A comparative perspective on contemporary trends in global healthcare management education

Thomas Friedman in The World is Flat stated that service industries are no longer immune from the forces of globalization--all industries are competing in an increasingly level (flattened) playing field. The Global Healthcare Management Faculty Forum surveyed both domestic and foreign program directors to get a sense of current attitudes toward globalization and resultant healthcare management educational issues. We also surveyed program directors in other countries. Program directors clearly understand the importance and impact of globalization on domestic healthcare services. However, they are just beginning to think about the implications of such developments on program mission and objectives, and curriculum development. There is a need for development of curricular resources and systems to assist programs in refining missions, curriculum change and course development. Recommendations are provided.