Our classes are a healthy mix of formal lectures, case studies and presentations, says IIHMR University President

In this Take 5-Series with Shiksha, IIHMR University President Dr Pankaj Gupta talks about the methodologies the institute has adopted to reshape tomorrow of the students. The institute has focused on creating a module that teaches and trains IIHMR students. 

Q. What is the difference between the teaching methodology at IIHMR University and others?

A. We at IIHMR have been striving to achieve optimal education, creating a formidable framework for healthcare. The importance of apt education is enormous and shouldn’t be lost amongst the melee of educational reforms coming up, especially in the realm of Mental and Public Health. To sustain this vision, IIHMR University is arming its students with the right kind of tools to create a positive interference in serving the public. To enhance this, we intend to expand our scope to multidisciplinary factions, aiming for global expansion.

We try to make classes more interactive in nature which is a healthy mix of formal lectures, case studies and presentations. All of this is prescheduled which provides ample time to the students for self-development and gives time to explore their interests. The teaching methodology is supplemented with lectures and sessions from industry experts. Apart from this, we have introduced practicum on Wednesdays where we conduct field visits, guest lectures, quiz sessions and case studies leading to a high-quality educational offering. This was introduced to develop 'rigour and relevance' in their ongoing Modules. Case Studies, distinguished lectures from CEOs and Experts have become a part of this activity in the campus to make sessions more interesting and give students a chance to do the insightful activity on their ongoing module apart from regular classes.

Q. How are you preparing your students to be Industry ready?

A. As educators, we constantly evaluate whether our programs and curricula prepare students sufficiently for the current and projected needs of industries.

IIHMR-U has always given a very conducive environment for the students. We nurture each student for the job market. Hardcore teaching consumes 30-40 per cent and rest is case studies, filed Work/visits, presentations, interactive sessions between eminent speakers from the industry and students and teaching business modules. This way a student gets exposure to the practical knowledge. We also take advice and suggestions from the Alumni who are very well placed throughout India and abroad. They are there to guide us from time to time on job market and the demand of the Industry. This way we redesign our modules so that the students are all well equipped with the trends and demands of the industry. We also focus a lot in ‘Summer Training’ of the students. We send them to the industries who design the training module according to our curriculum which in turn helps students to face the industry.

Q. What quality do your students have which other college students lack?

A. They ask questions

They are hard workers

They are involved and motivated

They are leaders and good citizens

Q. Do you think the curriculum of the courses taught in your institute fits in the requirement of the industry?

A. The course focuses primarily on familiarizing students with various policies, procedures, and practices required to effectively manage multiple departments of healthcare organizations, hospitals, and other healthcare industry-related streams. The average length of the course usually spans over a two-year cycle, where the first-year curriculum is general to all students, while a specific flow for the second year.

In the first year, the topics covered deal with various aspects of healthcare and hospital management. There are subjects related to Strategic Planning and Management, Biostatistics, Management Theory, Brand Strategy, Organizational Behavior, Financial Management, and Accounting as an important part of the course is concerned with management aspects.

In order to raise students' understanding of health-related topics and provide them with the necessary knowledge to carry out healthcare duties effectively, the first-year curriculum also often covers statistics and social sciences, health economics important, hospital services essential, health and development critical epidemiology, research methodology, and health policy and health care.

In the second year, we also include summer training as a part of the course, where students get to experience the real-time working environment in healthcare or a related organisation.

During the second year, the students are required to opt among the available streams of specialization.

We follow academic excellence guidelines which advocate different academic innovations and delivery such as teaching as per structure, session plan, and midterm feedback system. Using different pedagogies for teaching and learning, not just focusing on PPT models but also including games, simulations role-play, filed visits, presentations, quiz sessions etc. Engaging guest faculty from the industry to bring an industry perspective. This certainly helps the students in getting to know what is happening in the industry.

Q. Is your college receptive to the innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship?

A. IIHMR-U has launched Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) on September 26. CIIE aims to promote entrepreneurship and innovation using a 360-degree approach to enable startups. The focus would be on producing venture ready workforce and transforming Job seekers to job creators.

CIIE will work on enhancing Capability of entrepreneurial education/skills amongst students through various training/courses and exposure The Centre will foster linkages between the academia, Industries, R&D institutions and other related organisations with national/global expertise for enabling commercialisation and global competitiveness. We have also signed an MoU with MNIT. They will help us on technical grounds and help in setting up the incubation cell.