AMSE 2023 Conference :: Invited speaker – Ronald M. Harden

Introducing Professor Ronald M. Harden OBE, MD, FRCP(Glas), FRCS(Ed), FRCPC, a renowned authority in the field of medical education and an esteemed Professor of Medical Education (Emeritus) at the University of Dundee, United Kingdom.

With a background in medicine, Professor Harden’s journey began as an endocrinologist before transitioning to a full-time career in medical education, where he made an indelible mark. As Editor-in-Chief of Medical Teacher and former General Secretary and Treasurer of the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE), his commitment to excellence in medical education is evident.

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Harden has been a pioneer of innovative approaches to curriculum planning, assessment, teaching, and learning. Notably, he is credited with introducing the groundbreaking Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), a widely adopted standard for assessing clinical competence. His contributions also encompass the development of the spiral curriculum and the influential SPICES model, both instrumental in shaping modern medical education.

A prolific author, Professor Harden’s works span more than 400 papers published in esteemed journals. Notably, he has co-edited essential resources such as “A Practical Guide for Medical Teachers” and the “Routledge International Handbook of Medical Education.” Additionally, he is a co-author of influential books including “Essential Skills for a Medical Teacher,” “The Definitive Guide to the OSCE,” “Eight Roles of the Medical Teacher,” and “The Changing Role of Medical Students.”

His exceptional contributions to medical education have garnered international recognition and prestigious awards. Notably, he was honored with the Karolinska Institutet Prize for Research in Medical Education, often equated to the Nobel Prize in medical education. In recognition of his services, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.

Internationally acclaimed, Professor Harden was bestowed with the Gusi Peace Prize for his outstanding contributions to medical education during a ceremony in Manila. Furthermore, he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of Dundee, further solidifying his impact on the global medical education landscape.

Recently, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the President of the National University of Singapore at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Medical Education Conference (APMEC), further exemplifying the profound impact of his work on a global scale.

With an enduring dedication to elevating medical education, Professor Ronald M. Harden stands as a beacon of excellence, inspiring educators and shaping the future of medical learning and practice. We are privileged to have him as a distinguished speaker at our conference, and his insights will undoubtedly enrich our academic discourse.