Thuy Ha: Navigating Global Aspirations and Local Responsibilities in Health Professions Education

<p dir="ltr">The image represents the paradox of the Internationalization of Medical Education, defined as “the purposeful integration of international, intercultural, and global dimensions into medical education to enhance quality and prepare competent, compassionate, and context-sensitive physicians.” The central figure of a healthcare professional facing a connected globe symbolizes the growing engagement in cross-border collaboration, cultural exchange, and global learning. The tilted scale conveys the ongoing tension between global aspirations including mobility, reputation, and international standards and local responsibilities such as resource constraints, workforce shortages, and community health needs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The luminous network surrounding the globe represents the interdependence of medical education systems, especially in times of global health crises that demand rapid, bidirectional knowledge sharing. Ultimately, the image captures the central inquiry of this research: how can medical education in LMICs achieve equitable, contextually relevant internationalization that strengthens both global engagement and local health priorities?</p>