Lebanese American University
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
In 2005, Lebanese American University (LAU) approached Partners HealthCare International (PHI) to determine the feasibility of opening a medical school and acquiring an existing hospital.
Over the years, PHI has helped LAU develop and open an American-style medical school with a problem-based curriculum. The partnership has ultimately changed the method of teaching in Lebanon and the Middle East.
The challenge
LAU sought to establish a state-of-the-art medical school that encompassed a US-style curriculum. The development of a new medical school presented several challenges for the University, including:
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Attract highly skilled faculty to Lebanon
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Implement innovative education models including simulation
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Develop the physical infrastructure and facilities to support innovative education
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Build a strong reputation from the beginning as a national leader in medical education
Our process
With these challenges in mind, PHI and LAU worked together to develop comprehensive leadership training drawing on resources from Harvard Medical School. Specific education and training initiatives included:
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Empowerment of faculty to develop innovative programs for medical students; early clinical experiences, small group and self-directed learning and multiple forms of formative and summative student assessment
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Observations of various relevant programs and facilities in Massachusetts
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Through a two-month “Scholar-in-Residence” program, a senior member of the PHI faculty was on-site at the school’s launch to help oversee and enhance the implementation of the new school’s medical program and progressive curriculum
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Planning and design of a state-of-the-art health professions building housing the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy
Our impact
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Launch of clinical training for the inaugural graduating class at the University Medical Center Rizk Hospital
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In collaboration with LAU teaching faculty, PHI established a standardized patient program, the first of its kind offered in Lebanon
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Longitudinal themes across the curriculum
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Social medicine program bringing students to the underserved populations of Lebanon
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Opportunities for students to participate in observerships and research projects in the USA
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First graduating class of 23 in June 2013
Click here to read the full case study.
Lebanese American University: From Then to Now
Since partnering with PHI in 2005, Lebanese American University (LAU) has introduced a problem-based curriculum and provided a wealth of opportunities for students, ultimately changing the method of teaching medicine in Lebanon.
Lebanese American University: An Overview
Partners HealthCare International (PHI) works to effect transformative, sustainable improvements in health care worldwide. One example is the development of a new medical school in Lebanon, which ultimately helped change medical education in the country.
