Greetings
Medical education in Japan is undergoing a significant transformation. Considering the globalization of healthcare and medicine, the era demands educational content in Japanese medical education that meets international standards.
In light of these circumstances, the Center for Medical Education and Internationalization (CMEI) at Kyoto University has been actively promoting curriculum reforms while upholding the university’s commitment to “Academic freedom.” Specifically, we aim to align with the 2022 revised Medical Education Model Core Curriculum, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring “a continuous period of at least three weeks per core clinical discipline (with the flexibility to allocate to one or more disciplines for over four weeks to cultivate holistic clinical capabilities and attitudes)” for clinical practicums. Additionally, our curriculum development is guided by Kyoto University’s mission to “foster gifted clinicians and medical professionals for frontline medical care and also to nurture the next generation of researchers and educators in the medical field.”
Programs such as the MD Researcher Development Program and short-term My Course Programs for research engagement, whether within the university or abroad, have been enhanced to foster individuals with a research mindset who can lead global medical research. In September 2018, the Medical Education Program received accreditation from the Japan Accreditation Council for Medical Education (JACME) based on the international standards of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). The center is currently preparing for the second round of evaluations in 2024.
Organizational restructuring includes the establishment of the Graduate School Education Division in April 2022 to ensure seamless collaboration from undergraduate to graduate education, in addition to the existing Clinical Education, Undergraduate Education, and Internationalization Promotion Divisions. Furthermore, there is a plan to strengthen collaboration with the Integrated Clinical Education Center of the Kyoto University Hospital responsible for postgraduate training.
Adapting to the rapidly changing times, continuous evolution in medical education is imperative. Developing a Japanese-style medical education that aligns with global standards while considering the Japanese context and culture is crucial. The fast-paced advancement in medicine and healthcare requires the establishment of comprehensive medical education encompassing not only the traditional biological perspective but also engineering, information science, mathematical science, and social sciences.
Considering these challenges, Kyoto University School of Medicine has reorganized the Human Health Sciences Department to not only train healthcare professionals with national qualifications such as nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and clinical laboratory technicians but also to cultivate essential personnel for contemporary and future healthcare.
CMEI oversees the core aspects of medical education, promotes Kyoto University-initiated medical education research based on its achievements, and initiates new endeavors, including the establishment of comprehensive medical education that aligns with the new medicine in collaboration with the Human Health Sciences Department. Furthermore, the center is actively engaged in internationalization through collaboration with foreign faculty members in the Graduate School of Medicine.
Through these innovative approaches to medical education, the center aims to produce numerous leading medical scholars and researchers from Kyoto University, disseminating groundbreaking medical care and research outcomes both in Japan and globally. CMEI hopes to receive valuable feedback from those interested in medical education, including undergraduate students of the medical school.
February 2024
Director of CMEI, Tadashi Isa
Kyoto University’s Center for Medical Education and Internationalization (CMEI) was established in 2004 as a pivotal organization dedicated to realizing the principles and goals of Kyoto University Medical School: To foster gifted clinicians and medical professionals to work on the frontline of medical care and also to nurture the next generation of researchers and educators in the medical field. Following in the footsteps of Professors Atsushi Hiraide and Yasuhiko Konishi, I assumed the role of the professor in April 2023.
Managing this crucial organization, integral to the esteemed traditions of our university’s education, comes with a weighty responsibility. Simultaneously, I find fulfillment in supporting students with exceptional qualities, poised to soar globally. I am dedicated to this mission with a sense of responsibility and satisfaction.
Japan is entering an unparalleled era of an aging population, and the roles and challenges in healthcare are evolving with societal changes. As we face various new challenges, illustrated vividly by the COVID-19 pandemic, the passion of our students to contribute to the well-being and health of people through medicine and healthcare remains an unwavering force. This steadfast commitment is the driving force that will shape the future, even in changing times.
The CMEI emphasizes both the science and art of medicine, aspiring to nurture Physician Scientists who embody a blend of warmth towards patients and curiosity in research. We look forward to walking this journey together with students, faculty, and the broader community. Thank you for your support.
Hitomi Kataoka
Primary Missions and Vision
The Center for Medical Education and Internationalization (CMEI) has three primary missions: supporting student learning, implementing sustained curriculum reforms, and fostering medical educators. Each mission has the following goals:
１．Supporting Student Learning
- Establishing a learning environment that lays the foundation for professionalism in medical practice.
- Nurturing Physician Scientists who can excel on a global scale.
- Providing mentoring and support tailored to individual qualities for personal and professional development.
- Offering international exchange opportunities to enable global engagement.
- Supporting student organizations.
２．Coordinating Curriculum Reforms as a University:
- Educational reforms focusing on learning Science & Art.
- Building a sustainable and effective participatory clinical training system.
- Coordinating pre- and post-graduate education and alumni follow-up.
- Developing student assessment methods and course evaluations.
- Standardizing medical education in line with internationalization.
- Collaborating with external medical institutions and related facilities.
- Promoting Faculty Development.
３．Fostering Medical Educators:
- Training Clinical Educators.
- Accepting graduate students and conducting research related to medical education.
- Welcoming undergraduate and graduate students interested in medical education.
- Advancing Interprofessional Education.
- Visualizing educational achievements.
Guided by these missions, we have a “Vision 2030” that envisions the following by the year 2030:
- Upholding the founding belief of Kyoto University, “Jicho-Jikei,” producing graduates who, based on self-respect, continue to act with a strong mental compass.
- Cultivating medical practitioners who practice and guide Science & Art, contributing to the development of medicine and the improvement of patient outcomes, with a structured learning cycle with students.
- Aiming for an organization that respects and enhances each individual’s uniqueness, evolving continuously toward achieving Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
