Dr. Salma Elnour, Associate Professor of Microbiology at Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, GMU, Ajman, UAE recently participated in the “Enhancing Education through Research Initiative” at Centre for Health Professions Education, Stellenbosch University – South Africa.
This event held from January 27 to 30, 2025, brought together educators and researchers from South Africa, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Botswana, Nigeria, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The initiative aimed to advance student learning experiences through evidence-based educational research.
Dr. Elnour presented her research project as part of the initiative, receiving feedback and guidance from world-renowned experts, including Professor Susan van Schalkwyk and Professor Elize Archer, the head of the institute.
This initiative facilitated rich discussions on educational innovation and fostered collaboration among international scholars working to enhance health professions education. Reflecting on the experience, Dr Elnour emphasized the need for continuous improvement in teaching practices and global collaboration in health education.
“This initiative highlights the importance of learning from each other, refining our approaches and ensuring that our teaching evolves to meet the needs of future healthcare professionals. By sharing common challenges and insights, we are building a global community with shared values and a collective commitment to excellence in education.” Dr. Elnour said.
Dr. Praveen, Dean, College of Health Sciences, GMU, drew attention to the transformative power of research and collaboration in shaping the future of health education.
“As educators, we must continuously seek innovation through research-driven insights and international partnerships. By fostering a culture of inquiry and knowledge exchange, we empower our faculty to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, equipping them with skills and mindset to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare. True progress lies in embracing collaboration beyond borders ensuring that our students receive a world-class education rooted in excellence, adaptability and a shared vision for a healthier future.”
Participating in events like this reinforces the importance Gulf Medical University places on research-driven strategies in shaping the future of health education, reinforcing the value of collaboration across borders to elevate student learning experiences worldwide.