'Global Citizenship' Course in Premedical Year Development and Outcome of Manner Program for Future Physicians

Kim, Chung Ah; Kwon, Bok Kyu; Park, Gwi Hwa; Yim, Yoon Myung; Kim, Yong Il

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aims to introduce a one semester 'Global Citizenship' program, being offered as a part of the premedical course at Gachon Medical School. The program was designed to meet the community needs in terms of etiquette and manner education for the future physicians and also to review the outcome of short-term experience.
METHODS
The program was offered to M1(premedical students year-1) students from the first semester after entrance to the school with following objectives: to understand the anthropological aspect of culture, to motivate students in relation to medical scientific foundation, and to develop the appropriate human relations, including international etiquette and manners, prior to the subinternship in M5(medical student year-3).
RESULTS
The program consisted of 12 sessions of lectures and/or practice-based learning such as etiquette for dormitory life, Korean traditional culture, gender role in the 21st century, dining etiquette in various cultural programs, netiquette(for computer usage), Korean housing and its architectural beauty, etiquette for alcoholic beverage drinking, dressing, and the respect and understanding of other cultures, services and manners. They were all instructed with presentations combined with site-visits or hands-on experience followed by a reflection paper and group discussion. Although the program was costly and time-consuming compared to the traditional theory-based natural science and humanity subjects, students expressed their strong motivation and concerns on their future responsibilities.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that "Global Citizenship" course is a useful program to provide a meaningful motivation to the newly enrolled students, Further, it encourages students to understand human relations as a global citizen equipped with the appropriate etiquette and manners.