J Korean Med Sci.  2024 May;39(20):e159. 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e159.

A Brief Review of Anatomy Education in Korea, Encompassing Its Past, Present, and Future Direction

• Kim IB
• Joo KM
• Song CH
• Rhyu IJ

• KMID: 2556282
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e159

Abstract

Anatomy is a foundational subject in medicine and serves as its language. Hippocrates highlighted its importance, while Herophilus pioneered human dissection, earning him the title of the founder of anatomy. Vesalius later established modern anatomy, which has since evolved historically. In Korea, formal anatomy education for medical training began with the introduction of Western medicine during the late Joseon Dynasty. Before and after the Japanese occupation, anatomy education was conducted in the German style, and after liberation, it was maintained and developed by a small number of domestic anatomists. Medicine in Korea has grown alongside the country’s rapid economic and social development. Today, 40 medical colleges produce world-class doctors to provide the best medical care service in the country. However, the societal demand for more doctors is growing in order to proactively address to challenges such as public healthcare issues, essential healthcare provision, regional medical service disparities, and an aging population. This study examines the history, current state, and challenges of anatomy education in Korea, emphasizing the availability of medical educators, support staff, and cadavers for gross anatomy instruction. While variations exist between Seoul and provincial medical colleges, each manages to deliver adequate education under challenging conditions. However, the rapid increase in medical student enrollment threatens to strain existing anatomy education resources, potentially compromising educational quality. To address these concerns, we propose strategies for training qualified gross anatomy educators, ensuring a sustainable cadaver supply, and enhancing infrastructure.

Keyword

Anatomy Education; Medical Students; Anatomy Educator; Cadaver; Anatomy History; Korea

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Current status of human resources for gross anatomy education in Korea.Height = average, Error bar = standard deviation.*P < 0.05.

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  Fig. 2 Current student-to-professor ratio for anatomy education and student-to-cadaver ratio in Korea. (A) Student-to-anatomy professor ratio in Korea. (B) Student-to-cadaver ratio in Korea.Height = average, Error bar = standard deviation.

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  Fig. 3 Number of students of medical colleges in Korea.Height = average, Error bar = standard deviation.*P < 0.05.

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  Fig. 4 Expected problems and possible solution for future anatomy education in Korea.

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