Thinking globally, acting locally: the future of medical education

“To wrest from nature the secrets which have perplexed philosophers in all ages, to track to their sources the causes of disease, to correlate the vast stores of knowledge that they may be quickly available for the prevention and cure of disease – these are our ambitions.” Sir William Osler

The study of medicine is as old as humanity; indeed, it has developed independently in cultures all over the world. But with its innate desire to heal, cure, and sustain a population, where does medicine find itself thousands of years later? As students enter medical schools around the world, the dialogue surrounding their education and vocation has changed dramatically since the early days of medical care. Despite its varied cultural roots, modern medicine is more universally directed than ever. Disparities between services, countries, and social strata certainly exist, but thought about medical practice has become synonymous with global interaction, collaborative research, and shared knowledge. What, then, is the future of medical education? Perspectives may vary globally, but lifelong learning, innovation, collaboration, and a balance between community practice and global vision are inclusive across nations. Ultimately, no matter how we envision the future of medicine and medical education, as students we will carve out the next steps towards truly global health.