Category: Commentary

Expanding the Teaching and Practice of Bioethics in Malaysian Research: Integrating the One Health Approach and Strengthening Ethics Committees

Posted Pei Kuan LaiPosted in Commentary

Author: Sivalingam Nalliah

ABSTRACT

The definition of bioethics has evolved beyond its traditional Western-centric framework to embrace the One Health concept, reflecting a more integrated and holistic ethical perspective. Ethical considerations of interconnectedness and interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health in research proposals play an essential role in ethics committees. The Ministry of Health, Malaysia, supports the country in becoming a regional hub for industry-sponsored research. The traditional focus on clinical and biomedical ethics is not sufficient. This commentary discusses the need for increasing expertise in teaching research ethics that includes the One Health concept and justifies the design and development of a national bioethics’ curriculum for higher education institutions. It will address the responsibilities of ethics committees in the context of contract research, research wastage, and protection of vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Bioethics, One Health, Contract Research, Research wastage.

Citations: IeJSME 2025 Vol 19 (2): 02-09

ONE HEATLH: The need for a robust framework

Posted Pei Kuan LaiPosted in Commentary

Authors: Boon-Peng Hoh, Xin Lee

ABSTRACT

One Health approach emphasises the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, advocating for a collaborative and multidisciplinary strategy to address global health challenges. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of such an integrated approach has never been clearer. We explore how the One Health framework can enhance our preparedness for future pandemics. In addition to roles of surveillance, early detection, policy development, we highlight the impact of noncommunicable diseases and economy addressing future pandemics. We conclude that integrating advanced technologies, enhancing surveillance systems, and fostering inter-disciplinary collaboration between private and public, national and international, are essential to ensuring resilient, sustainable and equitable health system.

Citations: IeJSME 2024 Vol 18 (1): 02-07

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.18.1.2

Applying the learning theories to medical education: A commentary

Posted Pei Kuan LaiPosted in Commentary

Authors: Sivalingam Nalliah, Nazimah Idris.

ABSTRACT

Medical education of today continues to evolve to meet the challenges of the stakeholders. Medical professionals today are expected to play multiple roles besides being experts. Thus, the curriculum has to be developed in a manner that facilitates learners to achieve the intended goal of becoming a medical professional with multiple competencies. The understanding of learning theories will be helpful in designing and delivering the curriculum to meet the demands of producing a medical professional who would meet the CanMEDS model. This commentary explores and reflects on the learning theories of behaviorism, cognitivism and constructivism as they have evolved over time and the application of these learning theories in medical education, particularly in the context of medical education in Malaysia. The authors are convinced that these three theories are not mutually exclusive but should be operationalized contextually and throughout the different stages of learning in the MBBS curriculum. Understanding these theories and their application will enhance the learning experience of students.

Keywords: learning theories, behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, medical education.

Citation: IeJSME 2014 8(1): 50-57

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.8.1.50