What is Social Accountability?

Social Accountability has been defined as:

“The obligation to direct [the School’s] education, research and service activities towards addressing the priority health concerns of the community, region, and/or nation they have a mandate to serve. The priority health concerns are to be identified jointly by governments, health care organizations, health professionals and the public.” (WHO, 1995).

This definition comes from the WHO Declaration of the Social Accountability of Medical Schools authored by Boelen and Heck in 1995 and remains the standard adopted by most medical schools. 

This brief animated video, created by the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), gives an excellent introduction to the concept of social accountability.

Social Accountability in Medical Schools

"Social Accountability in Medical Schools” YouTube, uploaded by MedEdTopics

Our Commitments to Social Accountability

The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is committed to improving health in Southwestern Ontario through clinical service, advocacy, research and education activities that are responsive to the needs of the people and communities we serve. We acknowledge and embrace our provincial, national and global health care responsibilities. We will deliver on these commitments in an environment of respect and compassion, in which diverse needs and abilities are supported and valued.

View the Schulich Strategic Plan 2021-2026: Social Accountability

Social Accountability

Our commitment to social accountability begins with a more inclusive School. Equity, diversity, inclusion, and antiracism are foundational to our values of belonging, excellence, and accountability. We will work diligently to ensure that everyone has a place and a voice in our enterprise, in order to maximize the potential of our community

 

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Partners

View a full list of Schulich Medicine & Dentistry's regional partners
The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC)
The International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA)
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
Buchman S, Woollard R, Meili R, Goel R. Practising social accountability: From theory to action. Can Fam Physician. 2016 Jan;62(1):15-8. PMID: 26796826; PMCID: PMC4721832.
Meili R, Buchman S, Goel R, Woollard R. Social accountability at the macro level: Framing the big picture. Can Fam Physician. 2016 Oct;62(10):785-788. PMID: 27737970; PMCID: PMC5063761.