Social Accountability of Medical Schools: Concept and Implementation Strategies

Gil, Yoon Min; Jeon, Woo Taek

Abstract

Medical schools have been working to produce competent doctors and improve the quality of care by introducing and implementing new curricula and innovative teaching and learning methods. Despite these efforts, health disparities within and between countries still exist. To close these gaps, medical schools must identify the priorities of the community, region, and/or nation and conduct education, research, and service that reflect them-the core foundation of the social accountability of medical schools. Many medical schools and networks around the world have tried to achieve social accountability, but this needs more attention in Korea. This study will review the literature in aims to improve understanding and promote the implementation of the social accountability of medical schools. Most medical schools that practice the principles of social accountability focus primarily on the medically underserved in their communities or those who have limited access to health services, and have built collaborative partnerships with stakeholders to meet the needs of society. In addition, in order to implement social accountability effectively and efficiently, medical schools have developed strategies and various evaluation frameworks appropriate to the context of each school. To have more socially accountable medical schools, it is necessary to clarify the concept of social accountability and to establish a system that can evaluate the impacts. Medical schools exist to alleviate suffering and promote health, and this can be accomplished through social accountability.