Expanding social contribution of medical schools: One perspective from a regional medical university in Japan

The World Health Organization defined it as “the obligation to direct their education, research and service activities towards addressing the priority health concerns of the community, region, and/or nation they have a mandate to serve” (Boelen & Heck, 1995). Following this, the Global Consensus for Social Accountability of Medical Schools defined a socially accountable medical school as one that “responds to current and future health needs and challenges in society, re-orientates its education, research and service priorities accordingly, strengthens governance and partnerships with other stakeholders and use evaluation and accreditation to assess their performance and impact” (Global Consensus for Social Accountability of Medical Schools [GCSA], 2010). [...]2007 Revision of School Education Act, Article 83(2) stated, “Universities shall contribute to the development of society by conducting education and research to achieve their objectives and by providing the results widely to the society.” [...]the government has long been prioritising, promoting, and advancing lifelong learning in Japan, in recognition of global challenges and social changes. [...]social contribution activities by medical schools can come into play to satisfy the need of individuals, society, and the country.