The Institute for Improving Medical Education, directed by Michael Whitcomb, was formed in response to evidence that the design, content, and conduct of undergraduate and graduate medical education programs have not kept pace with advances in biomedical knowledge and changes in the organization, delivery, and financing of health services. A recent report of an Ad Hoc Committee of Deans convened by the Institute, "Educating Doctors to Provide High Quality Medical Care: A Vision for Medical Education in the United States" (July 2004) lays the framework for an ideal medical education system. The report is available for download from the Institute's website.