Ewha Med J.  2020 Jan;43(1):12-18. 10.12771/emj.2020.43.1.12.

A Qualitative Study of Students' Perception on Premedical Curriculum

• Kim CJ
• Lee HY
• Park YM
• Yi HJ

• KMID: 2468839
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2020.43.1.12

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
A Womans University College of Medicine faces curriculum reform in 2020. To determine what reforms are needed in the premedical curriculum, a needs assessment was conducted.
METHODS
This study utilizes qualitative study method. A focus group interview was conducted with four students who completed premedical courses from November to December 2018. Interviews were conducted in two groups by grade level, and each interview was recorded. After transcribing the recorded contents, four researchers analyzed the data using conventional content analysis.
RESULTS
Students chose A Womans University College of Medicine considering their future careers as female medical professionals and other considerations such as scholarships. The students expected diverse experiences, exchanges with students in different departments, and fusion of medicine with other fields during their premedical years. Overall, these expectations were met during the course, but individual needs for customized education, such as liberal arts, were unmet. In general, students' attitudes toward premedical courses were very motivated and they actively used resources provided by the university.
CONCLUSION
Qualitative research can provide a better understanding of quantitative data, such as a student survey performed to prepare for curriculum reform. Based on this understanding, the curriculum will be reformed to reflect the educational needs of students, to motivate students and to provide satisfactory education.

Keyword

Students, premedical; Program evaluation; Needs assessment; Qualitative research; Education, medical

MeSH Terms

Curriculum*
Education
Education, Medical
Fellowships and Scholarships
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Methods
Needs Assessment
Program Evaluation
Qualitative Research
Students, Premedical

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