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Flexner at 100: a brief view from Oxford.
1Oxford University Clinical Academic Graduate School, United Kingdom. Kenneth.Fleming@medsci.ox.ac.uk
Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
|March 15, 2011
Summary
Medical education in the UK can enhance academic and scientific excellence by re-emphasizing university-centered training. This approach, inspired by Flexner, benefits both undergraduate and postgraduate medical training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Academic Medicine
Background:
- The Flexner Report's 1910 emphasis on academic and scientific excellence remains critical for modern medical education.
- Undergraduate medical education (UGME) at Oxford integrates tutorial methods and mandatory research to foster critical thinking and high academic achievement.
Discussion:
- Postgraduate medical education (PGME) in the UK often occurs outside academic institutions, prioritizing practical skills over foundational scientific principles.
- A disconnect exists between the academic ideals of Flexner and the current practical focus of much UK PGME.
Key Insights:
- Oxford's UGME model, featuring research and tutorials, yields graduates with top examination scores.
- Current UK PGME models may not fully uphold the academic rigor advocated by Flexner.
Outlook:
- Reintegrating PGME within universities and medical schools is essential to revive Flexner's principles of academic excellence.
- Strengthening the link between academic institutions and all levels of medical training can elevate the quality of medical education in the UK.
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