Medical education and one world medicine

Abstract

Use of medicines other than or in addition to allopathic (western) medicine is prevalent in most parts of the world. Certificate and degree courses in traditional medicine are also offered in various countries. The Medical School (est.1887) of Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong has its MBBS course teachers involved in teaching of basic sciences and clinical skills to Bachelor of Chinese Medicine (BCM) students from faculty affiliated School of Chinese Medicine (est. 2000). Interestingly, nearly 25% of the BCM syllabus has certain elements of western medical education. Faculty recognizes the converse possibility to formally bring in teaching of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in medical education to progress towards “One world medicine” - be it a western, Chinese or of any other nature. Currently, medical students are offered special study modules (SSM) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Funding has been obtained to establish a purpose-built research and education facility to support clinical research, and facilitate the development of standards and models of interface between western and Chinese medicines. A combined degree programme in MBBS/BCM with a core syllabus remains a distant possibility. The authors will highlight the concept, practical implications, and feasibility of teaching of ‘one world medicine’ in medical education.