Journal Notes: GME Around the Word—A Conversation with International Editor Dr. Marije P. Hennus
In the August 2024 issue, The Journal of Graduate Medical Education (JGME) introduced a new continuing article section: GME Around the World. Like the section on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, it will feature articles of all types, from Original Research and Educational Innovation to Perspectives. GME Around the World will prioritize submissions from authors outside of North America, Western Europe, and Australia, as well as from countries that are underrepresented in the medical education literature, giving international authors a dedicated space to disseminate their work.
This effort is led by three JGME international editors: Halah Ibrahim, MD, MEHP at Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Marije P. Hennus, MD, PhD, MSc Clin Ed at Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands; and Harm Peters, MD, MHPE at Charité–Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany. As GME Around the World continues in 2025, this blog series will introduce each editor and learn about their vision for this next step toward meeting JGME’s commitment to increase geographical diversity in medical education scholarship.
Dr. Marije Hennus joined JGME’s Editorial Board in January 2024. She recalls, “After a meeting with Gail and the team, I immediately felt an incredible sense of belonging. The warm and welcoming atmosphere made it clear that this was more than just a professional opportunity—it was an invitation to join a family.” Her passion for graduate medical education is reflected in her work to improve patient care through meaningful learning opportunities in the workplace. Over the years, she has contributed to developing interprofessional programs that create shared mental models among students, residents/fellows, nurses, and supervisors.
When asked what audiences might be most surprised to learn from articles in GME Around the World, she discussed how resource limitations in certain parts of the world often lead to innovative, adaptable solutions that not only meet educational standards but also, in some cases, surpass what we achieve in resource-rich environments. “In the Global North,” she notes, “I sometimes wrestle with how resource-heavy systems can still feel constrained. It’s humbling to see how, in lower-resource settings, decisions are made with incredible focus on quality of life and patient-centered care—approaches that can offer valuable lessons for all of us.”
Currently, knowledge and dissemination in medical education literature is overrepresented by English-speaking, high-income countries, mostly in North America and Europe. In this context, increasing geographical diversity can be very challenging. Dr. Hennus reflects that one of her biggest hurdles has simply been connecting with individuals from these locations. She said she observes that “geographic and financial barriers often limit opportunities for professionals from the Global South to attend conferences or contribute to publications. High course fees, unstable internet connections, and language barriers only compound the challenge.” She also notes that, in the Global North, we sometimes lack the cultural sensitivity or understanding needed to truly bridge the gap. “Overcoming these barriers requires intentionality—not just in seeking diverse voices but also in creating spaces where those voices feel valued and heard.”
“If I could add one thing,” Dr. Hennus concludes, “it would be a call for greater collaboration and mutual learning across borders. There’s so much we can gain from sharing perspectives, especially when we take the time to listen and appreciate the richness of approaches born from different contexts. By embracing these opportunities, we can collectively elevate the field of medical education and, ultimately, patient care worldwide. And this is exactly what we hope to contribute to with the GME Around the World section.”
Be sure to check out the October 2024 editorial for a more in-depth look at why the JGME editors have launched GME Around the World, and look out for new articles appearing in 2025.
Journal Notes blogger Kevin Gladish is a staff editor for the Journal of Graduate Medical Education. He’s been at the ACGME since 2016, and is also a performer, writer, and storyteller.