● The event highlighted the importance of digital learning resources for medical education in India
● Distinguished guests, including the Executive Director of NBEMS, and renowned deans from the country’s leading medical institutions like AIIMS collectively forged an academic vision for NExT examination preparatory material
National, 17 October 2023: McGraw Hill, a recognized leader in educational content, marked a significant milestone as it celebrated the 20th anniversary of the McGraw Hill (MH) AccessMedicine platform. Hosted at the ITC Maurya in Delhi, the event featured prominent figures, including Dr. Dennis L. Kasper, the esteemed editor of Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine and a distinguished professor of immunology at Harvard Medical School, and Mr. Scott Grillo, President of McGraw Hill Professional Group. The event provided unique insights into the future of medical education in India under the theme “Navigating the Future of Medical Education in India,” while commemorating two decades of educational excellence.
In a rapidly evolving era of medical education driven by digital resources, Dr. Kasper and Mr. Grillo emphasised the critical importance of delivering cutting-edge educational content for medical students. They underlined the substantial transition in medical education, moving from traditional print materials to dynamic online platforms like AccessMedicine, a part of the McGraw Hill digital learning ecosystem of resources. AccessMedicine offers interactive and engaging learning experiences, incorporating various modalities such as videos and self-assessment tools. This transformation recognizes the evolving needs and study preferences of students, embracing multimodal learning.
The event brought together luminaries from the medical and academic sectors, including the honourable presence of the Executive Director of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), and renowned deans from some of India’s leading medical institutions. Together, they forged a collective academic vision for the preparation material for the National Exit Test (NExT) examination.
Dr. Dennis L. Kasper, who has been instrumental in the evolution of Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, emphasised the need for a seamless transition to digital resources in medical education. He stated, “Harrison’s journey has always been about integrating the profound pathophysiology of disease with its clinical manifestations. From the outset, Harrison’s was pioneering the development of clinical reasoning skills, bridging the gap between core science and practical patient care. This vision has been our foundation, and as we move into the digital era, it remains central to our mission. The Access platform has been at the forefront of this transformation, preserving our legacy while shaping the future of medical education.”
The 20th-anniversary event of the MH Access platform also provided a platform for extensive discussions on the future of medical education in India. Participants delved into the evolving needs of medical students and the dynamic study habits influenced by digital resources. They exchanged insights on the expectations of universities regarding the support and resources required for effective teaching and learning.
Mr. Scott Grillo, President of McGraw Hill Professional Group, added, “India represents one of the most significant markets for McGraw Hill internationally. We are deeply committed to enhancing the future of medical education in India through the digitization of preparatory material. Our focus is on enabling students to excel and supporting medical institutions in this digital transition.“
The event’s agenda centred on shaping the future of medical education in India, ensuring global knowledge’s accessibility and local relevance. The discussions revolved around making medical preparatory material more engaging and attractive to undergraduate students while retaining the value of fundamental science education.
Moreover, the event provided a platform for engaging in discussions regarding suggested content enhancements for the forthcoming editions of Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. Participants strongly stressed the necessity of incorporating local diseases that are specific to India, recognizing the distinctive medical landscape of the country. Furthermore, there was a notable emphasis on the value of introducing an add-on that features case studies of Indian patients, offering practical insights into healthcare scenarios that medical students will encounter in India.
This event underlines the pivotal role of digital resources in medical education, heralding a new era of excellence in the preparation of the next generation of healthcare professionals in India.
