Abstract
Background:
Utrecht University offers a 2-year part-time MSc programme in clinical health sciences (CHS) to educate (non-physician) clinicians in health science research. There is a need for clinician-scientists, professionals who connect care and science to advance health care by research and care innovation. However, the clinician-scientists career is difficult because of the complexity and competing demands of a dual career. To stimulate community building and role modelling involvement of alumni in the educational programme was sought.
Summary of work
From 2013-2015, in collaboration with alumni, a yearly event was developed as part of the master programme, the ‘Science Carousel’: a full afternoon with a conference look-and-feel set-up. The event starts with alumni (lunch) meetings, research presentations of recent graduates, student awards, poster presentations, and a work-field and alumni-organisation market. It ends with a plenary lecture of an international renown guest speaker followed by closing drinks.
Summary of results:
Over 270 students, staff, alumni and work field representatives participated in the 2015 ‘science carousel’. Average evaluation was 7.1 for students, 8.0 for alumni. The social aspect of meeting with alumni and work field was valued 6.6 by students, 8.6 by alumni. Students specifically appreciated the afternoon for the contacts with other students (70%), being inspired (62%) and widening their view (40%). Alumni specifically appreciated the ability to network (67%).
Discussion:
Active involvement of alumni in an educational programme is not easily realised: the participation of alumni being hampered by work obligations. Also, attention is needed to increase the interaction between students and alumni as they do not automatically commingle.
Conclusions: Alumni-involvement in education is worthwhile since a mixed event, although for different reasons, is appreciated both by alumni and students.
Take-home messages:
Involvement of alumni in education is appreciated by both students and alumni, and may stimulate community building.
Utrecht University offers a 2-year part-time MSc programme in clinical health sciences (CHS) to educate (non-physician) clinicians in health science research. There is a need for clinician-scientists, professionals who connect care and science to advance health care by research and care innovation. However, the clinician-scientists career is difficult because of the complexity and competing demands of a dual career. To stimulate community building and role modelling involvement of alumni in the educational programme was sought.
Summary of work
From 2013-2015, in collaboration with alumni, a yearly event was developed as part of the master programme, the ‘Science Carousel’: a full afternoon with a conference look-and-feel set-up. The event starts with alumni (lunch) meetings, research presentations of recent graduates, student awards, poster presentations, and a work-field and alumni-organisation market. It ends with a plenary lecture of an international renown guest speaker followed by closing drinks.
Summary of results:
Over 270 students, staff, alumni and work field representatives participated in the 2015 ‘science carousel’. Average evaluation was 7.1 for students, 8.0 for alumni. The social aspect of meeting with alumni and work field was valued 6.6 by students, 8.6 by alumni. Students specifically appreciated the afternoon for the contacts with other students (70%), being inspired (62%) and widening their view (40%). Alumni specifically appreciated the ability to network (67%).
Discussion:
Active involvement of alumni in an educational programme is not easily realised: the participation of alumni being hampered by work obligations. Also, attention is needed to increase the interaction between students and alumni as they do not automatically commingle.
Conclusions: Alumni-involvement in education is worthwhile since a mixed event, although for different reasons, is appreciated both by alumni and students.
Take-home messages:
Involvement of alumni in education is appreciated by both students and alumni, and may stimulate community building.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - Aug 2016 |
| Event | AMEE 2016 - Barcelona, Spain Duration: 27 Aug 2016 → 31 Aug 2016 https://amee.org/conferences/amee-past-conferences/amee-2016 |
Conference
| Conference | AMEE 2016 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Spain |
| City | Barcelona |
| Period | 27/08/16 → 31/08/16 |
| Internet address |