Participation of Korean Medical Students in Clinical Practice Course in Western Medical School: Case of College of Korean Medicine

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to develop a clinical practice observation course in a medical school that can give Korean medical students opportunities to experience the treatment environment in western medicine, and to analyze the results of the course. Methods: A total of 47 (collection rate: 85.5%) senior students of the College of Korean medicine in Gyunggi-do replied to the survey. Twenty-seven of them were male and 20 were female. They participated in the clinical practice observation course in the medical school two days a week for two weeks (total: four days) in the academic year 2011-2012. Before the course, an orientation was held; and upon the students’ completion of the course, they presented their experiences and replied to the survey. Results: According to the survey, the purpose of the course was well explained (91.5%), and the course was necessary for Korean medical students (97.9%). The four-day course duration was inappropriate, though (83%). The female students were more satisfied with their participation in the fourth year and with the timing of the course than the male students were. The students who finished the course at the surgical departments recognized the necessity of the course more than the students who finished the course at the non-surgical departments. The advantages of the course included opportunities to observe operation scenes and experience clinical treatment processes and systems. The weakness of the course included poor organization due to the short preparation period. Conclusions: The course was confirmed as necessary for Korean medical students so that they would understand the treatment environment in western medicine. Through the course, the students broadened the understanding of the disease and developed a strong sense of identity as Korean medical students. The duration of the course needs to be extended, and its structure should be enhanced. Furthermore, various educational programs that offer Korean medical students opportunities to experience various clinical cases need to be introduced.