Changes, trends and challenges of medical education in Latin America

Abstract

This paper briefly reviews the current situation of Latin American medical schools and the search to improve the quality and professionalism of medical education through the region. Institutional evaluation and accreditation programs based on nationally ongoing developing standards have been accepted, now optimized and complemented by the framework of the Global & International Standards of Medical Education working jointly with the WFME. More recently, the process has evolved to look into the quality of the outcomes of the medicals as seen by examinations implemented at the end of medical studies and the initiation of medical practice. In addition, there is vision for the application of new programs such as the global minimum essential requirements advanced by the Institute for International Medical Education (IIME). The PanAmerican Federation of Associations of Medical Schools (PAFAMS), an academic, non-governmental organization, is fostering the exchange of ideas and experiences among members, associations and affiliated medical schools geared to focus on the quality and professionalism of the graduates of medical schools in Latin America. These actions also aim to consolidate databases of information on medical education and innovative endeavors in continuing professional education and development through e-learning projects in the region.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Pablo A. Pulido M.

PABLO A. PULIDO M., MD FACP, is Director of PAFAMS, the PanAmerican Federation of Associations of Medical Schools. He is former Minister-Secretary of Health and Social Welfare of Venezuela and Professor at the Central University of Venezuela and founder of Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad; founder and Board Member of the Metropolitan University, and President of its Foundation Board of Trustees.

Alejandro Cravioto

ALEJANDRO CRAVIOTO, MD PhD, is President of PAFAMS, the PanAmerican Federation of Associations of Medical Schools, former Dean of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM, researcher, Member of the Academy of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Sciences of Mexico, and Professor of Microbiology and Public Health, UNAM School of Medicine, UNAM.

Ana Pereda

ANA V. PEREDA H., is an International Studies Lawyer, Programs Director of PAFAMS, the PanAmerican Federation of Associations of Medical Schools, and Consultant for Projects financed by Multilateral Institutions. He spent more than eight years as a consultant for the World Bank.

Roberto Rondón

ROBERTO RONDÓN M., MD, is Former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, former Program Director of PAFAMS, the PanAmerican Federation of Association of Medical Schools, and former Minister (e)—Secretary of Health and Social Welfare of Venezuela.

Gloria Pereira

GLORIA PEREIRA is an anthropologist, and Director of the Information and Documentation Center of Medical Education and Health, CIDEMS, at the PanAmerican Federation of Associations of Medical Schools, PAFAMS.