee Meeting moderated by Prof. Charlotte Chiong, President of the ASEAN Medical School Network from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, the session covered essential topics as follows:
Agenda 1: “A.I. in Radiology” by Assoc. Prof. Trongtham Tongdee, Chairman of the Department of Radiology Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.
Agenda 2: “The Road to Sustainable Medicine and Net Zero Healthcare” by Prof. Nick WATTS, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Medicine, National University of Singapore.
Agenda 3: “Essential Research for Nation Building and Health Policy Development” by Prof. Charlotte Chiong from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine.
Agenda 4: “Accreditation of Medical Schools in the Philippines” by Dr. Coralie Therese D. Dimacali, Associate Dean for Academic Development from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine.
Agenda 5: “Harmonisation of Curricula Across ASEAN: Education without Borders” by Prof. Dr. April Camilla Roslani, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
Agenda 6: “Do Admission Scores into Medical School Predict Academic Performance in Medical Students?” by Dr. Hjh Fazean Irdayati Binti Hj Idris from the Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
Simultaneously, the “9th ASEAN Medical School Network (AMSN) Student Chapter” engaged medical students from ASEAN countries in poster/abstract presentations, international discussions/student networking, and presentations/discussions in the field of medicine. Mr. Khemmawit Siriwong, a medical student from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, delivered a presentation on the topic “Medical Student Leadership in Global Health Policy Making.”

Empowering Medical Education: Highlights from the 12th ASEAN Medical Deans’ Summit and 8th ASEAN Medical School Network Student Chapter

On July 28th, 2023 – The ASEAN Medical Deans’ Summit commenced with an opening remark by Prof. Chong Yap Seng, President of ASEAN Medical School Network, and a speech from Prof. Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaya.

Themed “Towards the Development of Future-Ready ASEAN Health Professionals,” the four-day summit featured four insightful sessions:

Session 1: Preparing Graduates for Practice

Moderated by Prof. Charlotte Chiong, Dean of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, the session covered essential topics:

Yang Faridah from Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, discussed “Competency-based Medical Education and Standards.”
Prof. Lau Tang Ching, Vice Dean of Education at NUSMed, Singapore, emphasized the importance of “Healthcare Common Curriculum for Interprofessional Education.”
Prof. Tripop Lertbunnaphong, Deputy Dean of Undergraduate Education at Mahidol, highlighted “Non-Compensatory Based Assessment and Pi Shape Medical Curriculum.”
Session 2: Coaching in Learner-Centered Medical Education

Assoc. Prof. Marion Aw, Vice Dean at the Office of Student Affairs, NUSMed, expertly moderated this session featuring esteemed speakers:

Shahrul Bahyah, Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Studies at Universiti Malaya, discussed “Refining role of trainers in the postgraduate clinical program”
Prof. Dionne Sacdalan from the Philippine General Hospital offered valuable perspectives on “Supporting the postgraduate trainees during the COVID–19 pandemic: The Philippine General Hospital experience”
Dwiana Ocviyanti, Vice Dean at Universitas Indonesia
Khin Aung Htun, Rector of Defense Services Medical Academy, Yangon, added his expertise to the discussion.
Session 3: Best Practices in Assessments

Asst. Prof. Kanokwaroon Watananirun, Assistant Dean for Corporate Communication and International Relations moderated this crucial session.

Session 4: Harmonization of Curricula Across ASEAN: Education Without Borders

Assoc. Prof. Prapat Wanitpongpan, Deputy Dean for Corporate Communication and International Relations, skillfully led this session, which included a “Strategic Approaches to Achievement” workshop covering the following topics:

Hong Wei Han, from the Medical Education & Research Development Unit at UM, elaborated on the ASEAN graduate profile.
Ari Fahrial Syam, Dean of Universitas Indonesia, delved into ASEAN Collaborative Learning.
Discussions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) were explored.
Dujeepa Samarasekera, Senior Director at the Centre for Medical Education, NUSMed, discussed ASEAN Faculty Development (NUS).

Simultaneously, the ASEAN Medical School Network (AMSN) Student Chapter, with the theme “Comprehensive Assessment for Future-ready Medical Practitioners,” engaged students from ASEAN countries in exploring three sub-themes:

Authentic Assessments (WPBA): Focusing on evaluating clinical competencies through workplace-based assessments.
Assessment of Professionalism: Ethical practices and behaviour as future doctors and students were evaluated.
Simulation-Based Assessments: Students honed technical and non-technical skills through lifelike scenarios and OSCE.
On July 28th, 2023 student representatives from student dialogue also presented in the AMSN Student Dialogue with the moderator, Prof. Dr. Muhamad Yazid Jalaluddin.

The summit and student chapter event provided an invaluable platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among medical professionals and students, fostering a promising future for ASEAN’s healthcare sector.

The 11th ASEAN MEDICAL DEANS’ SUMMIT 2022

On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Assoc. Prof. Prapat Wanitpongpan, Deputy Dean for Corporate Communication and International Relations, along with Assoc. Prof. Tripop Lertbunnaphong, Deputy Dean for Undergraduate Education, and Prof. Aasis Unnanuntana, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs, attended the “11th ASEAN MEDICAL DEANS’ SUMMIT 2022″ between December 8th – 9th, 2022, hosted by the University Health Sciences, Vientiane, Lao PDR. The details of the Summit are shown as follows:

On December 9th, 2022, the ASEAN Medical Deans’ Summit start with an opening remark by the President of ASEAN Medical Schools Network, Prof. Chong Yap Seng, Dean of the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, and the discussions on 4 themes: “Competency-Based Medical Education in ASEAN”, “Inter-Professional Education in ASEAN”“Integrated Undergraduate Medical Curriculum in ASEAN”, and “Harmonization of Undergraduate Medical Curriculum in ASEAN”, including “the ASEAN Medical Schools Network Student Dialogue”.

The next session is the 7th ASEAN Medical Schools Network Board Meeting chaired by the President of ASEAN Medical School Network, Prof. Chong Yap Seng, Dean of NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and the discussions continued on 5 agendas as follows:
Agenda 1: Approval of previous meeting minutes.
Agenda 2: ASEAN Research Collaborative Fund Committee.
Agenda 3: Future AMDS Meetings.
Agenda 4: Hand-Over of AMSN Presidency to University of Philippines College of Medicine.
Agenda 5: OTHER MATTERS.

1st ASEAN Medical Deans’ Summit

On September 17 – 19, 2012, the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital at Mahidol University organized “The 1st ASEAN Deans’ Summit-Connecting ASEAN medical schools as one community.” Representatives from ten countries – Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Brunei – participated in the event. Clinical Professor Udom Kachintorn, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, presided over the signing ceremony of the “Declaration of the Southeast Asian Medical Schools Initiative,” in which Deans and Rectors from the ASEAN countries agreed to participate in this important initiative. The primary goal is to establish and reinforce a network of collaborations among all participating medical schools in the region, encouraging exchanges in human resources, provisions of medical infrastructures, sharing of research data, and health systems. The overarching aim is to contribute to the betterment of the ASEAN community as a whole. The next ASEAN Deans’ summit is scheduled to take place in Malaysia in 2013, as proposed by Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Malaya.