The Social Accountability of Medical Schools; not just a passing phase

Abstract

The concept of Social Accountability is not new, having been first defined by the World Health Organization twenty years ago. The last ten years however have seen it grow in importance, being built into many accreditation procedures and respected as an integral part of curriculum development in a substantial number of medical schools, worldwide. Despite this growth, the concept is still not fully understood by many, who see it purely as an extension to community-based and community-orientated education. The purpose of this session will be to explore the concept of social accountability, what it means for the institution and individuals involved and how it can be implemented in a correct and purposeful manner