University signs unique deal with RCP and Malaysian Ministry of Health

Newcastle University has signed a unique agreement with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Malaysian Ministry of Health to provide training to improve the teaching skills of doctors.

The new deal between the three will help to develop and deliver world-class medical education in Malaysia. It is the first time an international university has agreed to help train medical educators in Malaysia.

The RCP and University will jointly deliver a series of medical education programmes in the new state-of-the-art Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) campus, which is located in the heart of EduCity, Iskandar Malaysia, Johor and which opened last year.  

As part of the new agreement doctors from all over the country will travel to the new facility and learn how to become better teachers themselves.

Initial work will centre on short, immediate impact programmes customised to the needs of the Malaysian health service.  A second phase of programmes will focus on internationally recognized certificate, diploma and masters awards in medical education that will build capacity for Malaysian medicine to develop and refine its medical education.

Signing on behalf of the University, Professor Reg Jordan, Provost of NUMed, said:

“Today marks a significant milestone for Newcastle University, and indeed for our new campus in Johor which was officially opened on 1st November by HRH the Duke of York.  Delivering top quality medical graduates is our aim, but it is not the end of the story.  Working together with the Royal College of Physicians and the Malaysian Ministry of Health will enable us to develop a nationwide faculty of excellent medical educators through ‘teaching the teachers’”.

Signing on behalf of the RCP, Martin Else, Chief Executive, said:

“The nature of training needs to be seen as a continuum; from undergraduate through postgraduate to continuing professional development.  By combining the RCP’s emphasis on postgraduate medical education we will ensure that training resources are targeted in a consistent and progressive way.  We are delighted to be supporting the Malaysian Government in its vision for Malaysia to become an international centre of excellence for medical education and training”.

The programme of work in Malaysia builds upon Newcastle University’s excellent reputation as a quality provider of education and will help to meet the University’s mission to translate the outcomes of its academic endeavours for the benefit of society.