Going global: An Analysis of UK Medical Schools’ International Collaborations

Abstract

Objectives: Given that the existing literature on international medical education collaborations is dominated by North American case studies, this study sought to identify and describe such collaborations hosted by UK medical schools. Methods: UK medical school webpages were identified from the General Medical Council (GMC) and were methodically searched for any information about international collaborations focussed on undergraduate medical education. Results: Of 37 medical schools formally listed by the GMC, 12 provided information about their international collaborations, which broadly fitted into three main categories: knowledge exchange collaborations focussed on medical school capacity building; joint study programmes where students complete part of their medical studies in the UK; offshore medical campuses or joint medical degrees with an overseas university. Conclusion: This study describes the current landscape of international collaborations that UK medical schools are engaged in, demonstrating that these collaborations vary from comprehensive partnerships to much more limited relationships. Despite the sparse academic literature about international collaborations in medical schools, especially in the UK context, this study highlights a significant degree of activity that warrants further investigation to examine consequences for students, teachers, and institutions involved on both sides of these relationships.