International Medical Education

Abstract

An assortment of medical education systems currently operate throughout the world, reflecting variations in populations, histories, societal and cultural traditions, political systems, and stages of economic development. Despite their many differences, common elements can be identified in many of these systems. A geographic maldistribution of physicians, insufficient funding for education, an imbalance between specialization and general practice, and inadequate mechanisms to evaluate medical competence are serious concerns in many countries today. On the positive side, there is a shared focus on community-based educational initiatives, provision of education through ambulatory care settings, and a trend toward integrated, problem-based educational strategies. To gain more comprehensive information about current approaches to medical education, the American Medical Association conducted the 1990 International Survey of Medical Education. SURVEY METHOD AND PURPOSE The survey, which consisted of 31 multiple-part questions, was designed to identify similarities and differences among the numerous medical education systems. It was mailed