The medical education systems in China and Thailand: A comparative study

Abstract

Background and Aims Both China and Thailand attach great importance to education and are committed to high educational standards on an international level. Our study is to compare the medical education reforms that have occurred in China and Thailand to further improve the medical education system in China. Methods Through a search of official documents and prior studies, as well as consultation with Thai students studying in China, we gathered data regarding the evolution of the medical education systems in China and Thailand. The aggregate materials are incorporated into the summary and analysis. Results Over 200 journals and literature were analyzed retrospectively. Thailand's medical education reforms encompass Western strategies without neglecting domestic cultural factors and priorities, and a standardized and medical education system has been established. Chinese medical education reform has yielded remarkable results, though further improvements remain necessary. Conclusion Reforms of Thailand's medical education system offer important experiences and lessons for China, that the development of medical education needs to absorb the merits of others and also needs to have its own national characteristics. The key to medical education reform in China lies in the establishment of a system that is dedicated to science, while also serving its primary purpose of training high‐level medical talent that can meet the needs of Chinese society.

Challenges Faced by High School Students in Thailand When Preparing for Medical School Admissions: A Comparative Study of Regular Thai Programmes and International Schools

“…Many parents aspire for their children to become doctors due to the profession's association with financial stability and elevated social status. Furthermore, doctors in Thailand are widely considered subject matter experts and highly esteemed members of society (Mei et al, 2022). It is worth noting that gaining admission to medical schools in Thailand is highly competitive, and those who succeed in this demanding environment are often perceived as hardworking and dedicated (Wainipitapong & Chiddaycha, 2022;Mei et al, 2022).…”

“…Furthermore, doctors in Thailand are widely considered subject matter experts and highly esteemed members of society (Mei et al, 2022). It is worth noting that gaining admission to medical schools in Thailand is highly competitive, and those who succeed in this demanding environment are often perceived as hardworking and dedicated (Wainipitapong & Chiddaycha, 2022;Mei et al, 2022). Concerning the journey to become doctors in Thailand, medical students have to study for a total of six years, which is divided into two parts.…”

Clinical electives in China: trends, experiences, barriers

“…The country’s clinical medical education system is also internationalizing [ 7 ], particularly in its commitment to international education standards [ 8 ]. On par with global standards, China has also launched several ambitious reforms to cultivate physicians with the professional, clinical competencies and humanistic spirit, which are essential for the quality of clinical services demanded by the Chinese people [ 9 ].…”