'Flexner Report. Medical Education In The United States And Canada' Summary

Abraham Flexner's 'Medical Education in the United States and Canada,' commonly known as the Flexner Report, was a groundbreaking investigation into the state of medical education in North America at the turn of the 20th century. The report, commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation, revealed a deeply troubling picture. Flexner found that many medical schools were poorly equipped, lacked adequate faculty, and prioritized rote memorization over critical thinking and scientific inquiry. The report's findings shocked the medical establishment and exposed a stark contrast between the standards of American and European medical training. Flexner's criticisms led to a wave of reforms, including the closure of numerous substandard schools, the implementation of stricter entrance requirements, and the integration of rigorous scientific training into medical education. These changes, driven by the Flexner Report, significantly elevated the quality of medical education and paved the way for a more modern and evidence-based approach to healthcare in North America.