Anatomy education in the integrated curriculum of Malaysian Universities has undergone a transformative shift, and apart from being integrated with other disciplines in the medical and health sciences program, it serves as a bridge for interprofessional collaboration among students and faculty from diverse healthcare disciplines. With the increase in zoonotic diseases and changing ecological dynamics, there is a growing recognition of the need to incorporate One Health and comparative medicine into medical education. The One Health approach in medical education crosses trans-disciplinary boundaries while embracing applied anatomical concepts and comparative approaches. This leads to a comprehensive understanding of health and disease from basic sciences to applied pathology. Interdisciplinary programs such as Elective and Clinical Anatomy programs have been introduced in the Universities, with teaching and learning from surgeons, radiologists, forensics, and others. Through collaborative learning experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of the anatomical structures and functions, fostering a comprehensive perspective essential for addressing complex medical diseases. Innovative integrated e-learning technologies offer effective tools to host joint One Health stakeholder interactions within conducive collaborative spaces to facilitate collaborative networks.
This symposium explores the interprofessional teaching of anatomy with innovative pedagogical approaches, integration of comparative anatomy within human medical training and utilization of a technology-based E-Learning Anatomy Lab to enable professional competencies for veterinary and healthcare personnel.
Interprofessional and Innovation in Anatomy Teaching within One Health Framework
Choy Ker Woon (Malaysia)
In recent years, the intersection of interprofessional collaboration and innovative teaching methodologies has become increasingly pertinent in the field of anatomical education, especially within the context of One Health initiatives. This abstract presents an overview of the experiences and insights gained from the implementation of interprofessional and innovative approaches to anatomy teaching at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) within the framework of One Health. At UiTM, anatomy teaching has undergone a transformative shift, embracing interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative pedagogies to address the complexities of contemporary healthcare challenges. By integrating the principles of One Health, a holistic approach emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, UiTM has initiated novel strategies to enhance anatomical education. Central to UiTM's approach is the cultivation of interprofessional collaboration among students and faculty from diverse healthcare disciplines. Interdisciplinary program was introduced such as Elective program and Clinical Anatomy program with teaching and learning from surgeon, radiologist, forensic and others. Through collaborative learning experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of the anatomical structures and functions, fostering a comprehensive perspective essential for addressing complex medical diseases. Innovative pedagogy, such as Anatomy Clinic, Young Anatomist ExploRACE program, e-Anatomy kit and problem-based learning, have been integrated into the anatomy teaching and learning to promote active engagement and critical thinking among students. Our research showed that this innovative pedagogy provided students with immersive learning experiences that transcend traditional classroom boundaries. The UiTM experience underscores the transformative potential of interprofessional collaboration and innovation in anatomy teaching within the context of One Health. Anatomical education within the One Health paradigm, encouraging students to consider the broader implications of their professional roles in promoting health equity, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.
Bridging Medicine and Environment: Integrating Comparative Anatomy in Human Health
Nilesh Kumar Mitra (Malaysia)
The history of medicine underscores the profound influence of environmental factors on human health, a principle epitomized by Hippocrates, the father of medicine. Today, amidst the rise of zoonotic diseases and shifting ecological dynamics, there is a growing recognition to incorporate One Health and comparative medicine into medical education. This symposium presentation explores the integration of comparative anatomy within human medical training to elucidate complex anatomical variances and their clinical implications. Beyond its historical roots, the relevance of comparative anatomy is underscored by its practical applications. Animal models, such as the Charles Spaniel dogs, offer invaluable insights into human conditions like Arnold-Chiari malformation, shedding light on structural defects of the brain. Furthermore, the mechanical nuances of vertebral column function, notably between biped humans and quadruped mammals, highlight the importance of understanding species-specific adaptations and vulnerabilities. The biochemical disparities observed across species present unique clinical challenges. For instance, while chocolates pose no harm to humans, they can be toxic to dogs due to enzymatic differences, emphasizing the critical role of comparative anatomy in veterinary medicine and pet care. Human and cow nervous systems react differently to prion proteins, causing Mad Cow Disease or Bovine Encephalopathy in cows and Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease in humans. By embracing applied anatomical concepts and comparative approaches, medical education can cross disciplinary boundaries and foster a holistic understanding of health and disease. Through this symposium presentation, we delve into the potential of integrating comparative anatomy in human medicine, highlighting pathways towards enhanced clinical practice and ecological stewardship.
Utilisation of a Technology-based E-Learning Lab to Facilitate One Health Initiatives
Lakshmi Selvaratnam (Malaysia)
Although the development of One Health strategies in healthcare education linking human and animal health with their shared environment is recognized as imperative, approaching relevant health education and research from non-conventional perspectives can be fraught with challenges. In order to address complex issues such as zoonotic diseases and emerging infections, diverse viewpoints and skills must be engaged through interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral cooperation. Hence, innovative integrated technologies may offer effective tools to host joint One Health stakeholder meetings within conducive collaborative spaces to facilitate planning processes, build strong collaborative networks and enable frank discussions towards holistic solutions (Yopa et al., 2023). One such case study is highlighted involving the utilization of a technology-based E-Learning Anatomy Lab to conduct a stakeholder forum on zoonotic disease education, specifically on Brucellosis. Persistent and endemic to Malaysia and South-east Asia, eradication of Brucellosis, a bacterial zoonotic disease affecting humans and livestock, remains a serious challenge with associated economic losses (Franc et al, 2018). A stakeholder’s forum on Brucellosis was carried out in our e-Learning Lab to determine the prevailing knowledge, attitudes and perception of experts and public stakeholders. Using the said facility, facilitator-led discussions were semi-structured and recorded, and later transcribed and thematically analysed. As key stakeholders were involved, this One Health initiative should be able to inform future veterinary and public health policy in the country and enable the development of fit-for-purpose professional competencies for veterinary and healthcare personnel, with a goal to eradicate Brucellosis. In our experience, utilising the Anatomy Lab involves a sociotechnical approach (Scott et al., 2023) wherein work practice involves a network of people, tools and a process of structured/ focused discussion and action generation in an enabling, conducive environment. In conclusion, having One Health approaches at the community/ national level requires such exemplars of cooperative and focused stakeholder engagement enabled by technology-backed infrastructure to advance effective ecosystem solutions.
In response to the growing recognition of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, the symposium "From Silos to Synergy: Enhancing Health Profession Education through One Health Curriculum Design" aims to explore innovative strategies for integrating One Health principles into health profession education. Experts in curriculum development, assessment, and interprofessional education will present insights and best practices, covering topics such as curriculum design, assessment methods for evaluating One Health competencies, and interprofessional collaboration. Through engaging presentations and interactive discussions, participants will gain practical knowledge and resources for redesigning health profession curricula to promote a holistic understanding of health and wellness. The symposium offers networking opportunities for educators, researchers, and practitioners interested in advancing One Health education in the health professions. This symposium promises an enriching event where delegates can learn how to redesign their teaching methods and prepare future healthcare professionals to tackle complex health issues from the One Health lens.
Breaking Down Barriers: Innovative Curriculum Design for One Health Integration
Mohamad Nurman Yaman (Malaysia)
This talk explores innovative approaches to curriculum design that facilitate the integration of One Health principles into health profession education. Drawing from the experience in curriculum development, this talk discusses strategies for breaking down disciplinary barriers and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among students and faculty. Through evidence and case studies, this talk highlights best practices for designing curricula that promote a holistic understanding of health and address the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Assessing One Health Competencies: Tools and Methods for Effective Evaluation
Rohini Karunakaran (Malaysia)
This talk focuses on the development and implementation of assessment tools and methods to evaluate students' understanding of One Health principles and their proficiency in applying these principles in practice. Various approaches to assessing One Health competencies, including written assessments, practical examinations, and performance-based evaluations will be discussed. This talk also shares insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with assessing interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in health profession education.
Building Bridges: Interprofessional Education and Collaboration in One Health
Lin Galvin Sim Siang (Malaysia)
This talk explores the importance of interprofessional education and collaboration in addressing complex health challenges through the One Health approach. Strategies for fostering collaboration between health professions and integrating interdisciplinary perspectives into educational programs will be discussed. Drawing from research and experience, this talk shares practical tips and recommendations for promoting teamwork, communication, and shared decision-making among healthcare professionals working in diverse settings.
IMU University,
No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19,
Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia