This session focused on the importance of education and training in providing health care for all. The speakers reflected on their experiences of providing training in different contexts, pointing out the importance of integrating rather than marginalizing a focus on the needs of communities, and the enthusiasm that such an approach can stir in students, the 'professionals of the future'.

Social accountability is the obligation to identify and address community health concerns. The chair, C. Boelen, International Consultant in Health Systems and Personnel, identified four aspects to this obligation: quality care, relevance, equity and cost-benefit. He stated that today's medical schools must think about their accountability, working to fulfill their obligation in the conceptualization, production and usability of the services they offer.

Doctors are not only care givers; they are also community leaders, decision makers, communicators and excellent managers. These are the characteristics of a 5-star doctor. Speakers challenged the role of the physician in the health care system and question whether these are the only qualities that can be attributed to him.

On behalf of the Geneva University Hospitals, the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva, and the Forum Organizing Committee, we are delighted to welcome you to the Geneva Forum: Towards Global Access to Health. This second edition of the Geneva Health Forum comes as the result of the success of the first Forum, which took place end of August 2006.