Innovation in Health Sciences Education: Insights from the Dragon’s Den-Inspired Panel

The world of health sciences education is ever-evolving, and recent initiatives at McGill University are paving the way for innovative approaches that enhance learning and improve healthcare outcomes. During the Richard and Sylvia Cruess Symposium on Scholarship in Health Sciences Education, a panel inspired by the popular TV show Dragon’s Den provided a platform for emerging scholars to present their groundbreaking projects. This event, hosted by the Institute of Health Sciences Education (IHSE), showcased the creativity and dedication of McGill learners who are passionate about transforming medical education.

A Platform for Innovation

The symposium featured three teams of learners who took center stage to present their educational innovations. The projects highlighted the diverse challenges faced in healthcare and the innovative solutions proposed by students and researchers. The panel included seasoned experts in health sciences education, who provided personalized feedback to the presenters, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth.

The Panel of Experts

The panel was composed of four distinguished members:

• Farhan Bhanji, MD: Former Vice-Dean of Education at McGill’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and an Associate Member at the IHSE.
• Carlos Gomez-Garibello, PhD: Assistant Professor of Medicine and Faculty Member at the IHSE.
• Jeffrey Wiseman, MD: Assistant Professor of Medicine and Health Sciences Education, and Faculty Member at the IHSE.
• Meredith Young, PhD: Associate Director of Research and Associate Professor at the IHSE.

Moderated by Linda Snell, MD, MHPE, a Professor of Medicine and Health Sciences Education at McGill, the panel aimed to showcase innovation in health sciences education, introduce the work of emerging scholars, and provide constructive feedback on their projects.

Presentations that Inspire Change

McGill Healthcare Management Case Competition

The first presenter, Saad Razzaq, a fourth-year medical student from Montreal, introduced the McGill Healthcare Management Case Competition (MHCC). This initiative invites teams of learners to tackle foundational issues in healthcare operations management. Razzaq emphasized the importance of mentorship from staff physicians, which guides participants in developing solutions to improve care and management in geriatric emergency medicine.

Razzaq expressed gratitude for the feedback received during the panel, noting that it validated many of the team’s ongoing efforts. He highlighted plans to expand the program to other medical schools and implement solutions derived from the competition into clinical practice.

ExploreMD: Bridging Gaps in Medical Education

Next, Wassim Elmasry, a fourth-year medical student at Campus Outaouais, presented ExploreMD, a student-led initiative aimed at providing high school and CEGEP students with immersive, simulation-based learning experiences. This project addresses critical issues such as the shortage of physicians in the region and the need for equitable access to medical education.

Elmasry shared that the panelists offered invaluable insights, including the suggestion to develop a mentorship program for students beyond their initial experience with ExploreMD. This advice aims to foster long-term engagement and support for aspiring medical professionals.

Assessing LGBTQIA+ Health Needs in Vietnam

The final presentation was delivered by Khoa Duong, MD, MPH, MScHPE, a PhD student at the IHSE. Duong’s project focuses on assessing the needs of LGBTQIA+ communities regarding health and healthcare in Vietnam. He expressed appreciation for the collegial environment fostered by the IHSE and the wisdom shared by the panelists.

One key piece of advice Duong received was to utilize a collective case study approach, which aligns well with his research objectives. Following the panel, Duong was thrilled to learn that his project had secured a grant from the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund from the US Embassy in Vietnam, enabling him to collaborate with medical learners and community members to develop an innovative curriculum on LGBTQIA+ health.

A Collaborative Learning Experience

The symposium not only provided a platform for presenting innovative ideas but also fostered a spirit of collaboration among participants. Elizabeth Anne Kinsella, PhD, Director of the IHSE, remarked on the excitement of the Dragon’s Den-style format, which encouraged participants to pitch their projects and engage in meaningful discussions with experts. The quality of presentations and the active involvement of the panel and audience exceeded expectations, highlighting the real-world impact these projects are already having on health sciences education.

Conclusion

The Richard and Sylvia Cruess Symposium on Scholarship in Health Sciences Education exemplifies the commitment of McGill University to fostering innovation in medical education. By providing a platform for learners to present their ideas and receive expert feedback, the IHSE is nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. As these projects continue to evolve and expand, they hold the potential to significantly enhance healthcare delivery and education, not only in Montreal and Campus Outaouais but also globally.

For those interested in exploring these innovative projects further, the full panel, including presentations and feedback, is available on the McGill University YouTube channel. Additionally, a photo gallery capturing the event can be accessed, showcasing the inspiring work of the presenters and their teams.