Academic medicine in a southern African country of Malawi.

Academic medicine is usually considered to be a tripartite composition of teaching, research, and health care services delivery or patient care. The meaning of each component varies with interpretation. Developing countries such as Malawi face particular challenges in the field of academic medicine, including research resources, financing, and the brain drain of health human resources. Such constraints contribute to reduced numbers of faculty members, poor remuneration and diminished capabilities for career advancement. Addressing the issues currently plaguing academic medicine will enable this essential and multi-faceted discipline to flourish.