Objective To explore the research process, frontiers and hotspots of medical innovation and entrepreneurship education.

Methods Taking 491 papers on the theme of "Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education" included in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI database) from 2003 to 2024 as samples. The bibliometric method and CiteSpace software were used to conduct visual analysis and comparison of the literature big data from aspects such as keyword co-occurrence and author collaboration.

Results From 2014 to 2019, the growth rate of relevant literature on medical innovation and entrepreneurship education significantly accelerated. Authors in the research field often conducted research through small-scale collaborations, with Liaoning Medical College and Jilin Medical College being the two institutions with the most published articles. The research areas mainly focued on innovation and entrepreneurship, medical students, medical colleges, and teaching reform. The research hotspots have shifted from entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial abilities to new medicine, integration of specialized and innovative fields and curriculum ideology and politics.

Conclusions The visualization analysis of the forefront and hotspots of medical innovation and entrepreneurship education provides reference and inspiration for further reform of medical education in the new era.