Medical education system. Change of General Education Caused by the Innovation of the University Chartering Standards Law / 医学教育

ABSTRACT

The innovation of the University Chartering Standards Law in 1991 triggered changes in general education in almost all medical schools in Japan. These changes include 1) frequent abolition of the department of general education; 2) an expansion in the offerings of specialty subject; and 3) increase in early exposure programs. The Model of general education has, in general, changed from the liberal arts model to the one that emphasizes the development of physicians. One remaining problem is that, although the system of general education has changed, the traditional pedagogy has generally persisted. These are at least two possible forms that general education can take in the future. The first one comes from the U.S., in which students enter medical schools after finishing their general college education. The other one stems from an European model in which high school provide students with part of their general education, and medical schools provide them with intensive basic and humanity education that is necessary for physicians. Medical schools in Japan now face three major challenges for the future 1) seeking how to teach ways of thinking other than medical one; 2) establishing an education system corresponding with recent changes in young people; 3) establishing divisions which comprehensively organize and supervise general education.