History : Siriraj Health science Education Excellence center (SHEE)

History 

The Siriraj Health Science Education Excellence Center (SHEE) began as the Medical Education Research and Development (MERD) project. The establishment of MERD was approved during the Faculty Board Meeting No. 22/2555 on December 4, 2012. Associate Professor Dr. Cherdsak Iramaneerat was appointed the project manager by the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital under Order No. 1440/2556, issued on July 10, 2013. The project was initially established under the leadership of Associate Professor Dr. Rungnirand Praditsuwan, then the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. At this initial stage, its mission was to develop faculty members, enhance teaching and learning processes, and support educational research. The project’s office, equipment, and personnel were initially part of the Education Quality Research and Development Unit, under the Department of Medical Education, located on the 6th floor of Adulyadej Vikrom Building.

In 2016, SHEE launched a Master of Science program in Health Science Education for healthcare professionals.

By 2017, SHEE began offering a blended distance learning program (online).

On January 17, 2017, the Faculty Board approved the establishment of the “Center of Excellence in Health Science Education,” as per the resolution of Faculty Board Meeting No. 1/2560. Initially, SHEE was organized under the Department of Education, with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education overseeing its management. Additionally, the Master of Science in

Health Science Education program was formally designated as a program of the Faculty.

Operational Characteristics of the Center

The Center focuses on teaching, supporting, and promoting research and academic services through collaboration with internal and external university networks. Its work centers on education, research, and educational development for health sciences, aimed at fostering sustainable management practices. Additionally, the Center connects and shares knowledge through partnerships with national and international academic networks to encourage mutual learning and the exchange of expertise in health science education and research. This approach aligns with the strategic goals of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital and Mahidol University, positioning the Center to serve as a leader in guiding society as a premier academic institution.

Summary of Key Achievements

• Launched a Master of Science program in Health Science Education to develop new generations of professionals and to enhance the expertise of faculty in medical education.

• Advanced knowledge in medical education by offering short-term training programs for medical instructors, health science faculty, and educational staff, providing continuous professional development.

• Provided knowledge and skills in educational research, along with consultation services for faculty and staff within the institution, supporting quality research projects that have been widely disseminated at educational conferences and through publication.

• Encouraged faculty and staff to conduct educational research and apply findings to improve teaching methods and assessment practices.

• Fostered collaboration in medical education with other medical institutions both nationally and internationally.

• Disseminated knowledge in medical education through various formats, including e-learning, online training, journals, and podcasts, to reach a broader audience.

Responsibilities of the Center

• Developing Knowledge in Health Science Education

  The Center is responsible for organizing various short-term training programs for medical professionals, health science personnel, and educational scholars in health sciences, both domestically and internationally. This includes the development of e-learning materials and conducting online medical education training through platforms such as the Online SHEE Store, SHEE Journal, SHEE Podcast, and tailor-made courses.

• Educational Research

• The Center focuses on developing educational research in health sciences to meet international standards and expand knowledge in health science education that is tailored to the needs of the country and region. This is aimed at enhancing teaching methods and contributing to national development. Faculty members who are experts in health science education conduct research and serve as advisors for graduate and doctoral students (in the future). Their work is presented at national and international conferences, published, and disseminated to be used both domestically and globally.

Education

The Center is responsible for the Master of Science in Health Science Education program, which is suitable for those interested in curriculum design, teaching, educational research, and assessment. The program offers two options:

1. Special Program (taught outside regular working hours), ideal for Thai students.

2. International Program.

Both programs offer flexible learning formats: students can choose between face-to-face classroom learning or online learning. Additionally, both programs offer a Certificate in Health Science Education (1-year program), which is integrated with the Master's program and allows for credit transfer to the Master's degree. There are also short-term courses available for individuals interested in specific subjects, which are taught alongside Master's students and can also be credited toward the Master's degree.

Pi-Shaped Graduate
Pi-Shaped Graduate program allows students to pursue the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital alongside the Master’s degree program offered by the Center.

Additionally, elective courses related to educational knowledge are available, including a course on Effective Clinical Teaching designed for first-year residents.

Future Plan : The next step is to introduce a Doctoral Program in Health Science Education.