FAIMER Mourns the Loss of Alwyn Louw

Author J DrendallPosted on Categories FAIMER faculty, FellowsTags ,

We are saddened to share that Dr. Alwyn Louw, a beloved faculty member of the Sub-Saharan Africa-FAIMER Regional Institute (SAFRI) and 2008 Fellow, passed away suddenly on October 26, 2020.

Alwyn was a member of SAFRI’s very first class, beginning his fellowship in Cape Town, South Africa in February 2008. He began serving as faculty in 2010 after completing his fellowship and has been instrumental in the program’s success over the past 10 years. His SAFRI colleagues describe him as “reliable and dependable with a quiet yet gentle strength,” and say that he served as a mentor for Fellows and faculty alike. Alwyn was also a longstanding faculty member at Stellenbosch University, serving most recently as Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences based in its Centre for Health Professions Education.

Alwyn will be deeply missed by the FAIMER family. We send our heartfelt condolences to our SAFRI colleagues, his family and friends, and the many others whose lives he touched.

BMC Medical Education Publishes Special Supplement Edition on Accreditation of Health Professions Education

Author J DrendallPosted on Categories accreditation, FAIMER staff, publicationsTags , ,

In 2012, the International Health Professions Accreditation Outcomes Consortium (IHPAOC) was founded to advance our global understanding of health professions education (HPE) accreditation and create a community of practice across the education and training continuum. IHPAOC members from around the world held two summit meetings and conducted a collaborative process to identify priority topics and build a research agenda, resulting in a special supplement publication in BMC Medical Education, titled “Current themes and challenges facing HPE accreditation in the 21st century.” FAIMER Research Scientist Marta van Zanten is a member of IHPAOC and contributed as a co-author on three of these papers.

The first paper, The role of accreditation in 21st century health professions education: report of an International Consensus Group by Jason R. Frank, Sarah Taber, Marta van Zanten, Fedde Scheele, and Danielle Blouin, examines the purpose of accreditation and return on investment, and defines 10 fundamental and recurring elements of accreditation systems commonly found in HPE.

The second paper, A “fit for purpose” framework for medical education accreditation system design by Sarah Taber, Nesibe Akdemir, Lisa Gorman, Marta van Zanten, and Jason R. Frank, describes the various design elements used in accreditation processes across the education and training continuum.

The third paper, Effective accreditation in postgraduate medical education: from process to outcomes and back by Glen Bandiera, Jason Frank, Fedde Scheele, Jolanta Karpinski, and Ingrid Philibert, argues for an emphasis on outcomes-based accreditation systems.

The fourth paper, Evaluation of continuous quality improvement in accreditation for medical education by Nesibe Akdemir, Linda N. Peterson, Craig M. Campbell, and Fedde Scheele, examines the role of continuous quality improvement and develops a core values framework for accreditation.

The last paper, Responsiveness to societal needs in postgraduate medical education: the role of accreditation by Ingrid Philibert and Danielle Blouin, describes four priorities to enhance the societal responsiveness of HPE, and identifies approaches at the system, institution, program, and individual levels using accreditation as a lever for change.

ECFMG|FAIMER Has Updated Its Privacy Notice

Author tfarnellPosted on Categories General

ECFMG|FAIMER has updated its Privacy Notice. We made these changes, which are effective August 28, 2020, to help ensure that our Notice aligns with evolving privacy regulations and our privacy practices.

You can access our revised Privacy Notice at https://www.ecfmg.org/annc/privacy.html.

Your continued use of ECFMG|FAIMER programs and services, including websites and mobile apps, following the posting of changes will mean that you accept the changes.

We look forward to continuing to be of service and to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information.

ECFMG|FAIMER Research Finds Drop in Interest From Muslim-Majority Country Physicians

Author J DrendallPosted on Categories publications, researchTags , ,

Applications for ECFMG Certification from citizens of Muslim-majority countries have decreased since 2016 which could exacerbate gaps in the U.S. physician workforce, according to an article co-authored by ECFMG|FAIMER executives and published July 6 in the JAMA Network Open, an on-line publication of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The article, Prevalence of International Medical Graduates from Muslim-Majority Nations in the U.S. Physician Workforce from 2009 to 2019, was authored by John Boulet, PhD, Vice President for Research and Data Resources for ECFMG|FAIMER; William W. Pinsky, MD, President and CEO of ECFMG|FAIMER; and Robbert J. Duvivier, MD, PhD of the Parnassia Psychiatric Institute in The Hague, Netherlands.

According to the article, citizens from Muslim-majority nations made up 4.5 percent of the U.S. physician workforce in 2019. Applications for ECFMG Certification from citizens of these countries increased from 2009 to 2015 but decreased considerably from 2016 to 2018, especially for citizens of Pakistan, Egypt, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

The article has generated significant coverage in the news media internationally, including articles in The Arab Weekly, Arabian Business, Free Malaysia Today, and The Daily Mail to name a few.

Global Webinar Series Presented by MAHE-FAIMER and ASU-MENA-FAIMER Regional Institutes

Author J DrendallPosted on Categories Regional InstitutesTags , ,

A collaborative global webinar series is currently being offered by the MAHE-FAIMER International Institute for Leadership in Interprofessional Education in India and the Ain Shams University-Middle East North Africa-FAIMER Regional Institute (ASU-MENA-FRI) in Egypt. The webinars are free of charge and are facilitated by the Directors and faculty of the MAHE-FAIMER and ASU-MENA-FAIMER Regional Institutes. Upcoming webinars include:

Online Assessment of Clinical Competence: Approaches and Methods
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 (2:00 pm CLT, 5:30 pm IST)
Presented by Mohammed Hany Shehata
Professor of Family Medicine, Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain
Core Faculty, ASU-MENA-FAIMER Regional Institute, Egypt

Interprofessional Collaboration during COVID Time
Wednesday, May 20, 2020 (4:00 pm CLT, 7:30 pm IST)
Presented by John HV Gilbert
Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia, Canada
Dr. TMA Pai Chair in Interprofessional Education, MAHE, India

Handling Volume, Variety and Veracity of Data – COVID-19 as Context
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 (2:00 pm CLT, 5:30 pm IST)
Presented by Seena Biju
Dean, School of Management and Business, Manipal International University, Malaysia
Core Faculty, MAHE-FAIMER Regional Institute, India

Teaching during Turbulence: Changing Paradigms in Faculty Development
Saturday, May 30, 2020 (4:00 pm CLT, 7:30 pm IST)
Presented by Ciraj AM
Director, MAHE-FAIMER Regional Institute, India
Chair, Indian Interprofessional Education Network (IndIPEN)
Secretary, Academy of Health Professions Educators (AHPE), India

To register for a webinar, click here.

2020 FAIMER Institute Fellows

Author J DrendallPosted on Categories FAIMER Institute, FellowsTags

The residential session of the 2020 FAIMER Institute that was scheduled to begin on March 8 in Philadelphia has been postponed due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. The 2020 FAIMER Institute program will now be offered online and will launch in July. The 2020 FAIMER Institute Fellows are:

Hany Salem Mohamed Atwa, M.B.Ch.B., M.H.P.E., Ph.D., Suez Canal University, Egypt

Nancy de los Angeles Segura Azuara, M.D., Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Campus Monterrey, Mexico

Mobolanle Rasheedat Balogun, M.B.B.S., M.P.H., University of Lagos, Nigeria

Lalem Menber Belay, B.Sc., M.P.H., Jhpiego, Ethiopia

Shalote Rudo Chipamaunga, B.Sc., M.Ed., Ph.D., R.N., University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe

Derrick Tembi Efie, M.D., University of Dschang, Cameroon

Sadia Fatima, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., Aga Khan University, Pakistan

Wonde Shewatatek Gedamu, B.Sc., M.H.P.E., M.Sc., Jimma University, Ethiopia

Fentaye Mintwab Gelagay, B.Sc., M.P.H., Jhpiego, Ethiopia

Mehmet Gokhan Gonenli, M.D., Koç University, Turkey

Eduardo Jorge Sant Ana Honorato, B.Sc., Ph.D., Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Brazil

Andriana Malska, M.D., Ph.D., Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Ukraine

Amooti Patience Muwanguzi, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., Makerere University, Uganda

Richard Nduwayezu, M.B.B.S., M.Sc., University of Rwanda, Rwanda

Ahsan Sethi, M.Med., M.P.H., Ph.D., Khyber Medical University, Pakistan

Ha Minh Thuy, M.D., Vingroup University Project, Vietnam

Zhijie Wei, M.Med., Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, China

Dalia Ahmed Yousef, M.B.B.S., M.Sc., Ain Shams University, Egypt

2020 Application for the FAIMER-Keele Distance Learning Program Is Now Open

Author J DrendallPosted on Categories applications, distance learningTags

FAIMER is now accepting 2020 applications for the FAIMER-Keele Distance Learning program. The deadline for application is August 10, 2020, and course work will begin on September 21, 2020.

Now in its eighth year, the program is conducted in partnership with Keele University and The Centre for Medical Education in Context (CenMEDIC) in the United Kingdom. Courses are administered by CenMEDIC and follow the quality assurance guidelines and policies of Keele.

What makes the FAIMER-Keele program unique is its focus on accreditation and assessment. Participants are able to earn a Certificate, Diploma, or Master’s Degree in Health Professions Education (MHPE): Accreditation and Assessment. The program aims to empower health professions educators with the knowledge and skills to take educational standards and practice to a higher level—to develop their own practice, to improve health professions education at their institutions and in their communities, and ultimately to help bring about real and lasting advances in local health care. The guidance and expertise of Course Directors Janet Grant, Ph.D., Director of CenMEDIC and Emerita Professor of Education in Medicine at The Open University, and John Boulet, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Data Resources of FAIMER, help participants stay connected and engaged.

The FAIMER-Keele Certificate and Diploma programs are conducted as fully supported distance learning using downloaded modules, podcasts, library work, and moderated discussion forums. The Master’s Degree also includes a brief residential session and a dissertation.

Program features include:

  • Training and mentoring from international experts in health professions education
  • A flexible learning format, which allows busy working professionals to learn new skills and advance their careers while continuing to practice in their current positions
  • Planning developments in assessment, quality, and curriculum that are contextually relevant
  • A focus on accreditation and assessment, in which international standards, accreditation processes, quality assurance, and monitoring are integrated into study

Detailed information on the registration process, eligibility requirements, and tuition and fees can be found on the program’s website.

Questions regarding the program may be directed to distancelearning@faimer.org.

Registration Is Now Open for FAIMER’s 2020 Global Health Matters Forum: Connecting Healers and Makers

Author J DrendallPosted on Categories Global Health MattersTags ,

FAIMER’s annual Global Health Matters forum will take place virtually on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 from 8:30 to 11:30 am Eastern Standard Time (UTC – 4). The theme of the 2020 forum is Connecting Healers and Makers. Registration is now open  for virtual participation.

This year a global community of makers, visual and performing artists, and designers will join health professions educators online for a day of rich learning and dialogue. By the end of the forum, participants will be able to:

  • Define the processes related to concepts of creativity.
  • Identify skills and education opportunities that health practitioners can gain from the arts.
  • Identify skills and education opportunities that practitioners in the arts can gain from health practitioners.
  • Apply concepts of creativity to innovation and the healing arts.

Online participants will have access to the live streamed session and moderators will incorporate virtual participants’ input into plenary discussions. Having at least one other person participate with you will enhance the experience considerably, and small groups of four to six face-to-face participants are ideal. Virtual groups of global participants will also be formed.

Click here to register.

Questions about Global Health Matters may be directed to Jennifer Yerkov at jyerkov@faimer.org.

Apply Now for the 2020 Student Projects for Health Competition

Author J DrendallPosted on Categories competitions, Student Projects for HealthTags , , ,

Applications are now open for the 2020 Student Projects for Health competition! The Student Projects for Health competition recognizes students who have made outstanding contributions to projects that successfully promote community health and well-being. Launched in 2015, the competition is now supported by  FAIMER, The Network: Towards Unity for Health (TUFH), the Student Network Organization (SNO), and GEMx as part of the annual conference of The Network: TUFH. It is open to all undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in any course of study who have been participating in such projects. Winners are sponsored by FAIMER to attend the conference; sponsorship includes air travel, hostel accommodation, and conference registration fee.

Student Projects for Health winners will:

  • Write about their projects in the TUFH Online Community
  • Write a blog every two months about their projects for one year in the TUFH Online Community
  • Give a five-minute presentation on their projects during an Oral Presentation Session at TUFH 2020 using posters for visual effect
  • Receive their awards at the ECFMG/FAIMER Cocktail Reception at TUFH 2020
  • Provide follow-up feedback on their projects for three years

Applicants will need to provide the following information:

  • SNO Membership certificate
  • Copy of student ID
  • Profile picture
  • Picture of the project
  • A one-minute video with pictures and/or video from the project (you must provide URL to view)
  • Letter of recommendation from the academic supervisor of the project/professor/the dean
  • Motivation Letter: Why should you receive this award?, What makes you stand out from other health sciences students?, How does your project impact your community?

Applications will be judged on the degree of the applicant’s participation and their contribution to project innovation/sustainability/measurement/diffusion.

Winners of the 2020 Student Projects for Health competition will be fully sponsored to attend and present their projects at the 2020 conference of The Network: TUFH, to be held September 22-25, 2020, in Mexico City, Mexico. Full sponsorship includes fully paid registration fee, hostel accommodation, and economy travel. Winners must agree to abide by all local laws of the country and the terms of their visas to Mexico.

The deadline for application is February 15, 2020. Winners will be announced on March 1, 2020.

Please visit https://tufh2020.com/spfh/ for more information or to apply.

Apply Now for The Network: Towards Unity for Health (TUFH) 2020 Student Network Organization (SNO) Exchange

Author J DrendallPosted on Categories applications, The Network: TUFHTags , , , ,

The Network: Towards Unity for Health (TUFH) and the Student Network Organization (SNO) are now accepting applications for the 2020 SNO Exchange!

Since 2017, The Network: TUFH and SNO have been providing SNO students with an opportunity to apply for an exchange program at the annual Network: TUFH conference co-hosting university. The exchange program provides, on average, two students with a chance to participate in health system placement in another country, and usually on another continent! The 2020 SNO Exchange is a collaboration between SNO, The Network: TUFH, and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM); and is powered by FAIMER and GEMx.

To be eligible, an applicant must be: a member of SNO or a student whose school is part of the GEMx networks; a current student in a health sciences program; and highly motivated to participate in this internship. Full commitment to the program is necessary to gain the most out of this opportunity. The winner(s) will receive: fully paid travel and accommodation for the duration of the exchange as well as during the 2020 Network: TUFH conference, to be held September 22-25, 2020, in Mexico City, Mexico; fully paid conference registration; and a health care department placement.

The 2020 SNO Exchange  will consist of two parts: digital collaboration and on-site visits. The group will work together on the analysis of a health system (for 2020, the Mexican Health System) from an interprofessional viewpoint. The digital collaboration will take place before the TUFH 2020 conference through video conference and email, and will last approximately six to seven months. Participants will work alongside tutors from the UNAM public health department, as well as UNAM students. After the digital collaboration portion of the program, students will visit Mexico to spend two and a half weeks learning about the function and organization of the Mexican Health System firsthand, through site visits and coursework.

For eligibility, application, and other information on the 2020 SNO Exchange, please visit https://tufh2020.com/faimer-sno-exchange/.

Questions regarding the 2020 SNO Exchange may be directed to: sno.network@thenetworktufh.org.

The deadline for application is February 15, 2020. Winners will be announced on March 1, 2020.