The ecology of time: Beyond efficiency and outcomes in medical education- reclaiming temporal diversity-
Abstract
Contemporary medical education is increasingly dominated by the imperatives of efficiency, measurable outcomes, and technological optimization. While these frameworks aim to improve educational quality, they risk marginalizing essential but non-linear learning experiences. This commentary introduces the concept of "temporal diversity" as a necessary ecological shift in curriculum design. By situating the obsession with efficiency within the broader context of New Public Management and social acceleration, we argue for legitimizing "slow time"-relational, reflective, and unstructured moments. Reclaiming temporal diversity is vital for fostering professional identity formation, preventing burnout, and ensuring a humane foundation for medical education.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Innovations in Medical Education
Educational Leadership and Innovation
Education
Leadership
and Health Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Medical Teacher
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Pages
- 1–3
- Publication date
- 25 February 2026
- Language
- EN