Rate My Professor Kimberley Johnston

Kimberley Johnston is the eLearning Facilitator for the Early Learning in Medicine (ELM) programme at the University of Otago's Faculty of Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, within the Health Sciences Division. She has held this position since 2017, serving as an education design specialist. Her primary responsibilities include facilitating the design and development of high-quality online and blended teaching and learning processes, assessments, and supporting related research collaborations with academic staff. Through her expertise, Johnston contributes to the effective delivery of educational content in the ELM curriculum, which comprises Years 2 and 3 of the MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree programme.

The ELM programme builds students' scientific foundations for medical practice and introduces essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes for professional development. Key modules supported by her eLearning facilitation include Clinical Skills, focusing on basic clinical examinations, history-taking, and doctor-patient communication using actors, volunteer patients, and simulated scenarios; Integrated Cases, which integrate tutor-led, group-based, and independent learning across disciplines; Early Professional Experience (EPE), providing exposure to doctors' roles, healthcare environments, and real patient interactions; and Medical Sciences, delivered through lectures, laboratories, and tutorials covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and behavioural science. Vertical modules address ongoing themes such as professional development, ethics, cultural competency, evidence-based medicine, and lifelong learning habits. Johnston works within the Centre for Early Learning in Medicine (CELM) team, including Associate Dean and Director Tony Zaharic, Education Adviser Dr Jon Cornwall, Clinical Skills Convener Dr Ruth Barnett, Integrated Case Convener Senior Lecturer Dr Linda Gulliver, EPE Convener Senior Lecturer Lis Heath, and eDeveloper Judith Swan. Her efforts emphasize collaborative small-group tutorials (comprising about 15% of learning time), independent study, critical thinking, reflection, and early nationwide patient contact via Community Contact Week, ensuring students develop a strong professional identity from the outset of their medical training.