APME-Net Writing Retreat: Elevating Medical Education Research in the Asia Pacific
On 14–15 November 2024, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) became the hub of innovation and collaboration as it hosted the APME-Net Writing Retreat.
3 December 2024
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Medical Education Network (APME-Net), hosted a highly successful Writing Retreat on the NUMed campus from 14 to 15 November 2024. Over two productive days, health professional educators, researchers, and academic staff convened to sharpen their research expertise, engage in impactful discussions, and reinforce collaborations across the region.
The retreat welcomed 21 participants from esteemed institutions across the region, including the National University of Singapore (NUS), Universitas Indonesia, Taylor’s University Malaysia, and IMU University Malaysia. United by a shared goal, participants focused on refining high-quality research proposals and manuscripts while navigating the challenges of academic publishing. The programme emphasised enhancing writing skills, selecting suitable journals for publication, and encouraging submissions to health professions education journals.
Collaboration at the Heart of Research Excellence
The retreat provided an interactive and collaborative space for participants to present their research proposals or manuscripts and receive feedback from expert facilitators. Each session sparked insightful discussions and encouraged mutual learning, helping participants refine their work and broaden their perspectives. This unique blend of structure and collaboration ensured that every attendee gained practical tools and fresh ideas to advance their research.
Leading the retreat were a distinguished panel of facilitators with deep expertise in Health Professions Education. Prof. Vishna Devi V. Nadarajah, CEO and Provost of NUMed Malaysia, brought her extensive experience and leadership. Associate Professor Ardi Findyartini, Head of the Medical Education Unit at IMERI, Universitas Indonesia, contributed her knowledge in advancing medical education research. Dr. Lee Shuh Shing, Assistant Director at the Centre for Medical Education (CenMED), NUS, and Managing Editor of The Asia Pacific Scholar (TAPS), offered valuable editorial guidance. Ms. Jillian Yeo, a seasoned medical educationist from CenMED, NUS, added her expertise to help participants refine their manuscripts.
Strengthening NUMed’s Research Commitment
The APME-Net Writing Retreat reinforced NUMed’s dedication to fostering a thriving research culture. By bringing together educators from across the Asia Pacific, the retreat enhanced participants’ research and writing capabilities while fostering collaborations that extend beyond the event. This initiative not only elevated the quality of individual research efforts but also strengthened the collective momentum for advancing medical education practices.
Reflecting on the event, Dr. Kye Mon Min Swe, Associate Professor of Education Research, shared, “As part of the organising team and a participant, the APME-Net Writing Retreat was a profoundly rewarding experience. It was inspiring to witness educators from diverse backgrounds come together to enhance their research proposals and manuscript writing skills. The discussions and feedback exchanged over the two days were truly enlightening, fostering a deeper appreciation for collaboration in advancing educational practices. This retreat underscored the value of collective effort and highlighted NUMed’s dedication to supporting academic growth within the region. My heartfelt thanks go to the organising committee, participants, and facilitators for their unwavering support and contributions.”
Looking to the Future
Building on the success of this APME-Net Writing Retreat and the January 2024 HPE Writing Retreat, NUMed is poised to organise similar events in the future. These initiatives play a vital role in driving impactful research, fostering collaboration, and setting new benchmarks in medical education across the Asia Pacific. The APME-Net Writing Retreat exemplifies NUMed’s commitment to academic excellence and its vision for a future driven by innovation and shared learning.
By the end of the retreat, participants departed not just with enhanced skills but with a renewed sense of purpose and collaboration, ready to contribute to the ever-evolving field of medical education research.
