Revolutionising Education With Innovation

In the town of Salem, Tamil Nadu, a remarkable institution stood as an example of innovation and excellence in education. The School of Allied Health Sciences, part of the Vinayaka Missions Research Foundation-DU, was helmed by the dynamic and visionary Prof Dr B. Sendilkumar, who served as its Dean and Director.

In an exclusive interview BW Education, Prof Dr Sendilkumar unveiled the institution's groundbreaking initiatives that had transformed it into a unique and conducive learning environment for students in the School of Allied Health Sciences.

Experiential learning

The institution's philosophy centred around making learning a delightful journey. They adopted student-centric methods such as Participatory Learning, which included immersive field visits and camps. Their approach was integrative and interdisciplinary, fostering a holistic understanding of the subjects. Prof Dr Sendilkumar emphasised patient-centric learning through clinical training, enabling students to gain practical experience. Experiential learning was further enriched through industry internships, simulation-based

learning in state-of-the-art simulation labs and project-based learning to nurture innovation. Problem-based learning encouraged small group discussions and self-directed learning. The institution celebrated Health Days with fervour, where students organised rallies, street plays, mimes, dance dramas and simulation plays, not just for learning but also to educate others.

Simulation labs

Prof Dr Sendilkumar highlighted the significance of simulation-based learning, which allowed health professionals to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes while ensuring the safety of patients. Simulation-based medical education served as a valuable platform for students to navigate ethical dilemmas and practical challenges, honing their decision-making abilities.

Conferences, seminars and workshops

The institution stood out by organising department-specific international and national conferences. These events provided a platform for students to gain insights and update their skills and knowledge, connecting them with experts and practitioners in the field.

Industrial and field visits

Prof Dr Sendilkumar stressed the importance of real-life experience through industrial visits and field trips. These excursions enabled students to understand data collection, population profiling and practical applications of their studies.

Maintaining infrastructure

When asked about their approach to building and maintaining cutting-edge infrastructure, Prof Dr Sendilkumar explained their strategic approach. They started with modest investments in labs and utilised them to generate revenue through diagnostic tests and examinations. The funds generated were then reinvested to improve infrastructure continuously. This approach ensured that students had hands-on exposure to diagnostic procedures and practical applications of their knowledge.

Their commitment to faculty development was evident, with regular programs aimed at upgrading the skills of their educators to meet the demands of a digitised education system. The institution remained vigilant in exploring and implementing new technologies to benefit their students.

Creating a dynamic higher education institute, Prof Dr Sendilkumar believed, hinged on engaging and involving students actively in all aspects of college life. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills were nurtured through simulated challenging situations and mentorship played a crucial role in helping students overcome these challenges. In addition to academics, extracurricular activities were given equal importance to develop leadership and team-building skills, ensuring holistic student development.

The institution's commitment to offering courses with market demand, a multidisciplinary approach and a global reach was central to its dynamism. Prof Dr Sendilkumar believed that they were not just preparing students for jobs but for careers that could shape industries.

When asked about preparing students for Industry 5.0, Prof Dr Sendilkumar spoke of upskilling programs and industry-specific collaborations with partners like Siemens Healthineers and Bausch and Lomb. These programs aimed to prepare students for the future workforce by promoting the principles of unlearning, relearning and reskilling. Collaborations with reputed multispecialty hospitals and international universities further enriched the learning experience, offering students global exposure and knowledge exchange.

Lastly, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) vision of multidisciplinary, the institution was working on providing a flexible curriculum. Students had the freedom to choose subjects from both medicine and instrumentation in their degree programs. Diploma and skill courses were offered for those seeking quicker employability. Additional credits were awarded for courses completed through MOOCs and value-added courses promoted a multidisciplinary culture. The institution also provided professional academic and career counselling, ensuring the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of students through established councils, clubs and a mentor-mentee support system.

This institution was not just a place of learning, but a dynamic hub of innovation, where students were nurtured, challenged and prepared for the ever-evolving world of Allied Health Sciences. Under the leadership of Prof Dr Sendilkumar, it was a testament to what a committed institution could achieve in the pursuit of excellence in education.