Lifelong learning defines medical excellence: Prof. Fazl Q. Parray
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, June 27: In a significant step towards strengthening medical education and enhancing teaching competencies among faculty members, the Medical Education Unit (MEU) of SKIMS and SKIMS Medical College successfully organized a three-day hands-on Course on Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) at SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar.
The intensive faculty development programme was conducted under the stewardship of Director SKIMS, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganai, and Dean Medical Faculty, Prof. Bashir A. Fomda, reflecting the institution’s continued commitment to excellence in medical education and capacity building of healthcare educators.
The programme was formally inaugurated by the Principal, SKIMS Medical College, Prof. Fazl Q. Parray, who underscored the importance of lifelong learning in the medical profession. Addressing the participants, Prof. Parray highlighted that continuous professional development and adaptation to evolving educational methodologies are essential attributes of modern medical professionals. He emphasized that competency-based education has emerged as a transformative approach that aligns medical training with the healthcare needs of society and ensures the development of competent, ethical, and patient-centered physicians.
The course was conducted under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Ajaz A. Rather, Coordinator, Medical Education Unit, who guided participants through the conceptual framework and implementation roadmap of Competency-Based Medical Education. Through a series of interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants were introduced to the core principles, objectives, and strategies of CBME, enabling them to integrate competency-driven approaches into their teaching and assessment practices.
A key feature of the programme was the active involvement of Dr. Rachna Sabharwal, the designated National Medical Commission (NMC) Observer for the course. Throughout the three-day programme, she provided valuable guidance and academic support, helping participants understand the nuances of competency-based curricula and fostering meaningful engagement during the learning process.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from 30 faculty members representing a wide spectrum of broad specialties and super-specialties of SKIMS. The diverse representation enriched discussions and facilitated the exchange of experiences and best practices in medical education.
During the course, Dr. J.B. Singh and Dr. Talat Masoodi delivered insightful sessions on the goals and roles of the Indian Medical Graduate, emphasizing the significance of skill-based training and competency development in producing healthcare professionals capable of addressing contemporary healthcare challenges.
The learning process and various domains of learning were comprehensively discussed by Dr. Ashfaq Bhat and Dr. Nargis Bali. Their sessions focused on cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains, highlighting the need for educators to adopt innovative and learner-centered teaching methodologies.
Participants were also acquainted with contemporary assessment techniques through sessions conducted by Dr. Zulfiqar, Dr. Muneer, and Dr. Sajad. They elaborated on modern assessment strategies, workplace-based assessments, and methods for evaluating competencies in a structured and objective manner, aligning with the latest recommendations of the National Medical Commission.
Adding a practical dimension to the programme, Dr. Umar Hafiz and Dr. Sameera facilitated hands-on training sessions that enabled participants to apply theoretical concepts in real-world educational settings. These interactive exercises provided faculty members with opportunities to develop educational tools, design competency-based learning experiences, and practice innovative assessment techniques.
The programme concluded with a valedictory session during which certificates of successful course completion were awarded to the participating faculty members. The certificates were distributed by Principal SKIMS Medical College, Prof. Fazl Q. Parray, along with NMC Observer Dr. Rachna Sabharwal.
The successful completion of the three-day CBME course marks another milestone in SKIMS Medical College’s ongoing efforts to promote educational excellence, faculty empowerment, and quality enhancement in medical training. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the effective implementation of Competency-Based Medical Education and the development of future-ready medical graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professional values required to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the nation.
