Speaker
Description
English for Medical Purposes (EMP) in Japan has undergone a gradual repositioning within medical education. As medical education has become increasingly competency-based and globally connected, EMP has become more closely integrated with broader educational goals, including professional communication, intercultural competence, and international collaboration. More recently, developments in digital technology and artificial intelligence have further expanded discussions regarding the role of English in medical education and the competencies required of future physicians.
These developments suggest that EMP now stands at an important crossroads. As its educational scope and relevance continue to expand beyond traditional language instruction, important questions remain regarding both its position within the medical curriculum and the competencies medical students should be expected to achieve. Nationally shared learning outcomes remain limited, and EMP continues to occupy an ambiguous place within broader curricular frameworks despite growing expectations regarding international communication, intercultural competence, and global engagement.
Drawing on themes emerging from the conference symposium and presentations, this presidential lecture will reflect on how EMP has evolved within Japanese medical education and explore how recent developments in medical education, internationalization, and technology are reshaping the field, prompting renewed discussion regarding the future of EMP.
The lecture will also consider the future role of our Society. As medical education, professional communication, and academic collaboration continue to evolve, JASMEE faces new opportunities to strengthen its contribution both within Japan and internationally. The lecture will explore how the Society can support innovation, foster broader engagement, and build new connections across disciplines, institutions, and national contexts.
Rather than proposing definitive solutions, the lecture aims to stimulate discussion regarding the future direction of both EMP and JASMEE. By reflecting on where we stand today and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, it seeks to encourage dialogue on how the field and our Society can continue to grow, adapt, and contribute to the future of medical education.