The Concept of Academic Medicine and Its Potential Establishment in Korea

Han, Hee Chul

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to introduce the concept of academic medicine to the medical societies of Korea and to identify any potential obstacles in the establishment of academic medicine in Korea. The core concepts of academic medicine include medical education, research, and patient care. Academic medicine can be practiced in the unique area of healthcare involving medical schools and teaching hospitals by faculty physicians in the academic medicine field. Through academic medicine, the next generation of healthcare professionals is trained, new discoveries can be made, and patients can find new hope for a cure. The flourishing of academic medicine has resulted in substantial advancements in medicine over the past few centuries, but at the turn of the 21st century, there was concern that academic medicine was on the decline. To address this concern, the International Campaign to Revitalize Academic Medicine was established and announced five scenarios to 2025 to debate the future of academic medicine. Although the system resembles that of Western medical societies, Korean medical societies were not familiar with academic medicine, and poor conditions caused by the distorted healthcare system in Korea have actually interfered with the nurturing of academic medicine. One of the main problems may include less interest in medical education and research relative to clinical practice by medical societies and the government. Collaborative efforts from both medical societies and the government are needed to establish academic medicine successfully in Korea for a better future.