Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
11-11-2010
Journal
Lancet
Volume
Volume 377, Issue 9771
Inclusive Pages
1113-1121
Keywords
Education, Medical, Undergraduate--organization & administration; Schools, Medical--economics; Workforce Issues; Medical Education; Global Health
Abstract
Small numbers of graduates from few medical schools, and emigration of graduates to other countries, contribute to low physician presence in sub-Saharan Africa. The Sub-Saharan African Medical School Study examined the challenges, innovations, and emerging trends in medical education in the region. We identifi ed 168 medical schools; of the 146 surveyed, 105 (72%) responded. Findings from the study showed that countries are prioritising medical education scale-up as part of health-system strengthening, and we identifi ed many innovations in premedical preparation, teambased education, and creative use of scarce research support. The study also drew attention to ubiquitous faculty shortages in basic and clinical sciences, weak physical infrastructure, and little use of external accreditation. Patterns recorded include the growth of private medical schools, community-based education, and international partnerships, and the benefit of research for faculty development. Ten recommendations provide guidance for eff orts to strengthen medical education in sub-Saharan Africa.
APA Citation
Mullan, F., Frehywot, S., Omaswa, F., Buch, E., Chen, C. et al. (2011). Medical schools in sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet, 377(9771), 1113-1121.
Peer Reviewed
1
Open Access
1
Comments
Erratum in:
Lancet. 2011 Mar 26;377(9771):1076.