PolyU hosts Hong Kong’s first Clinical Education Conference and collaborates with The University of Queensland to establish a joint research laboratory, advancing clinical education in physiotherapy and occupational therapy

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the inaugural Clinical Education Conference, the first event of its kind in Hong Kong, on 12 July on campus, aiming to promote the advancement of clinical education in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. During the Conference, PolyU signed a collaboration agreement with the University of Queensland to officially establish a Joint Health Professions Education Research Laboratory, with the aim of fostering collaborative research and innovation in healthcare professional education. The Conference brought together over 300 clinical educators and experts in physiotherapy and occupational therapy from government agencies, non-governmental organisations and private practices.

Mr David NG, Assistant Director (Rehabilitation and Medical Social Services) of the Social Welfare Department of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Marco PANG, Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences, Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation, Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, and Director of the University Research Facility in Behavioural and Systems Neuroscience at PolyU; Prof. Sandy BRAUER, Deputy Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences at The University of Queensland; Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Head of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; Prof. Shirley NGAI, Associate Head of the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Chair of the Organising Committee of the Clinical Education Conference; Mr Alexander WOO, President of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association; and Ms Sanne FONG, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Occupational Therapy Association, attended the Conference opening ceremony.

Prof. Marco Pang and Prof. Sandy Brauer subsequently signed the collaboration agreement on behalf of both parties, symbolising the official establishment of the Joint Health Professions Education Research Laboratory and marking a significant step forward in their collaborative efforts in teaching and research.

Prof. Marco Pang stated, “With PolyU’s extensive experience in the education of healthcare professionals, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has nurtured countless exceptional occupational therapists and physiotherapists, contributing to the healthcare industry and society at large. We look forward to leveraging the strengths of both PolyU and The University of Queensland to foster innovation in healthcare professional education and research, and to facilitate collaboration between educators and the industry, thereby advancing the development of physiotherapy and occupational therapy education.”

The Clinical Education Conference featured keynote speeches, roundtable discussions and panel discussions. Prof. Sandy Brauer and Prof. Jodie COPLEY, Head of Occupational Therapy and Professor of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland, delivered keynote speeches on allied health curricula and mastering clinical and professional reasoning, sharing the latest advancements and insights in clinical education with attendees. Seasoned industry practitioners from the Hospital Authority, non-governmental organisations and private practices also chaired roundtable and panel discussions, exploring innovative clinical placement models and coaching skills for clinical educators.

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