Taiwan’s standards for certifying and evaluating medical schools were recently confirmed as comparable to those used in the U.S., according to the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation under the U.S. Department of Education.
The decision renews U.S. recognition of Taiwan’s health care education system for another six years, ensuring that locally trained medical students and professionals can continue to accept internships, pursue higher education opportunities and sit accreditation exams in the U.S.
According to the Ministry of Education Dec. 25, the positive evaluation spotlights the high quality of medical education in Taiwan. As the decision guarantees that U.S. nationals enrolled at Taiwan medical schools can apply for federal loans, it is also expected to bolster efforts to raise international student numbers at local institutions, the ministry added.
The committee’s decision came following a series of detailed reviews of the country’s medical school certification body—Taipei City-based Taiwan Medical Accreditation Council—and its evaluation and oversight systems.
This marks the third time that the country has received a positive comparability assessment from the U.S. after previous endorsements in 2002 and 2009. A regular follow-up review of the new approval period is scheduled for 2021.
TMAC was founded in 2000 with the goal of raising global recognition of Taiwan’s medical education sector through the implementation of a comprehensive evaluation system for local schools in accordance with international standards. According to the latest statistics from Taipei-based Taiwan Medical Association, a total 12 local universities have set up medical schools, with up to 11,000 students enrolled in these institutions as of 2016. (CPY-E)
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