The Changes in the Educational Goals and Objectives of Medical Schools in Korea

Chang, Soung Hoon; Lee, Kun Sei; Lee, Won Jin; Kim, Cheong Sik

Abstract

We reviewed the educational goals and objectives of the 32 medical schools in Korea, which is based on the 1992's, 1994's, and 1996's edition of the Directory of Korea Medical Education. The purpose of this study is to find trend of their changes and to help revise them. Among the 32 medical schools in Korea, 31(96.9%) described goals and objectives separately on 1996's edition, while 26(81.3%), 19(59.4%) on 1994's, 1992's, respectively. The medical ethics and morality was becoming more important; 30(93.8%) medical schools on 1996's and 1994's edition, while 26(81.3%) on 1992's. There were more emphases on the promotion of the ability of community services in health and of self study. For the promotion of the ability of community services in health; 26(81.3%) medical schools on 1996's edition, while 23(71.9%), 19(59.4%) on 1994's, 1992's, respectively. For the promotion of the ability of self study; 25(78.1%) medical schools on 1996's edition, while 21(65.6%), 15(46.9%) on 1994's, 1992's, respectively. The cultivation of primary care physician was becoming the primary goal of medical schools; 23(71.9%) medical schools on 1996's edition, while 12(37.5%), 9(28.1%) on 1994's, 1992's respectively. Teaching medical knowledge and clinical skills were still regarded as important; 21(65.6%) medical schools on 1996's edition, while 20(62.5%), 23(71.9%) on 1994's, 1992's, respectively. The inclusion of medical scientists in the possible job lists was also eminent; 14(43.8%) medical schools on 1996's edition, while 11(34.4%), 6(18.8%) on 1994's, 1992's, respectively. The ultimate educational goal of university was becoming prominent; 21(65.6%) medical schools on 1996's edition, while 15(46.9%), 11(34.4%) on 1994's, 1992's, respectively.