DR. BALAJI ARUMUGAM WON MOST AMBITIOUS ACADEMICIAN AWARD IN THE FIELD OF INNOVATIVE TL METHODS IN MEDICAL EDUCATION

BY SCIENTIFIC LAURELS Innovative TL methods in medical education INDIA

Professional Qualification and summary

Post graduate in M.D Community Medicine and a graduate in General medicine and Surgery (M.B.B.S) with experience in Public Health Research, Medical education research, Editor and Reviewer of National and International Journals, Academic roles as Professor and Head, MEU coordinator, IEC joint member secretary, IRC coordinator, IAPSM Professional Association TN State Ex-treasurer and Community physician and TADCOM General Secretary.

Dr. Balaji Arumugam, an esteemed academician, researcher, and physician, boasts an outstanding career in Community Medicine spanning over 16 years. He has significantly contributed to both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) medical education through innovative teaching-learning methods, extensive research publications, and impactful mentorship. Recognized as a trailblazer in medical education, Dr. Balaji Arumugam has earned numerous prestigious awards, reflecting his excellence in clinical practice, research, and medical education. With over 120+ research papers, 7 books published, and a wealth of teaching experience, Dr. Balaji Arumugam remains a guiding light in shaping future medical professionals.

Currently working as Vice Principal, Professor & HOD of Community Medicine Department at Arunai Medical College & Hospital, Tiruvannamalai.

Dr. Balaji Arumugam: A Trailblazer in Medical Education

With an illustrious career spanning over 16 years as a dedicated faculty member in Community Medicine, Dr. Balaji Arumugam has established himself as a pioneer in medical education. His contributions extend across various prestigious medical institutions, where his passion for innovative teaching and learning methods has left a profound impact on both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students.

A distinguished resource person for medical education and NMC-appointed coordinator, Dr. Balaji Arumugam has been instrumental in supervising crucial programs such as the Basic Course in Medical Education (BCME) and the Curriculum Implementation Support Program (CISP). His leadership in organizing and conducting numerous medical education workshops and conferences has enriched the teaching methodologies of countless educators, enhancing the learning experiences of future healthcare professionals.

Dr. Balaji Arumugam’s visionary approach to medical education is reflected in his implementation of innovative teaching methods, including Hybrid Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Concept Mapping, and Team-Based Learning. His Family Adoption Program earned him recognition as an award-winning qualitative study, showcasing his commitment to holistic, community-centered medical education.

His focus on fostering crucial skills such as attitude and communication (ATCOM), professionalism, and leadership among medical students is evident in his groundbreaking studies. These include:

  • Exploring ATCOM: A study on medical students' attitudes towards the doctor-patient relationship.
  • Medical Leadership: Interns’ perceptions of leadership skills.
  • Evaluation of Research Skills: A focus group discussion-based study evaluating the research capabilities of medical interns.
  • Self-Reflection and Professionalism: A qualitative study promoting reflective writing and its importance in medical professionalism.

Dr. Balaji Arumugam’s work has been deeply influential in the field of educational networking, including the use of WhatsApp for medical student discussions, fostering real-time learning and peer collaboration. Additionally, his expertise in conducting panel discussions, debates, role plays, and quiz programs has engaged many medical students, enhancing their critical thinking and communication abilities.

His tireless dedication to improving medical education through workshop-based teaching methods and his dynamic involvement in team-based learning and large-group tutorials have set a benchmark in the academic community.

Dr. Balaji Arumugam’s exemplary contributions continue to inspire both students and educators, earning him well-deserved recognition as an award-winning educator and innovator in the field of medical education.

For students and educators alike, Dr. Balaji Arumugam remains a guiding light, constantly pushing the boundaries of how medical education is delivered, ensuring that the next generation of doctors is well-equipped with not only clinical expertise but also essential communication and leadership skills.

Key Achievements:

  • Recipient of the BEST AUTHOR AWARD from Innovative Publications for his first Family Adoption Program (FAP) article published in the Journal of Community Health Management (JCHM), 2023.
  • Award of Excellence in Innovative Teaching at the Assan Awards, September 2022, presented by the Indian Medical Association (Tambaram) for his outstanding contributions to teaching, particularly in community medicine.
  • Best Physician Award on Doctors’ Day, July 2022, awarded by the Indian Medical Association (Odisha branch) for his contributions to community medicine in research and academics.
  • IAPSM National Level Presidential Appreciation Award, 2022, for exemplary work in the field of Community Medicine in the faculty category.
  • Best Researcher Award for 120+ research papers, 7 published books, and 18 years of professional and academic excellence in community medicine and medical education, presented by the INSO Awards at the Pondicherry National Conference, April 2022.
  • Outstanding Scientist Award in 2021 for his exceptional work in the field of medicine, based on his prolific research output and contributions to medical education.
  • Pyare Lal Sharma Memorial Award, 2020, for first-authoring and guiding the National Award-winning research paper on Community-Based Research at the 47th Annual National IAPSM Conference.
  • Gold Medal Award in 2019 and 2018 as a continuous reviewer for the Association of Medical Education in Europe (AMEE), demonstrating his dedication to advancing medical education through scholarly peer review.
  • Designer and Publisher of the validated Selfie Addiction Scale, a tool utilized in behavioral and psychological studies related to addiction, published in 2018.
  • IJRULA Title Awards (2018, 2019, 2020) for guiding research articles that received prestigious awards from the International Journal of Research Under Literal Access (IJRULA), a foundation by Idamas Learning Center (Malaysia).
  • Nominated for the Central Government Award for successfully organizing the Swachhata Pakhwada Program at Tagore Medical College and Hospital, Dept. of Community Medicine, 2020.
  • Best Doctor Award (2017) from Tagore Medical College and Hospital in recognition of his clinical and academic excellence in community medicine.