Review of Medical Curriculum in Post-graduate Course of Korea

Kang, Pock Soo; Kim, Chang Yong; Chung, Jong Hak

Abstract

Medical curriculum of post-graduate course was reviewed to identify current problems and to seek the alternatives for better education for 23 universities. The major findings are as follows: The avera ge number of post-graduate students is 120 in the master's course and 94 in the doctor's course. In only four out of 23 universities, the educational aims and objectives of post-graduate course in medicine are clearly defined in written form. Classroom teaching was given to the students in forms of formal lecture, conference, seminar, discussion and so on. Only eight universities give a lecture regularly according to the lecture schedule. Some universities offer lectures in the evening or in the weekend for the students' convenience. In about 50% of universities, students were evaluated through a set of written exam, oral test, report, presentation and discussion. Obligation of thesis presentation was prescribed in 20 universities of the master's course and in 22 universities of the doctor's course. The students of all 23 universities of master's course and 22 of doctor's course have to pass comprehensive exam for the graduation of the course. For completing doctor's course, the students of 22 universities (97%) still have to pass the secondary foreign language test. In more than 70% of universities, associate professors and assistant professors with doctor's degree are allowed to supervise and examine the thesis. Based on the above results, establishment of educational aims and objectives, reinforcement of teaching and learning activities, modification of foreign language test for entrance and graduation the course, and increase in faculty members and research funds should be needed for the improvement of post-graduate program in medicine.