Reform of medical education in Korea

Abstract

There are 41 medical schools in South Korea with over 3500 students graduating from the medical schools annually with the appropriate qualifications to practice medicine. Korean medical educators have made significant efforts to enhance the effectiveness of medical education by preparing students for the rapidly changing global environment of medicine and healthcare. This article outlines the reform efforts made by Korean medical schools to meet such demands, which includes the adoption of student-centered and competency-based education, e-learning, and authentic assessment of clinical performance. It also discusses the recent reform of the medical education system, driven by the Government's policy to prepare Korean higher education for an increasingly knowledge-based society.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kyong-Jee Kim

KYONG-JEE KIM, PhD, is an Assistant Research Professor of Medical Education, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Korea. She received a PhD in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University, Bloomington, USA.

Changwon Kee

CHANGWON KEE, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Korea. He is also the Associate Dean of Education and Director of Medical Education.