Transformative Influence of the ERASMUS+ Program on Manpower Development in AATM Countries: Insights from the 18th Annual Congress of the Asian Association of Transfusion Medicine

Team TRANSMED had the privilege of participating in a thought-provoking panel discussion centered around the transformative impact of the ERASMUS+ Program on manpower development in AATM countries. This engaging discourse took place as part of the 18th Annual Congress of the Asian Association of Transfusion Medicine and the 4th Joint Meeting with the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, held from the 1st to the 2nd of December 2023, at the Convention Centre, Hotel Lemon Tree, Sector 60, Gurgaon (Delhi NCR).

Moderated by Dr. Joaquim Vives, the panel comprised of the members from team TRANSMED including Dr. N Chouhdury, Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe, Dr. Ananda Gunasekera, Dr. Nandita Choudhury, and Dr. Rajdeep Deb. Each panellist brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, facilitating a rich exchange of ideas and experiences throughout the session.

Dr. N Chouhdury initiated the discussion by eloquently articulating the AATM's engagement in the ERASMUS+ program and highlighting the significant partnerships it has forged over time. His insights laid a strong foundation for the subsequent exploration of the program's impact on manpower development within the region.

Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe explored into the potential benefits of the TRANSMED project for AATM member countries, emphasizing its pivotal role in enhancing manpower development and education across the region. His analysis shed light on the tangible outcomes and opportunities afforded by such collaborative initiatives.

Dr. Rajdeep Deb underscored the crucial role of the ERASMUS+ Program in facilitating international collaboration, particularly in academic exchange and cultural integration. His perspective emphasized the broader implications of cross-border cooperation in advancing professional development and fostering global partnerships.

Dr. Nandita Choudhury provided further depth to the discussion by offering insights into the profound impact of the TRANSMED project on manpower development, education, and professional growth within the AATM community. Her firsthand experiences added a practical dimension to the discourse, highlighting the real-world benefits of such initiatives.

Dr. Joaquim Vives steered the conversation towards an examination of the existing educational and health systems within AATM member countries, prompting reflections on the necessity for initiatives like TRANSMED. Through his interventions, he encouraged critical analysis of alternative approaches and identified key differences between existing initiatives and the ERASMUS+ Program.

Lastly, Dr. Ananda Gunasekera succinctly encapsulated the essence of the discourse and its implications for the future of professional development within the AATM community. His concluding remarks highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration and innovation in driving positive change and empowering healthcare professionals across the region.