Beyond homogenization discourse: Reconsidering the cultural consequences of globalized medical education

Abstract

This review calls attention to the existence of manifold discourses about globalization and culture in non-Western medical education contexts. In refocusing global medical education processes to avoid Western cultural imperialism, it will also be necessary to avoid the pitfalls of other globalization discourses. Moving beyond existing discourses, researchers and educators should work towards equitable, context-sensitive and locally-driven approaches to global medical education.

Raising campus awareness on issues of globalization in veterinary medical education

“…Simultaneously, we cannot ignore evidence of how social contexts affect desired educational outcomes. To succeed in the globalization of veterinary medical educational transnational work; an in depth understanding of cultures, societies and economics is essential (Gosselin et al, 2015;Gustafsson, 2001;Kochevar, 2015).…”

“…Globalization is the vehicle that removes barriers wittingly and unwittingly to create transnational lifestyles where people across separate worlds act and live together" - Stevens FCJ & Simmons Goulbourne JD, 2012 ,p. e684-685 The above quote eloquently communicates the definition and effect of globalization veterinary medical education is currently experiencing (Gage, 2002;Gosselin, Norris, & Ho, 2015;Stevens & Simmonds Goulbourne, 2012;Walsh, 2002). To increase access and equity to higher education Harden proposes education be viewed globally (Harden, 2006).…”

“…To increase access and equity to higher education Harden proposes education be viewed globally (Harden, 2006). One cause of the increase in globalizing veterinary medical education is students traveling from Western countries to seek educational opportunities or extracurricular international experiences in nonWestern territories (Gosselin et al, 2015;Marshall, Smith, & Watts, 2006;Renberg, 2010). Additionally, veterinarians from Western territories join international programs organized through non-profit organizations, professional associations, and governments to meet rising demands for veterinary services globally.…”

Development of culture-sensitive clinical teacher evaluation sheet in the Japanese context

“…But because of the domination of Western views on education, it is often seen as a form of "neocolonialism" (Ashcroft et al 2006). This may lead to a selection bias with respect to educational development and research at a disadvantage to the non-Western views (Hodges & Segouin 2008;Frambach et al 2012;Gosselin et al 2015).…”

“…In response, there has been a growing number of studies regarding cultural differences and context-specific issues, and locally--driven approaches are gaining increased attention in the domain of medical education (Ho et al 2011(Ho et al , 2012Wong 2011;Kikukawa et al 2013;Pan et al 2013;Gosselin et al 2015). For example, the roles of the learners and teachers are dramatically different in different cultures, for example, because of hierarchical differences (Hofstede 2001), and the ways in which educational approaches work or do not work can only be understood through such cultural lenses (Hodges et al 2009).…”