Why health professions education in the Journal of Public Health Policy?

摘要

I am particularly pleased to introduce this sponsored special issue, Universities in transition to improve population health: A Tanzanian case study, and Guest Editors Sarah Macfarlane (a Professor and Founding Member of Global Health Sciences at the University of California San Francisco) and Ephata Kaaya (a Professor at Muhimbili University of Allied Health Sciences - who has recently been named its Vice Chancellor). Universities in many parts of the world have long been criticized for exclusivity and distance from problems critical to development and well-being of societies. Tanzania's history, tying independence from colonialism with socialist ideals, is unusual. Having adapted the 'barefoot doctor' model from China 50 years ago, Tanzania today depends more than any other country in Africa on middle-level health workers. Trained by the health ministry, they fill most jobs in the health system. As explained elegantly and in more detail by the Guest Editors, the few health professionals, educated at universities, lead the ministry, provide specialty care, and teach; and the government expects the few teachers of health professionals to rapidly and dramatically raise enrollments - while improving the quality of education and student outcomes.