Supplement Article: PDF OnlyMissions of a medical school an Asian perspectiveSuleiman, A BAuthor Information Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Created Date: 21 October 1999; Completed Date: 21 October 1999; Revised Date: 18 December 2000 Academic Medicine: August 1999 - Volume 74 - Issue 8 - p S45-52 Free Abstract This case study of medical schools in Malaysia addresses their role in meeting the demands of a young nation. Throughout the growth and development of these medical schools, there have been efforts to coordinate and cooperate with providers of health care. The treatment of illness must mesh with the changing paradigm of health and wellness as an achievable and indeed desirable goal, not only for the individual but also for society. The scientific basis of medicine is being emphasized with the advent of evidence-based medicine and outcome measures. Innovations have been made to bring the schools in closer contact with the service providers. Malaysia has prepared farsighted plans to become a developed nation by the year 2020. Accordingly, its health services will use advances in information technology and will introduce telemedicine in various strategic applications to extend the reach of the health care team. It is incumbent on the medical schools to move in concert with the Ministry of Health to realize goals of the nation and the society. © 1999 Association of American Medical Colleges