[Cosmetic or Fundamental Reform of Medical Education?]

Cosmetic or Fundamental Reform of Medical Education? Abstract. At regular intervals, medical faculties and national committees discuss adjustments to the training of physicians. These adaptations are mostly of a cosmetic nature. Discussions on fundamental reform concepts of training rarely take place. Too many different interests, sometimes openly declared but more often concealed, make discussions difficult as soon as fundamental questions are raised. As a result, there is no fundamental debate about the goal and concept of medical education. The issue of the assumption of medical activities by non-physician professions is at least discussed, but hardly any of it is implemented. It is closely linked to the question of how many physicians are needed in Switzerland. The following considerations, which some may find provocative, will hopefully trigger a fundamental discussion. In this case they will have achieved their goal.