Perspective on South America: the Latin American contribution to the worldmovement in medical education

The invigoration of Latin American medical education during the past decade has been remarkable. The new initiatives which have taken place and the in novative programmes which have been enacted are analysed with reference to the seminal participation in international ventures. The analysis demonstra tes that, while South American regional development was undeniably and prof oundly influenced by the world movement in medical education, there has als o been a reciprocal influence. South America has contributed notably to glo bal action. The extent of the contribution by South America to the world mo vement, and the benefits gained in turn, make it self-evident that continua tion of such bilateral exchange is crucial, and is to be energetically prom oted.