The present report concerns the self-study of the Medical School of the University of Crete, as conducted by the Internal Evaluation Committee appointed by the General Assembly of the School. The Committee made the utmost effort to collect accurate data related to all activities of the School from multiple sources in order to present a well documented assessment. The Committee critically evaluated the overall performance of the Medical School over the past five years (2003-2007), with respect to whether the School has achieved its original goals, as these relate to medical and biomedical education, improvement of practice of clinical medicine, innovation and research in biomedical sciences, and cultivation of mutually beneficial relationships with the local community. In light of this process, the Committee attests to difficulties and problems encountered, foresees new opportunities and formulates a new strategic plan for the School’s future development. A synopsis of the main findings of this report, entitled Executive Summary, appears in the following page.
Because there was no precedent for such self-evaluation in Hellenic Universities, the Committee used the guidelines provided by the Hellenic Quality Assurance Agency
for Higher Education and the guidelines of the Liaison Committee of Medical Education. In addition, the Committee took the innovative steps described in the present report, thereby contributing to the establishment of rules and mechanisms for this process. It is hoped that this internal evaluation and the external evaluation to follow will act as catalysts for improving public universities in Greece, creating new opportunities in these institutions of higher learning and achievement. Further, it is hoped that this evaluation process, by promoting scientific and clinical excellence, will contribute to establishing meritocracy in Hellenic Universities, an avenue for progress and prosperity in contemporary society.
The Committee Coordinator
Andreas Plaitakis, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Neurology
