Thematic Overview of Medical Education in Latin America (2020–2025): A Scoping Review of Scientific Production.
Abstract
Research in medical education is an essential component for improving the education of future health professionals, strengthening the global health and healthcare system. This exploratory systematic review examined the main thematic areas of publications published by Latin American medical education research journals indexed between 2020 and 2025. To do so, PRISMA guidelines were followed, compiling relevant articles from SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Redalyc, or other relevant databases. After selection according to our eligibility criteria, 1,118 articles were submitted, and a thematic analysis was performed using ATLAS.ti. The predominant topics were assessment, competencies, mental health, and academic performance, while areas such as active methodologies and simulation remain underexplored. A downward trend in scientific production in medical education was identified, in contrast to the overall increase in publications in the region, possibly related to limitations in funding and academic structure. Furthermore, national differences in thematic priorities were evident, with Brazil focusing on mental health, Mexico on academic performance, and Cuba and Chile on teaching methodologies. These findings highlight the urgent need to expand the regional research agenda to strengthen medical education from a more contextual, equitable, and innovative perspective in order to enhance the training of future health professionals.
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