Contextualisation of medical education innovations in a resource-limited country: A case study from Cambodia

Introduction: There is a global call for transforming medical education to meet evolving healthcare needs. However, navigating the challenges of educational change in resource-limited contexts requires key stakeholders, from leaders to educators and students, to adopt innovative approaches. This paper presents practical examples of such innovations from the University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Cambodia’s experiences, followed by discussions on enabled and hindered factors of their initiation, implementation, and sustainability. This paper also aims to inspire future medical education innovations. Methods: This paper relied on internal document reviews, including strategic plans, project proposals & planning, course syllabi, and evaluation reports, and the collective working experiences of co-authors in initiating, implementing, and leading these innovations. Results: Three innovative projects at UHS illustrated how creative ideas are put into practice, including (1) The elective International Programme (IP) with a dual objective of training local trainers while preparing students for international mobility, (2) The Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE), a cost-effective faculty development programme delivered in-person at UHS campus by faculty of a university partner, and (3) Peer-assisted Learning (PAL), a student-led initiative to promote learning skills. Conclusion: Medical education innovations are needed in resource-limited contexts. The success of these initiatives resulted from multi-factors, notably long-term strategic planning, supportive leadership, active partnerships, policy commitment, local champions, resourcefulness, and student engagement. The late adoption of technology-enhanced learning, the necessity for robust faculty development programmes, and early investment in student leaders, coupled with post-graduate retention planning, represent challenges that present strategic opportunities.