Medical Education in Mongolia: Bridging Tradition and Modernity

Abstract

Medical education in Mongolia has evolved significantly over the centuries, transitioning from traditional training methods rooted in the “Four Medical Tantras” to a more integrated curriculum. The introduction of modern medical education has aimed to address contemporary healthcare needs while preserving traditional practices. This paper explores the evolution of medical education in Mongolia, the challenges faced, and the potential for aligning modern practices with traditional knowledge.

Keywords

Medical education, Mongolia, traditional practices, integrated curriculum, healthcare needs

Introduction

Medical education in Mongolia has undergone significant transformation over the years, particularly since the traditional Mamba Datsan approach. The Mamba Datsan, and the names of 104 large monasteries with Mamba Datsan were identified.

Figure 1. 1865 First Mamba Datsan was founded by High Priest Luvsanjavlam.

Curriculum and features of modern medical education: During the XVIII century, there were significant advances in the field of medicine. Traditional theories and explanatory texts of the five major and nine minor sciences were published, leading to the establishment of medical schools.

Origin and Development

In Mongolia, the Faculty of Medicine has been an integral part of the education system for decades. In history, the curriculum derived from the medical doctrines of the Russian Empire and the medical education model from the USSR and Russia was still being used until 1990. The curriculum focused on theory. Thus, from 1942-1990, the Mongolian medical education system used this style curriculum and prepared medical doctors in the country. It was based not only on the internal dynamics of the country but also with socio-economic and political factors. Since that time there was no significant change in the curriculum, which was primarily influenced by the Russian model. The curriculum was considered an achievement in the health system.

Modern Medical Education in Mongolia, the European Model of Physician Training

Development of an integrated curriculum in the stage of development of medical education in Mongolia. From 1990 to 2015, with more than 20 years of consistent and continuous work, we have developed step-by-step the curriculum plan for medical training, the assessment methods for student knowledge, the technology of teaching and training, and the issue of training and qualification of teachers and students.

Methodology

The research employed a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were gathered using the SERVQUAL and SERVE models to assess educational service quality. SERVQUAL focused on five dimensions: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS to identify gaps between student expectations and services.

Results

A Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed strong positive (r=0.723) correlations between tangibles, responsiveness, and assurance, showing moderate correlations suggesting that improvements in these areas are closely related. Other factors (r=0.389-0.643), such as reliability and assurance, showed moderate correlations.

Future Trends in Mongolia’s Medical Education: A National Training Model

The Faculty of Medicine at the National University of Mongolia (NUM) implemented a Russian-based curriculum for about 50 years. However, the need for modernization became apparent in the early 21st century, and from 1992 to 2001, the curriculum was revised to better align with Mongolia’s healthcare system and the guidelines of the World Medical Education Research.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

We acknowledge the challenges faced in the implementation of integrated curricula and the need for further research and feedback during the research and manuscript preparation.

Conflict of Interest

None.

Acknowledgements

We extend our gratitude to the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences for their support and collaboration throughout this research. We are grateful to international and national partners who participated in and contributed to the development of this study.

References

1. Samdrup, P. A brief history of Mongolian medicine. Ulaanbaatar: 1998.

2. Dashzeveg N. Mongolian medicine through the ages. Ulaanbaatar: 1998.

3. Bold Sh. Clarifying the development of traditional Mongolian medicine through source research. Doctor of Science dissertation. Ulaanbaatar: 2018.

January 2024, 1(12):1-47, DOI:10.18103/mra.v1i12.4837