APMEDUCON 2026 focuses on emerging trends in medical education
The growing role of artificial intelligence, curriculum reforms, and competency-based learning in shaping the future of medical education dominated discussions at APMEDUCON 2026, the 16th Annual State Conference of the Andhra Pradesh Medical Educators Association (APMEA), which concluded at the GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (GIMSR) on Saturday.
More than 260 medical educators, clinicians, researchers, and undergraduate and postgraduate students from across the country participated in the three-day conference, organised by the Medical Education Unit of GIMSR under the theme “Innovate to Educate: Emerging Trends in Medical Education.” The event explored how medical institutions can adapt to rapid technological change while strengthening ethics, clinical competence, and patient-centred care.
Delivering the inaugural keynote address, Dr. Vedprakash Mishra, Secretary General of the International Council of Global Network for Medical, Health Professions and Bioethics Education and President of the Association of Medical Educators of India, said India’s medical education system must keep pace with global standards without compromising its core values of ethics, professionalism, and community-oriented healthcare.
He emphasised the need for sustained curriculum reforms, stronger faculty development, international collaboration, and the responsible integration of emerging technologies to prepare future-ready doctors.
The conference opened with hands-on workshops on assessment blueprinting and moulage-based simulation, followed by keynote lectures, plenary sessions, panel discussions, and scientific presentations on artificial intelligence, digital innovations, medical education research, experiential learning, mentoring, bedside teaching, and competency-based medical education.
A total of 76 scientific papers and posters were presented by faculty members and students. APMEA instituted seven medal categories to recognise outstanding contributions to medical education research.
Experts from Christian Medical College, Vellore, also conducted focus group discussions with faculty members and students to evaluate the institutional learning environment. The findings, presented during a session on curriculum implementation, triggered discussions on strengthening teaching-learning practices and improving the academic environment.
Member of Parliament and GITAM President M. Sribharat attended the inaugural session as the special guest. GITAM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Errol D’Souza, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Medical Sciences) Dr. Gitanjali Batmanabane, and GIMSR Principal Dr. G. Sambasiva Rao were among those present.
Organising Secretary of the conference and APMEA Secretary Dr. V. Bodhi Srividya said the conference had provided an opportunity for medical educators to exchange ideas and collaborate on innovations in teaching and learning. The conference concluded with the presentation of medals and certificates to award winners at the valedictory session.