Association for Medical Education in Europe
Annual Conference 2003: Relevance in Medical Education

THE ASSESSMENT OF GLOBAL PHYSICIAN COMPETENCE

David T. Stern
University of Michigan Medical School

Andrzej Wojtczak
Institute for International Medical Education

M. Roy Schwarz
China Medical Board of New York



Aim of Presentation: As globalization forces physicians, patients, and communities into closer proximity, the importance of ensuring the possession of competency of all physicians becomes paramount. Using an international network of experts, the Institute for International Medical Education (IIME) created both an international outcome standard and a means for evaluating it.

Summary of Work: The IIME convened a task force of international experts on assessment, reviewed the Global Minimum Essential Requirements for graduating physicians, identified 75 potential assessment tools, then focused on three that could be used most effectively.

Summary of Results: Of the sixty items, 36 are assessed using a 150-item multiple-choice examination (MCQ), 15 are assessed using a 15-station Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and 17 are assessed using a 15-item faculty observation form. (Some assessed by more than one instrument). With the aid of international consultants, and in cooperation with eight leading medical schools in China, the MCQ, OSCE, and faculty observation form were developed for an examination scheduled to be given simultaneously to all 7-year Chinese students in October 2003.

Conclusions: Global essential competencies can be agreed-upon and evaluated. Further research on reliability and international standard-setting will be needed.



POSTER SESSION

Assessing Global Essential Competencies in the Leading Chinese Medical Schools:  The IIME Project


David T. Stern
University of Michigan Medical School

Andrzej Wojtczak
Institute for International Medical Education

M. Roy Schwarz
China Medical Board of New York



Aim of Presentation:  The Institute For International Medical Education (IIME) was created to develop the global minimum essential requirements of medical education that are necessary to equip all physicians, regardless of where they are trained, with medical knowledge, skills and professional attitudes of universal value.

Summary of Work and Results:  The IIME Project consists of three phases.  In phase I, sixty essential outcomes were developed by an international panel of medical education experts, categorized into seven major domains including professionalism, basic medical sciences, and information management.  In the phase II of the project, the graduates of the eight leading medical schools in China are being evaluated for the presence of these outcomes in graduating medical students.  Using the best available assessment tools, guided by a team of international assessment experts, this evaluation will occur in October 2003.  In phase III, the lessons learned in China will be applied to other medical schools worldwide.

Conclusions: Global agreement on outcome-based assessment of medical education is possible.  International experts can agree on the content and assessment measures of global medical competency.  Results of this assessment can be used as part of a process to ensure the quality of medical schools worldwide.