In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the changing role of medical schools has become a critical topic. The fourth annual Henry and Sylvia Wong Forum in Medicine delved into this subject. The forum, titled “Teachers in a New Time, Teachers for a New Time,” aimed to address fundamental shifts in healthcare and how medical schools can adapt.
Key points from the lecture by guest speaker Elizabeth M. Davis included:
- Broader Learning Context: Faculties of health sciences must consider how people learn, the impact of generational differences on learning, and the significance of social determinants of health. These broader issues are essential for adequately preparing healthcare students for the new era.
- Specific Challenges: Medical schools need to address professionals’ roles in the changing landscape, citizens’ influence on healthcare, and the importance of interdisciplinary learning and care.
- Healthcare Teams: The concept of health care teams and collaborative practice is crucial. Building and sustaining such teams are emerging areas of learning. As patients become more informed and vocal, medical organizations must work together to envision a new face for the profession and provide leadership to realize that vision.
In summary, medical schools must adapt their training approaches to equip future healthcare professionals with the skills needed to navigate these transformative times.
McMaster Report
A representative of McMaster University provided the following feedback about the talk:
The 2008 Wong Forum in Medicine was the most successful to date. Approximately 200 faculty and staff attended this event on Aprl 30,2008. Wong Lecturer Sister Elizabeth Davis, provocatively engaged the crowd with her understanding of the academic mandate, from years with the Medical Council of Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and working with large hospital corporations.
Sister Elizabeth was able to reach this crowd of academies with her compelling description of the values of academic medicine, and the warrant of ensuring the next generation of healthcare providers is well equipped to serve patients, through our teaching role modeling and mentorship. The audience was extremely appreciative of this message and engaged Sister Elizabeth in a question and answer period, and then continued to discuss issues with her in a small group setting after the lecture.
This speaker and this topic captured the needs and the climate of the faculty, and provided a needed focus for their continued work as academics. We received multiple comments from Sister Elizabeth about the privilege she felt speaking at the Lecture at McMaster. A significant factor in her acceptance of this speaking engagement was the reputation of the University and its Faculty of Health Sciences.