Abstracts are invited for Short Communication (10-minute oral presentation followed by 5 minutes for questions and discussion) and ePosters (3-minute introductions to the poster followed by 2 minutes for questions and discussion). Please indicate your preferred method of presentation.

Abstracts may be submitted for the following themes:

1. Facilitating learning and assessment: remotely and in-person.

This topic explores the evolving landscape of medical education, emphasizing the integration and balance of remote and in-person learning modalities such as:

• Techniques and tools for delivering medical education effectively online.
• Modern approaches to traditional classroom and clinical teaching.
• The combination of remote and in-person educational methods to maximize learning outcomes.
• Effective methods for assessing student performance and learning outcomes in both remote and in-person settings.
• The use of emerging technologies to support learning and assessment.
• Strategies to keep students motivated and engaged in different learning environments.
• Identifying and addressing the challenges faced in remote and in-person education and sharing solutions and best practices that have been implemented successfully.

2. Faculty development

This topic encompasses a broad range of activities aimed at enhancing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes of medical educators.

3. Competency-based Medical Education (CBME).

Abstracts submitted under this theme should focus on designing and implementing medical education that emphasizes the development of specific competencies in learners. Unlike traditional time-based education models, CBME focuses on the outcomes of the educational process, ensuring that medical graduates possess the essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for effective practice.

4. Simulation in medical education (including augmented reality and virtual reality).

Simulation in medical education has rapidly evolved with advancements in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). These technologies offer immersive, interactive, and highly realistic training environments. Abstracts submitted under this theme should address how these technologies enhance the learners’ learning experience, bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.

5. Artificial intelligence in medical education.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing medical education. This includes personalized learning pathways, intelligent tutoring systems, predictive analytics for student performance, virtual simulations, and automated administrative tasks. Submissions under this theme may address how it is used to enhance the learning experience and improve educational outcomes.

6. Educational scholarship and evidence-based medical education (EBME).

Educational Scholarship involves rigorous investigation and dissemination of new knowledge about teaching and learning and EBME applies the principles of evidence-based medicine to education. It involves integrating the best available evidence from educational research with clinical expertise and learner preferences to make informed decisions about educational practices.

When developing your abstract consider innovations in curriculum development, evidence-based instructional methods, development and validation of assessment tools, and other topics.

7. Well-being and burn-out in faculty and medical students.

The well-being of faculty and medical students is a critical component of a thriving educational environment and the overall success of healthcare systems. Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, can be prevalent among healthcare professionals and students. Submissions under this theme should address the various dimensions of well-being and burnout, exploring causes, impacts, and solutions.

8. Social media in medical education: opportunities and pitfalls.

Social media has become an integral part of modern communication and has significant implications for medical education. Submissions under this theme may address how social media can enhance learning experiences, foster professional networking, and provide platforms for collaborative research. It can also address challenges and potential pitfalls, including issues related to professionalism, misinformation, and privacy concerns.

9. Social accountability in medical education.

Social accountability in medical education emphasizes the responsibility of medical schools and healthcare providers to address the needs of the communities they serve. Abstracts under this theme may explore innovative approaches to integrating social accountability principles into medical school curricula, highlight successful collaborations between medical schools and community organizations or health systems, assessment strategies to measure the impact of social accountability initiatives, and compare strategies across different healthcare systems and cultural settings.

10. Professionalism

Professionalism in medical education encompasses the behaviors, attitudes, and values that characterize the ethical practice of medicine. It involves the development of competencies that go beyond clinical skills, focusing on the interpersonal, ethical, and societal dimensions of being a healthcare provider. Abstracts under this theme should address innovative teaching methods, curriculum development, assessment strategies, or research findings that enhance the understanding and practice of professionalism among medical students, residents, and practicing physicians. Abstracts can explore theoretical frameworks, empirical studies, practical interventions, or case studies that highlight challenges, successes, or best practices in fostering professionalism.

1. Language: All abstracts must be submitted in English.
2. Word Limit: Abstracts should not exceed 250 words (excluding title, authors, and affiliations).
3. Title: The title should be concise and accurately reflect the content of the abstract. Limit to 20 words.
4. Authors: List all contributing authors and their affiliations. The presenting author should be identified.
5. Structure: Abstracts should be structured as a single paragraph and without references. Please structure into the following sections:
   • Objectives: State the primary aims or goals.
   • Methods: Briefly describe the methodology used.
   • Results: Summarize key findings or outcomes.
   • Conclusion: Highlight the significance and potential impact of the findings.
6. Online Submission: Abstracts must be submitted electronically via the conference abstract submission portal Abstract Submission Link.
7. Review Process: All abstracts will undergo a peer-review process conducted by the conference Scientific Committee. Only abstracts of unpublished work will be considered. Abstracts that contain plagiarism will be rejected. Abstracts will be evaluated based on originality, relevance to medical education, clarity, and significance of findings. Authors will be notified of acceptance or rejection via email by 24 November 2024.
8. Publication: Accepted abstracts will be published in SQUMJ.
9. Registration: All presenters must register for the conference by 3rd Decemberr 2024 to confirm their participation and for their abstract to be included in the programme.
10. Contact: For any inquiries regarding abstract submission, please contact gccmec@squ.edu.om or visit https://conferences.squ.edu.om/gccmec.

We look forward to your valuable contributions and to welcoming you to our conference!