Medical education and changing public expectations

Abstract

The world summit on medical education signals a movement from what to how in medical education. Since the last Conference in 1988, winds of change have been blowing across many medical educational institutions around the world focusing on learner-centred education and continuous learner exposure to the community. The change, however, is far too uneven and needs to spread. Alma Ata gave health a holistic dimension, a developmental ethos and an egalitarian foundation. To this challenge the universities, medical education and health care system must respond in unison. Public expectations of health technologies are running high. The public also expect thorough and rigorous assessment of any new technologies, taking factors of cost and end-use environment into account. The public expect medical education to provide the type of doctor who plays a key role in achieving equitable, efficient and economical health care. Medical humanism on the part of the doctor will be a testing expectation of the public. The public wish that doctors take the lead in spreading the ethic of prevention and health promotion.