This paper begins with historical and other reflections on the nature
and importance of quality in medical education. It then identifies and
discusses missions of medical school - which include teaching, resear
ch, medical service, continuing education, and social advocacy - and n
otes that these elements should by complementary and indeed synergisti
c. Components of quality, both of a medical graduate and of a medical
school, are then considered. After discussing the use of examinations
to assess quality of graduates, the paper concludes by calling for a t
otal quality approach to medical education, and output.