Medical Education Reform in Taiwan: Problems and Solutions

The principle of practicing medicine on a holistic humanitarian basis has been emphasized in Taiwan. However, a nationwide survey was found that only 56% of Taiwanese students expressed confidence in their clinical work during internship. There is no elimination of students through competition during the seven years of medical school. Students over depend on ”class notes” and ”past exam papers” so that the learning is not solid enough. A self-starting attitude in medical students and strengthened bedside teaching are becoming more and more important. Teaching hospitals must reduce the number of outpatient clinics to rebuilt better patient-doctor relationship through sufficient time for communications, taking history, and performing physical examinations. This special report addresses certain reflections on medical education reform in Taiwan from the perspective of Taipei Medical University.