WFME, through its staff, advisers, partners and networks, works to enhance the quality of medical education worldwide through sharing information and projects to promote the highest standards in medical education. The three core projects of WFME are the Recognition of Accreditation Programme, maintaining the freely accessible World Directory of Medical Schools and promoting the expert consensus on Global Standards for BME, PG and CPD medical education. In addition;
Advisory visits
WFME no longer offers advisory visits to an accrediting agency that is planning to apply to WFME for recognition. WFME can provide a list of independent experts who can be approached by an accrediting agency that seeks advice. For further details, consult the WFME office, accreditation@wfme.org.
If an advisory visit not related to accreditation is requested, please write to admin@wfme.org.
Criteria for establishing a new medical school
WFME, in collaboration with two WHO world regions, has published an expert consensus on the criteria for the establishment of a new medical school. The criteria provide a seven point framework covering demand (need) and feasibility, which are the key decision points for decision-making when considering the establishment of a new medical school.
Distance learning in health professions accreditation and assessment
WFME works closely with CENMedic, the University of Keele and FAIMER to support the delivery of a distance learning degree in Health Professions Education: Accreditation and Assessment, and many of our advisers provide content for the different units. The course is offered at Certificate, Diploma and Master’s levels.
Consensus on the Global Role of the Doctor
WFME convened an international task force of 25 experts in medical education to define the role of doctor. The role within the healthcare team has changed, and will continue to change. Societies need to understand not only what doctors can do, but also what can or should be done by other members of the team. Only then can the processes and content of medical education be defined to produce the person equipped to fulfil that future role.
Social accountability
The World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) co-sponsored a 2010 project which reached consensus on how medical schools can become socially accountable. The consensus highlights required improvements by medical schools to: respond to current and future health needs and challenges in society; reorient their education, research and service priorities; strengthen governance and partnerships; and use evaluation and accreditation to assess performance and impact.