NUMed students have the opportunity to study at the UK campus, where they are able to gain a more global perspective.
As the global healthcare landscape grows more complex, the demand for skilled leaders who can innovate, collaborate and advocate for change is on a rise. Healthcare leadership requires the ability to inspire and empower others in environments that can be high-pressure, fast-paced and emotionally charged.
At Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), leadership development is woven into every aspect of students’ medical education journey. From hands-on learning opportunities to mentorship and a culture that encourages inclusivity, the university is committed to developing healthcare leaders who are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
According to NUMed academic affairs dean and education director Prof Dr Joanna Matthan, “In healthcare, effective leadership can make a life-changing difference. All doctors are leaders and so, during their training, it is imperative that we emphasise the importance of compassionate leadership and expose our future doctors to different scenarios in which they may find themselves taking a lead role.
“At NUMed, we do employ innovative teaching models to encourage this throughout their time with us, but by far, the most impactful way of teaching this variable skill is through effective role-modelling from their senior peers, clinical and academic staff and through the various policies in place for their well-being and growth.”
Simulation-based learning, for example, allows students to immerse themselves in real-world medical scenarios, where they can practice and refine their clinical skills in a safe, controlled environment. This also strengthens decision-making skills as students are required to think quickly and effectively under pressure.
“Methods like flipped classrooms, where students review lectures and materials before class and engage in active, collaborative learning during class, are also crucial in encouraging students to take ownership of their learning while honing their communication and teamwork skills,” added Prof Matthan.
As an international branch campus of Newcastle University, UK, NUMed shares the UK custom for fresh medical graduates who have completed their Foundation or house office training to participate in a Clinical Teaching Fellowship programme. This initiative allows them to share their knowledge and experiences with their juniors as they refine their clinical skills, gain invaluable teaching experience, and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare ecosystem.
“Clinical teaching fellows here play a pivotal role in educating medical students in their third, fourth and fifth years. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including conducting hands-on practical sessions like blood draw techniques, leading seminars on mental health and supervising students in simulated clinical environments,” said NUMed clinical affairs dean Prof Dr Harinarayan Radhakrishna.
“Through these diverse roles, the fellows are able to enhance their leadership skills,” he explained.
Recognising the importance of global perspectives, NUMed also provides opportunities for extensive clinical exposure locally and abroad. Students are placed in general and district hospitals, and primary care clinics as well as organising and participating in health camps and mobile clinics. This gives them an avenue to be involved in public health outreach endeavours while observing the inner workings of various healthcare systems.
“With our ties with the UK, students can compare and contrast the healthcare systems of the UK and Malaysia, learning how different policies and practices impact patient care and building resilience in the process,” said Prof Harinarayan.
Besides that, students at NUMed can take advantage of a variety of student exchange programmes, internships, and research opportunities to gain practical experience in addressing global health issues while developing key leadership skills such as problem-solving and cultural sensitivity.
For example, the university’s Biomedical Sciences students head over to the UK for their final academic year and are exposed to a different academic and clinical environment. By doing so, they are able to work in cutting-edge research settings and collaborate with an international network of peers, expanding their knowledge base and preparing them for leadership roles in their field of study.
Effective leadership in healthcare requires more than just clinical knowledge. To enable students, NUMed regularly holds workshops, seminars, and training sessions in areas like communication, leadership, problem-solving and conflict resolution, as well as practical medical-related skills and knowledge like its highly popular suturing workshops.
In addition to that, the university prides itself in offering a solid support system to encourage the personal and professional development of students. These include mentorship programmes, career counselling and a thriving alumni network.
“These opportunities help our students to become competent, well-rounded professionals who are at the forefront of emerging healthcare trends throughout their careers. At NUMed, we don’t just nurture students to become great doctors; we help them to become great leaders,” added Prof Matthan.
Discover more at NUMed’s on-campus Application Day on March 15. During this event, prospective students will be able to explore the purpose-built campus, meet faculty and current students, and check out the leadership development opportunities available there. Save your seat at https://www.ncl.ac.uk/numed/study-with-us/get-to-know-us/open-days/.
Find out more about the varsity and its programme offerings at http://www.newcastle.edu.my. For further details, email admissions@newcastle.edu.my, call 07-555 3800, or WhatsApp 011-1231 5411/012-784 9456.
