University of Southampton’s Associate Dean receives Honorary Doctor of Medicine in Malaysia

IMU’s Chancellor, YBhg Dato’ Dr Amir Abbas, bestowed the honorary doctorate on Professor Stephens and noted his significant contributions to the University’s growth and development during his long association with IMU .

Chris has been associated with IMU for many years. He was the University of Southampton representative at the Academic Council since 2002, the Deputy Chair of Academic Council from 2010 to 2012, and then Chair of Academic Council from 2013 to 2015.

During his long association with IMU, Chris has contributed very significantly to IMU’s growth and development.

On receiving his Honorary Doctor of Medicine, Chris said: “It has been a great pleasure to have contributed to the growth of this international university and to be here to celebrate with the graduates from its first cohort.

“I am extremely privileged and flattered to have received this honour from Chancellor YBhg Dato’ Dr Amir Abbas.”

Chris is a Fellow of several professional organisations including the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Higher Education Academy, the Chartered Institute of Management and the Academy of Medical Educators.

In his capacity as Associate Dean for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton, Professor Stephens is responsible for leading the development and implementation of Faculty educational strategies, student recruitment, educational innovation, quality assurance and enhancing student experience.

In recognition of his expertise, he has been appointed as a consultant to advise medical schools in Brunei, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. He also worked with the senior teams of six medical schools in Kazakhstan to help them develop their educational leadership capacity. In 2003, he was appointed as a General Medical Council visitor and is part of a team assessing the quality of undergraduate medical education.

At the same convocation ceremony in Malaysia, more than 300 graduands took centre-stage for their graduation ceremony, marking the completion of their postgraduate or undergraduate studies. This convocation is significant as it marked a milestone for the IMU with the graduation of its first cohort of its Chinese Medicine students.