Rethinking preventive medicine education after COVID-19: bridging training gaps in public health practice

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed persistent structural weaknesses in public health systems worldwide, particularly in relation to workforce preparedness and the translation of training into practice. These shortcomings have renewed attention to the role of preventive medicine education, which is increasingly expected to respond to complex and rapidly evolving health challenges. Drawing on literature published since the COVID-19 pandemic and recent reforms in China, particularly within the framework of the "Healthy China 2030" initiative, and considering broader international developments, this mini-review examines how preventive medicine training is being reshaped. Recent shifts include a greater emphasis on competency-oriented approaches, expanded practice-based learning, and the integration of interdisciplinary perspectives. However, graduates of preventive medicine programs frequently perceived gaps between academic training and practical public health competencies, particularly in field epidemiology and emergency response preparedness. Building on these observations, we outline a forward-looking perspective that highlights the potential role of systems thinking, adaptive training models, and emerging forms of agentic learning. While these approaches appear promising, their practical implementation and long-term impact have yet to be fully established. Overall, this review seeks to contribute to ongoing discussions on how preventive medicine education can better support the development of a responsive and resilient public health workforce in the post-pandemic context.