Hybrid Conferences As A Catalyst For Bridging LMIC And HIC Medical Education: Connecting Kings To Karnali

Hybrid Conferences As A Catalyst For Bridging LMIC And HIC Medical Education: Connecting Kings To Karnali

Meliska Malla, Bishow Bekhyat Karki, Bikram Thapa, Sharan Thapa, Aista Subba, Prashant Gurung
Chitwan Medical COllege Teaching Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal; Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, United Kingdom; Royal Victoria Infirmary, ewcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom; Croydon University Hospital, London, United Kingdom; NHS England, Kent, England, United Kingdom; The University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Introduction: International conferences can be costly and geographically restrictive for medical trainees in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Hybrid conferences close this gap by linking expertise from high-income countries (HICs), providing it in real-time to LMICs. The Nepalese Doctors Association UK concluded its first hybrid conference at King’s College London, with live broadcast for Nepal. The “Connecting Kings to Karnali” theme symbolised bridging gaps between leading medical institutions and underserved regions like Karnali.

Aims: To evaluate how hybrid international conferences can improve access, equity, and educational value for medical students and doctors in LMICs.

Methods: Months of planning brought teams for hybrid delivery, communication, social media, and abstracts who coordinated via WhatsApp. A virtual pre-conference webinar was organised a week prior. The main conference featured parallel sessions for medical and dental professionals with 6 CPD hours accredited by RCSEd. Attendance was made free of cost for all virtual participants, and the event was delivered using low-cost platforms (Zoom).

Results: Pre-conference webinar attracted 290 participants. On conference day, 167 joined virtually, 67 in person, with over 150 virtual participants staying throughout. Attendees were 51.7% male, 48.3% female; 45% medical students and 55% resident doctors. Post-event surveys indicated 86–90% found sessions useful, 70–87% rated workshops highly, and 87–92% reported improved knowledge, especially from audit and critical care workshops. Overall, 96% would recommend the event, and 94% intend to attend next year.

Conclusion: This hybrid model demonstrates how a low-cost framework can break geographic and financial barriers for LMIC learners.

Keywords: Hybrid conferences, Global medical education, Low- and middle-income countries, International collaboration, Continuing professional development, Equity in healthcare education