Photo by John Harrison Imagine that every swan observed in a particular region is white, leading to the belief that “all swans are white.” This conclusion appears reliable until the unexpected discovery of a black swan, which disproves this assumption. This example demonstrates a fundamental principle of hypothesis testing: science is often less about proving…
Impact Over Output in Education and Research
In the modern landscape of education and community engagement, success has long been measured by outputs—metrics like the number of publications, course completions, or participants reached. While these indicators of process are essential, they often offer only a superficial view of the real-world change that such efforts can achieve. True impact extends beyond these processes,…
Expanding Flexibility in Malaysia’s Medical Specialist Training
The evolving demands on healthcare systems worldwide have highlighted the need for direct-care physicians to adopt educational roles. A recent JAMA article by Sweigart, Watson, and Burger (2024) emphasises this trend, explaining that more physicians are being called upon to act as educators as training expands to new healthcare settings. This development is particularly relevant…
Lonely
Reluctant I stood, thrust into this place,Not chosen by will, yet I embrace the grace,A weight I carry, solemn and true,Guided by purpose, though unsure of the view. Time fades to whispers, deadlines blur,I heed no pressure from titles that stir,If power deems me fit to leave,Indifference shields what I believe. Climbing the curve, each…
Cultivating Planetary Health in Medical Education for a Sustainable Future
Introduction The MBBS programme is designed to produce doctors who are competent, compassionate, and safe. This aim extends beyond technical proficiency to cultivate healthcare professionals who are ethically driven, empathetic, and dedicated to the wellbeing of both their patients and society at large. As the world faces increasingly complex health challenges due to environmental crises,…
E-cigarettes as a Harm Reduction Strategy
Introduction Amid growing concerns about long-term health impacts and youth uptake, over 33 countries, including Brazil, India, and Singapore, have instituted complete bans on e-cigarettes and vaping products. These bans underscore health concerns, especially regarding potential harms and unknown long-term effects (Ecigator, 2024; Statista, 2024; Global Issues, 2024). In contrast, around 87 nations regulate vaping…
Recalibrating Careers in Medical Education: A Call for Change in Appraisal and Promotion Systems
The role of a medical educator or clinical lecturer goes beyond disseminating knowledge; it embodies the spirit of mentorship, guidance, and the holistic development of future healthcare professionals. However, the current landscape in medical education appraisal and promotion systems appears to shift this focus, often prioritising individual achievements over collective institutional goals. This article argues…
Adapting Medical Education to Generational Differences: A Call for Systemic Change
Medical education is transforming significantly due to generational shifts in learners’ expectations, learning styles, and demands. With the rise of Millennials, Generation Z, and the emerging Generation Alpha, traditional approaches in medical training are being challenged. The educational system and teaching methods must evolve to ensure that medical education continues to produce competent physicians who…
Incorporating Sejahtera and Planetary Health into Higher Education Curricula: A Path to Sustainable Global Well-being
The rise of planetary health as an essential framework for addressing the intersecting challenges of human and environmental health has created a need for clarity. However, it is often confused with other important global frameworks, including global health, sustainable development goals (SDGs), Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), environmental health, and One Health. Each of these…
Are University Rankings Fair? A Reflection on the “Ranking Game”
University rankings have become a dominant force in shaping perceptions of academic quality, and influencing decisions from students, governments, and funding bodies. Global rankings, such as Times Higher Education (THE), QS World University Rankings, and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), offer a comparative tool for evaluating universities across a range of criteria. However, growing…