Dean's Message
Chon-Haw Tsai MD/PhD, Dean of College of Medicine
As the Dean of the College of Medicine, I wish to emphasize a comprehensive vision that integrates altruism, respect for life, innovative thinking, lifelong learning, interpersonal communication, holistic care, social service, and humanistic care. The College of Medicine serves as the university's cornerstone, and only with a solid College of Medicine can we promote the growth and success of the entire institution. Our College of Medicine includes the School of Medicine, Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, and Department of Biomedical Informatics. The graduate programs comprise the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Translational Medicine and New Drug Development, and six degree programs. Our core mission is to cultivate medical expertise and to foster medical humanities and ethics, nurturing healthcare professionals who serve society and respect life. Our graduate programs aim to develop honest, research-capable physician-scientists with a global perspective.
On a practical level, the quality of student education must be a priority. Strengthening international student exchange programs, improving or maintaining national exam pass rates, and ensuring smooth pathways for employment and further studies after graduation are all critical tasks for the College of Medicine. In addition, caring for students’ mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, especially for disadvantaged students, is vital. This underscores the importance of the role of student mentors. Quality education requires outstanding teachers; therefore, enhancing faculty development, bringing in younger faculty, and providing continuous training are essential to maintaining high-quality teaching. Professors in basic sciences also need clinical experience, as this benefits the integration of basic and clinical courses, enabling students to learn the most essential content. We should create more opportunities for basic science professors to interact with patients, which is particularly important in departments closely related to clinical work.
Strengthening Clinical Medical Education
Thanks to many dedicated efforts, a solid foundation for clinical education for medical students has been established. However, clinical observations reveal that students sometimes struggle to recognize clinical signs or make correct diagnoses when interacting with patients. The most effective approach is for students to learn diagnostics and examinations directly from real patients under the guidance of residents and attending physicians, gradually building diagnostic skills through practical experience. This approach also applies to students in Biomedical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Biomedical Imaging, and Biomedical Informatics, who can gain experience through hands-on learning. Moreover, patient-centered attitudes are essential; students should aim to find solutions for patients, offering hope even in challenging circumstances.
Research with a Clear Direction
Research must have a clear focus and direction. We can establish interdisciplinary research teams to address diseases that are currently difficult to treat but have potential for breakthroughs, such as cancer. We have invested significant resources in cancer research and treatment, and many talented individuals are dedicated to this area, benefiting both patients and academia. However, with an aging population, we should also focus on degenerative and genetic diseases like Parkinson's disease, dementia, joint degeneration, and the relationship between gut microbiota and brain diseases. These should be priority areas for future research. Emerging technologies, such as AI, deep learning, next-generation sequencing, precision medicine, stem cell and immunotherapy, and neurophysiology, will be critical tools for understanding and addressing these diseases.
AI, in particular, is a technology that is transforming our medical model, improving patient outcomes in diagnosis, treatment planning, and personalized care through precise, data-driven insights. AI can assist in interpreting medical images, analyzing large datasets, and even predicting disease progression. As the College of Medicine, we must incorporate AI into our curriculum and research to ensure students are proficient in these advanced technologies. By fostering collaboration between AI experts, clinicians, and researchers, we can push the boundaries of medical science, offering innovative solutions to current and future healthcare challenges.
Our current laboratories are mainly led by basic science professors, but we can plan to establish joint labs with hospitals, providing research-oriented physicians with long-term development opportunities. Bringing together two or three researchers specializing in the same field to manage a lab under research project support could be beneficial, with research assistants aiding in project execution. Expensive equipment can be shared between the school and the hospital. Close collaboration between basic science professors and research-capable clinical physicians is essential, grounded in effective communication, to build long-term trust and cooperation. The College of Medcine's existing research labs can also serve as a solid foundation for joint physician-researcher labs. Engaging with international scholars, participating in international academic groups, and serving on journal editorial boards are also crucial for academic growth. Offering collaborative research opportunities for physicians and faculty will be a key focus in building the College of Medicine, ensuring sustainable talent development.
International Academic Exchange
International collaboration is essential, but it requires sufficient strength on our part. Beyond holding academic conferences, substantial project-based collaboration will have a more profound impact. With project support, we should arrange mutual visits, particularly inviting foreign scholars for medium- to long-term stays, which may be more beneficial. Faculty should also be more proactive in joining international journal editorial boards and serving as members (e.g., executive committee members) of international academic organizations. Academic strength is fundamental, and administrative roles in international academic organizations serve as structural support; both are important but the latter is often overlooked. We should also strengthen international student exchange programs, recruit international students, and expand career pathways overseas, areas in which we already have a solid foundation that can be further enhanced.
Strengthening Alumni Support
Alumni are essential pillars of support for the school, both spiritually and practically. With strong alumni support, the school’s development will proceed more smoothly. Our alumni association already has established units and further enhancement in this area is recommended.
Caring for Students’ Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Well-being, Especially Disadvantaged Students
Students inevitably encounter challenges in their studies and lives, and the care and support of mentors and peers are essential. We should also integrate campus counseling services and fellowship programs, proactively supporting students to ensure they grow with meticulous care. I hope that teachers will guide and teach students with dedication.
Close Ties with Taiwan's Medical Education System
Regular meetings of deans and department heads from Taiwan's medical universities play a crucial role in shaping medical education policy. Greater involvement in these meetings allows us to have a better understanding of future decision-making directions and contribute to medical education policy.
In summary, I hope that within our College of Medicine family, everyone can help one another, live harmoniously, and create a better present and future together. As we advance in medical technology, we must continue to integrate a holistic care philosophy and apply cutting-edge technologies such as AI to contribute to the progress of global healthcare.
November 15, 2024