Teaching and Learning Update
It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm of our placement providers in hosting students across all four years of the MD curriculum.
Evaluations from the 2024 teaching year were incredibly positive but we also discussed the more critical feedback in ongoing efforts to improve each student’s experience. Breakout sessions included:
Optimising clinical teaching – led by Dr Rebecca Starkie, this session explored student expectations, ways to increase engagement, scheduling tips and linking placement to broader curriculum.
A whole-of-clinic approach to teaching – led by Dr Hok Lim, this session explored strategies for building a teaching culture within the practice and strengthening the role of teaching in general practice.
Instilling clinical reasoning – led by Dr Anneliese Willems, this session equipped GPs with practical strategies to foster clinical reasoning in medical students, transforming everyday teaching moments into opportunities for deeper learning.
The GP portfolio career – led by A/Prof Caroline Johnson, this interactive session discussed the pros and cons of a portfolio career and how to make it happen for those looking to expand their skillset.
On behalf of Dr Rebecca Starkie, who has led the GP component of MD curriculum re-design, we wholeheartedly thank our magnificent GP teaching community. You are incredible!
2024 also saw us farewelling Dr Helen Malcolm, who retired from the Rural Clinical School after many years of service. Helen was a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Rural Health and served as Clinical Sub-Dean for part of this time. She also led ‘Learning with the Labyrinth - Creating Reflective Space in Higher Education’. This project offered a range of strategies to deepen reflection and creativity through the use of the Labyrinth as a resource on campus. The Labyrinth was installed at the Shepparton campus in 2015 and continues to be a central point for the campus. I have had the privilege of working with Helen over more than 20 years: she has been a wise academic GP, always generous in her contribution to the work we do, always reminding us to keep the needs of our rural students foremost in our minds and an unbelievable mentor to large numbers of students over many years. We hope you enjoy retirement Helen!
Other exciting news includes the appointment of Laura Velazquez to T&L manager. As we farewell Jane Henty, we congratulate Laura on her successful appointment in what was a highly competitive process. Laura has managed GP placements for us for a number of years and will bring this knowledge and expertise to her new leadership role. Congratulations Laura!
To see more pictures from the day, visit our LinkedIn page.
A/Prof Caroline Johnson, Director of T&L, DGPPC