A research project conducted as part of the IMU University chiropractic programme has received international acclaim for shedding light on burnout among chiropractic students and educators. Under the guidance of Wong Yi Kai, the Principal Investigator and main supervisor, alumni Leslie Ryan Raj and Chan Kenn Yung Evan explored the nuances of burnout among chiropractic students and educators. Their outstanding work earned them tied second place in the prestigious CERF-WFC Alan Adams Education Research Awards at the 12th World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) Global Education Conference held in Malaysia.
The award-winning research comprised two studies focusing on burnout within the chiropractic educational environment.
Motivated to enhance well-being in educational settings, the team aimed to contribute valuable insights that impact healthcare education globally.
Leslie shared, “Burnout is a condition that can affect anyone, including students. We wanted to contribute research within an Asian context in chiropractic education to better support students in their academic and personal growth.”
Evan added, “Our research allowed us to understand burnout as a spectrum of experiences. This helps in recognizing signs early and promoting well-being among students and educators.”
Throughout their research journey, Leslie and Evan were supported by IMU’s emphasis on holistic education and student well-being. The university’s nurturing environment facilitated their exploration into burnout, reflecting IMU’s commitment to proactive mental health support.
“It’s an honor to have our research acknowledged with such a prestigious award,” Evan expressed. “This recognition underscores the importance of mental and emotional well-being in education.”
Leslie remarked, “We hope our research will inspire positive changes that benefit students and educators alike. By addressing burnout, we can enhance the educational experience and contribute to developing compassionate healthcare professionals.”
Yi Kai praised his former students, stating, “Leslie and Evan have made significant contributions to chiropractic education. Their achievements reflect the quality of education at IMU and our commitment to fostering research that makes a real difference.”
Janice Chan, Director of the School of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, commented, “We are extremely proud of Leslie, Evan, and Yi Kai for this remarkable accomplishment. Their work embodies IMU’s values and significantly enhances our understanding of well-being in educational settings.”
This prestigious award highlights the importance of addressing mental health in education and showcases IMU’s supportive and innovative educational environment. The university looks forward to building on this success and continuing to lead in healthcare education and research.
