Youth Perspectives on the Future of Medical Practice and Innovation in Africa,

The future of African healthcare requires the engagement of its next generation of medical professionals. The perspectives of medical students and early-career doctors on innovation and practice are vital for shaping policy and education, but these views are frequently absent from strategic discussions. This study aimed to capture and analyse the perspectives of medical students and early-career doctors in Morocco on the future of medical practice and innovation in Africa. It sought to identify their priorities, perceived challenges, and envisioned trajectories. A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled medical students and junior doctors from multiple institutions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. A dominant theme was the critical need for medical education reform to integrate digital health technologies and artificial intelligence. Most participants emphasised that current curricula inadequately prepare them for a technology-driven practice environment. Participants also strongly advocated for healthcare systems centred on preventative care and community health. The emerging generation of medical professionals in this context envisions a future defined by technological integration and a shift towards preventative models. They perceive a significant gap between their training and the anticipated realities of future practice. Medical curricula should be reformed to include digital health competencies. Policymakers and educators should establish formal channels to integrate youth perspectives into long-term health strategy planning. Further research should expand this inquiry to other African regions. Medical education, health innovation, youth perspectives, digital health, Africa, future of medicine. This paper provides original insights from a key stakeholder group often excluded from strategic planning, offering evidence to inform medical education reform and health policy development in Africa.