ORIENTING MEDICAL-EDUCATION TO COMMUNITY NEED - A REVIEW

The literature on community-oriented medical education is reviewed. In response to major changes in the origin, expression and place of mana gement of much illness, many medical schools are turning their attenti on increasingly to the community from whence to derive their curriculu m and wherein to effect their teaching. The traditional hospital base of teaching is eroding, necessitating new, innovative approaches to me dical education. Becoming community-oriented, or using community-based learning, offers potential benefits for the schools, the students, an d the public. The experience of others demonstrates the necessity of e nlisting community representatives as partners in the process of chang e. Institutional barriers are significant and careful planning is need ed to overcome them.