A review of the Flexner Report

doi:10.3760/cma.j.cn115259-20240116-00055

Abstract

Abstract: The Flexner Report (hereinafter referred to as the report) is a landmark report in the history of American medical education. The report is usually only considered as a historical record of the development of medical education in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. In fact, from the perspective of medical education theory, it is a classic educational document. The concept of medical education expounded in the report is an important embodiment of Flexner's view on medical education and it formed the theoretical basis for the reform of medical education in the United States in the early 20th century, which is also one of its major contributions. The contribution of the report to American medical education has become a consensus in the academic field. However, when we have understood the complete path of medical education reform, we can see that its contribution is not only limited to that time. This article attempts to summarize the medical education concepts expounded by Flexner in the report and strives to review the impact of the report more comprehensively in a longer period of time from a historical and developmental perspective, hoping to provide inspiration for the current medical education reform.

Key words: Medical education, The Flexner Report, America, Concepts, Contribution

CLC Number:

R-05

Li Xiuyuan, Zhai Haihun. A review of the Flexner Report[J]. Chinese Journal of Medical Education, 2024, 44(7): 481-486.

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