This report presents recommendations of the Pew Health Professions Commission regarding changes in health care education. It identifies 17 competencies that practitioners should be prepared for by the year 2005. Recommendations include: expand access to effective care; provide contemporary clinical care; emphasize primary care; participate in coordinated care; practice prevention; involve patients and families in the decision-making process; promote healthy lifestyles; assess and use technology appropriately; manage information; provide counseling on ethical issues; accommodate expanded accountability; and continue to learn. Health care trends by the year 2005 are identified, including efficiency and effectiveness through coordinated care; diversity and aging in the population; tensions in the expansion of science and technology; consumer empowerment; and an increasing role of values in shaping health care. Major strategies for change in health professional education recommended are: (1) schools should redefine their educational core; (2) schools should restructure for the tasks ahead; (3) universities should foster innovation; (4) health professional associations should facilitate professional redefinition; (5) government should support change in health professional education; and (6) the public should participate in redefining health care and the role of professionals. Appendices (comprising 80 percent of the report) include a report on health care issues and trends and the activities of The Pew Health Professions Commission. (DB)