Challenges and issues in health professions education in Africa

Abstract

The challenges facing health professions education in Africa focus on physical infrastructure, accreditation systems, student selection and faculty recruitment, retention, and development. Higher education in the health professions must be closely aligned with community health needs, and with the training and support of community health workers. A key ingredient in changing institutions in this way is implementation of effective strategies for strengthening the faculty. In addition, information systems, and their prerequisite stable electric power supply, must be supported by internal public resources combined with external aid. These infrastructure investments will facilitate better quality education, improved diffusion of information among schools, and more useful data for self study by institutions.

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Notes on contributors

William Burdick

WILLIAM P. BURDICK, M.D., M.S.Ed. is Associate Vice President for Education at the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research, and Co-Director of the FAIMER Institute. He is Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine and has been recognised for teaching excellence with the Lindback Award and the Trustees' Award. A graduate of Oberlin College, Cornell University Weill School of Medicine, and University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, Dr. Burdick completed training in Internal Medicine at Boston City Hospital and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Emergency Medicine.