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

The future of medical practice in Africa requires consideration, yet the perspectives of youth are frequently absent from strategic discourse. In Cameroon, with its young demographic and specific healthcare challenges, understanding the views of the next generation is vital for shaping relevant policy and training. This study aimed to capture and analyse the perspectives of Cameroonian youth on the future of medical practice and innovation. Its objectives were to identify key themes in their vision, understand perceived barriers and enablers, and explore their envisaged role in shaping healthcare. A qualitative, exploratory design was employed. Data were collected through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with a purposively sampled cohort of young medical students, junior doctors, and health sciences students from multiple institutions across Cameroon. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Analysis revealed a strong, consistent emphasis on digital health integration as the cornerstone of future practice. Participants highlighted telemedicine and mobile health applications as solutions to access inequities. A majority expressed the view that current medical training requires substantial modernisation to include digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills. Cameroonian youth envision a digitally transformed medical landscape. Their perspectives underscore a significant disconnect between their aspirational future and the current educational and infrastructural realities, indicating a need for systemic adaptation. Medical curricula should be revised to integrate digital health competencies and innovation management. Policymakers and professional bodies should create platforms for sustained youth engagement in health strategy dialogues and support pilot initiatives in telemedicine led by young practitioners. Medical education, digital health, youth engagement, healthcare innovation, Cameroon, future of medicine This paper provides original insights into the viewpoints of Cameroonian youth, a key stakeholder group, on the future of medical practice and innovation, informing policy and curriculum development.