Abstract
Many new medical programs have been established during the last 20 years, and this trend seems set to continue as the health care needs of the world’s populations become more complex and demand increases for more physicians to provide the necessary health care. In this paper, we address how best to establish a new medical school, based on our experiences in new ventures in several countries. Success requires a combination of boldness of vision, support from many stakeholder groups, adequate financial and human resources, educational expertise, confidence, patience, and persistence.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
R. B. Hays
R. B. Hays, MBBS, PhD, MD, is currently working in rural medical education after having been a Dean at 3 new medical schools.
R. P. Strasser
R. P. Strasser, MBBS, BMedSc, MClSc, FRACGP, FACRRM, is Professor of Rural Health, Dean and CEO of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead and Laurentian Universities, Canada.
T. K. Sen Gupta
T. K. Sen Gupta, MBBS, FRACGP, FACRRM, PhD, is Professor of Health Professional Education in the James Cook University College of Medicine and Dentistry.