The Network for Applied Medical Education (NAME)
The Network for Applied Medical Education (NAME) was founded by Azerbaijani scholars working in Germany (initiated by Dr.med. Vugar Yagublu, a certified medical educator by the Tübingen Institute for Medical Education (TIME) at the University of Heidelberg). NAME focuses specifically on supporting middle-income countries (MICs), with a special emphasis on the former Soviet Union (FSU) countries. The mission of the NAME is to promote the improvement of medical education in MIC countries by developing comprehensive learning modules fostering a close integration of pre-clinical and clinical-theoretical science, basic research and teaching.
The NAME concept was inspired by the curriculum models of Groningen University and the Mannheim Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, known as MaReCuM (“Mannheimer Reformiertes Curriculum für Medizin”). This approach effectively integrates future medical doctors into a research environment, enabling them to conduct clinical and basic research alongside their patient care duties. NAME inspires students to consider the application of their knowledge as they learn and encourages them to initiate the creation of a product or startup.
2.1 Initiative for Academic Excellence in Medicine – INACEM
This program is designed specifically for Azerbaijani medical students as part of the Network for Applied Medical Education (NAME). Its main objective is to guide and support selected students in achieving academic and professional excellence, through the comprehensive teaching modules developed by NAME, that aims at harmonically integration of pre-clinical and clinical-theoretical science, basic research and teaching. The students in the program will be equipped to tackle real-world challenges early on, inspiring them to apply their knowledge they have learned and motivating them even to initiate biotech startup ideas, including new drugs, devices, diagnostics, mobile applications, and treatments.
The project strives to improve medical education and biomedical sciences in Azerbaijan by introducing modern innovations which are customized to local needs through the partnership of Azerbaijani doctors and biomedical scientists in Germany and serve as a pilot concept for further developments. At the same time, we seek to create a model addressing a significant global challenge faced by low- and middle-income countries: transforming brain drain into brain gain.
Azerbaijani medical, as well as biomedical students who demonstrate leadership qualities and a strong interest in research are eligible for this program. The lecturers in the program are network of doctors and biomedical professionals of Azerbaijani origin from high-income countries such as Germany and the USA, as well as their colleagues from Azerbaijan. This network has been formed over the last ten years through various joint projects and high ranking publications. With their practical experience and in-depth analysis, they have gained a deep understanding of the problems of medical education and research in Azerbaijan that will greatly enrich the program.