USM PAEDIATRIC CRASH COURSE 2026 ENHANCES KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN PAEDIATRIC CARE

BERTAM, 25 April 2026 – The USM Paediatric Crash Course 2026 was successfully held today at the Auditorium of Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), bringing together healthcare professionals in a focused one-day educational initiative aimed at strengthening essential paediatric knowledge and clinical competencies.

The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Clinical Medicine, Paediatric Clinical Service of PKTAAB, and Pusat Transformasi Insan USM, in collaboration with the Malaysia Paediatric Association (MPA).

The event was officiated by Bakiah Shaharuddin, Director of PKTAAB, who highlighted the importance of continuous learning, multidisciplinary collaboration, and quality paediatric care in addressing the evolving healthcare needs of children and families. The programme also reflected the spirit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17, which emphasises partnerships in achieving sustainable outcomes.

The primary objective of the course was to provide concise yet comprehensive exposure to the management of common paediatric cases frequently encountered in clinical practice. It also aimed to enhance participants’ basic assessment and early treatment skills, while reinforcing both theoretical knowledge and practical approaches in paediatric care. Additionally, the programme served as a valuable platform for interdisciplinary knowledge sharing and professional networking among medical officers, nurses, assistant medical officers, and healthcare trainees.

Approximately 80 healthcare professionals participated in the programme, representing multiple institutions and service schemes, including PKTAAB, Pusat Sejahtera Main Campus, and Pusat Sejahtera USM Engineering Campus. The strong turnout reflected a growing commitment to continuous professional development and the need to equip frontline healthcare providers with updated paediatric knowledge.

Participants benefited from a series of informative and clinically relevant lectures delivered by experienced speakers from PKTAAB and the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Topics covered included common ORL problems in paediatrics, allergy spectrum and management in children, introduction to house dust mites immunotherapy, common skin problems and infections, learning disabilities, gastrointestinal and endocrine disorders, as well as bronchial asthma and common lung infections in children. The sessions emphasised evidence-based approaches and practical insights applicable to daily patient care.

Overall, the USM Paediatric Crash Course 2026 achieved its intended goals by enhancing participants’ foundational knowledge and practical confidence in the early assessment and management of paediatric patients. The programme also strengthened professional ties among healthcare staff across different USM campuses and clinical centres, paving the way for future collaboration and more integrated patient care. The positive response from participants underscored the value of such initiatives in supporting lifelong learning and advancing paediatric healthcare services.