Bond University Visiting Lecturers Share New Perspectives on Clinical Education at Phan Chau Trinh University
Visiting lecturers from Bond University, Australia delivered four academic seminars at Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU), sharing international perspectives on curriculum design, clinical decision-making, simulation-based education and mental rehearsal in procedural training.
Led by Associate Professor Rhea Liang and Associate Professor Belinda Lowe, the seminar series provided PCTU faculty with an opportunity to explore emerging approaches in contemporary medical education and discuss how training can better prepare future doctors for increasingly complex healthcare environments.
Designing Medical Education for the Future
In “Clinical Curriculum Design: Insights and Experience from Bond University,” Associate Professor Rhea Liang highlighted the importance of aligning curriculum structure with graduate outcomes and real-world clinical practice.
The session emphasised practice-based learning through bedside teaching, case discussions and experiential learning, while also considering the growing influence of artificial intelligence, digital health and changing healthcare needs.
While technology is transforming medical practice, the seminar underscored that communication, professional judgement, leadership, empathy and adaptability remain essential capabilities for future doctors.
Making Clinical Reasoning Visible
In her second seminar, “Teaching Decision-Making in Clinical Settings,” Associate Professor Liang examined how educators can help students develop sound clinical judgement in complex and uncertain situations.
The discussion highlighted the importance of making expert reasoning visible, encouraging clinicians to explain how and why decisions are made while considering patient values, teamwork, uncertainty and healthcare system factors.
Artificial intelligence was also discussed as a potential decision-support partner, complementing rather than replacing human clinical judgement.
Expanding the Role of Simulation
Associate Professor Belinda Lowe presented “Beyond the Manikin: Simulation-Based Clinical Education in Practice,” introducing a broader view of simulation beyond traditional manikin-based training.
The seminar explored approaches including simulated patients, in-situ and virtual simulation, and Visually Enhanced Mental Simulation (VEMS).
Particular emphasis was placed on translational simulation, which can support not only individual learning but also teamwork, workflow testing, patient safety and system improvement.
Mental Preparation for Clinical Performance
The final seminar, “Think Twice, Cut Once: Mental Preparation for Surgical Performance,” focused on the role of mental rehearsal in procedural and surgical education.
Associate Professor Lowe discussed how structured mental preparation can complement hands-on practice, support procedural confidence and help learners prepare for complex clinical tasks.
Rather than replacing physical training, mental rehearsal was presented as an additional educational strategy that may strengthen both individual and team performance.
Strengthening Academic Exchange
Together, the four seminars created a valuable platform for academic dialogue between Bond University and Phan Chau Trinh University.
The sessions reinforced a shared commitment to innovative, evidence-informed and internationally connected medical education, while creating further opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration in the training of future healthcare professionals.
