Associate Professor Mark Norden

I am the Director of Medical Education and Phase 3 coordinator at the Rural Clinical Campus,  Albury Wodonga. I am also the Medical Director, Women's & Children's Health division at Albury Wodonga Health and a Course Director with Advanced Paediatric Life Support (Australia). I was awarded a  Graduate Diploma in Clinical Education by the  University of Melbourne in 2022. 

In my role as DoME at Albury RCC, I interact with students on a daily basis. I meet all students 1:1 at the start of each year to learn what drives them, what concerns them and if anything may impact on their performance. As Phase 3 coordinator I am involved in rolling out the curriculum at the RCC, modifying as appropriate. I also supervise each phase clinical examinations.

But as a paediatrician, I get to teach. Years ago, I realised that I need t know more and began my Grad Dip in Clinical Education part time. The theory and practical insights this has given me has enabled me to fine tune my teaching and modify the format as the topic and situation demands. I no longer "give lectures", preferring tutorials,(often self directed) and workshops. I am also keen to broaden the scope of simulation teaching.

I guess, over the years, I have learnt to always gain the students perspective. No student actively seeks to fail. Errors make sense to them. External pressures always contribute.

Regarding assessments, I am interested in how we assess readiness for entry into a "community of practice". Specifically, how to we measure, record, assess and remediate "professionalism" in medical students....and does this make a difference?