An Analysis on Medical Humanity and Social Science in Foreign Medical schools

국외 인문사회의학 교육과정 현황

Purpose: This study is purposed to analyze the curriculum on medical humanity and social science in foreign medical schools. The Main topics are classified into three parts: the characteristics of American medical humanity and social science curriculum: understanding of medical humanity and social science in medical school in USA, UK, and Australia: standard recommendations on medical ethics and professionalism in curriculum design. Methods: The literature reviews and on-line searching were conducted to collect the information and data on medical humanity and social science in foreign medical schools, 9 medical schools were selected in terms of reputations in USA, UK, and Australia. Results: First, American medical humanity and social science curriculum have changed, especially from cores to electives, from informal to formal and from subjects to interdisciplinary. In addition. teaching methods have changed into small-group discussion and teaching materials into various sources, such as essays, poetry, films and so forth. Second, most medical schools had their own unique curriculum adjusted to their academic traditions. Especially, curriculum of UK and Australia were more integrated than those of USA. Finally, it is recommended that standards of medical ethics and professionalism have to be considered in curriculum design. Conclusion: It is suggested that medical humanity and social science curriculum be designed closely connecting with clinical medicine.