A global view of structures and trends in medical education

This chapter considers the purpose of medical education and the complexity of defining and working toward a shared sense of social accountability in an increasingly globalised world. The pathways and terminologies reflect educational systems designed to meet societal needs for health care. All pathways will likely be affected by educational system innovations, globalisation, health care systems, social and cultural values, and technology. The health care factors included rising health care costs, increasingly specialised/technical and siloed approaches to care, and the ageing population with multiple morbidities. Since the beginning of this century, stimulated by a rapid globalisation of information through the Internet, health professions education has become more globally oriented. The chapter discusses current trends in medical education, identified by thought leaders in the field. The speed of developments in health care and education will require programmes, learners, and educators to adapt throughout the continuum of training and practice, as a core quality.