Melbourne School of Health Sciences builds on collaborative relationships with partners in India

Melbourne School of Health Sciences builds on collaborative relationships with partners in India.

A delegation from the Melbourne School of Health Sciences has spent a week in India, strengthening relationships with partners from health care institutions in the cities of Vellore and Manipal.

Between 31 July and 4 August 2023, the delegation, including Professor Bruce Thompson,  Professor Marie Gerdtz, Associate Professor Fiona Dobson, Associate Professor Andrew Metha, Associate Professor Dani Tomlin, and Dr Kelley Graydon, visited Christian Medial College (CMC) Vellore, Manipal College of Health Professions and Manipal College of Nursing.

Professor Thompson said discussions were focused on opportunities for student placements and research program collaborations. “Overall, it was an excellent trip with fruitful conversations and plans set to move forward with our partnerships. We’re all very grateful to CMC Vellore and Manipal College of Health Professions and Manipal College of Nursing for so warmly welcoming us and sharing their fantastic work with our team,” said Professor Thompson.

While in Vellore delegates took college and hospital campus tours, and met with educators and practitioners from Audiology, Optometry, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Nursing, and Community Health. Final year students of the School's entry-to-practice courses have begun attending clinics at the CMC Vellore hospital campus, where they are witnessing an inspiring level of healthcare on a scale unimaginable at home. The delegation has strengthened partnerships and these special placement opportunities will expand in future years, including plans for outreach into nearby regional areas.

Professor Gerdtz and Professor Thompson spent an afternoon touring and speaking with staff at the College of Nursing. "The facilities and nursing programs are outstanding. It was great to meet the wonderful nursing academics and talk about what we can work on together," said Professor Gerdtz.

While in Manipal, delegates met with the Deans, Heads of Departments and academic staff, toured the College of Nursing and the Manipal Museum of Anatomy and Physiology, joined student interaction sessions and gave presentations on disciplinary subjects and employment opportunities in Australia.

“Recruitment activities to students in Manipal was a particular highlight and it was fantastic to create new relationships and explore the potential for growth in this important market that we will develop through our International Strategy,” said Dr Graydon.

Plans are now in place to develop further research, teaching and learning opportunities to benefit staff and students across the partnerships.