World Trends in Medical Education: Faculty, Students, and Curriculum

Abstract

Deans and professors from 18 countries of Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and India describe the evolution of their medical schools, and the current changes in curricula, postgraduate education, and internal governance. The world trends refer to the growing social-utilitaristic role of the medical school in serving the needs of the countries for medical services, and the increasing influences of governments, health ministries, and insurance systems upon education and training. The curricular changes, admission policies, programs of postgraduate education, and changes in governance of the medical schools reflect these social and political pressures. The historical sections, especially those on the newer nations, illustrate the transition from colonial to national medical schools, the desire of these countries to adapt training to their desperate needs for medical care, and the efforts to be scientifically independent and respected. In all countries, rich or poor, money limits medical services and, as the medical school