Shanghai Jiao Tong University visitors arrive

14 July 2008

On July 7, the Faculty of Medicine's 16 visitors from Shanghai Jiao Tong University arrived in Sydney, and were welcomed by Professor John Hearn, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International).

Of the visitors, 14 are clinical and basic medical science teachers taking part in a 3 week curriculum development program conducted by the Office of Post Graduate Medical Education.

"The training program will allow our academics to understand the Chinese method of teaching medicine and immerse the Shanghai team in innovations in teaching and learning such as problem-based learning, early clinical experience and an integrated curriculum," said Professor Chris Roberts, Associate Dean of Education. “In the three weeks they are with us, we want them to share in our passion for the best in research-led teaching and learning in medicine.”

The remaining two are the Faculty's first medical exchange students from Shanghai Jiao Tong. Ms Huang Xiaojun and Mr Tu Lin will be fully integrated into classes and undertake an 8 week problem-based learning block in respiratory medicine on the Sydney medical program.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our staff and students to share ideas and build friendships with some of the brightest medical students in China," said Dr Lyndal Trevena, Sub Dean International. "Two of our students, Mr Kevin Wand and Ms Jennifer Li, will be undertaking a similar exchange to Shanghai during our summer break".

The relationship between Sydney and Shanghai Jiao Tong Universities has been developing on a number levels in the past two years. One reason for its success is the long term friendship bteween Professor Hearn and Professor Wang Yifei, Shanghai Jiao Tong’s Senior Advisor, who were previously colleagues at the World Health Organisation. Together they identified the cooperative opportunity in the field of education reform and exchange.