Responding to Contextual Change: An Ecological Systems View of Adaptation and Transformation in Medical Education

Abstract – Medical education is situated within dynamic, multilayered ecosystems that are continuously shaped by sociopolitical forces, institutional structures, and evolving learner identities. In this commentary, the authors apply ecological theories of system to synthesize this year’s Research in Medical Education articles, highlighting how contextual change reverberates across multiple levels of the medical education system, shaping identity, emotion, belonging, competence, and assessment. The commentary underscores the need for medical education to move beyond passive adaptation and toward intentional, transformative responsiveness. The authors conclude that ecological theories of system provide a valuable lens for understanding change across nested systems and for guiding medical education to foster equity and cocreate adaptive, responsive learning environments.