Korean Medical Education Review (의학교육논단)

Yonsei university college of medicine (연세대학교 의과대학)
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A Comparison of Medical Education Policies in Japan and Singapore with a Focus on Governance: Implications for Korea

거버넌스를 중심으로 살펴본 일본과 싱가포르의 의학교육 정책 비교: 한국에 주는 시사점

  • Sung-Soo Jung (Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine)
  • 정성수 (충남대학교 의과대학 내과학교실)
  • Received : 2024.08.17
  • Accepted : 2024.10.18
  • Published : 2024.10.31
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Abstract

Among Asian nations, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea exemplify countries with high standards of medical quality. This review explores the differences in medical education policies between Japan and Singapore, particularly concerning governance, and discusses the implications for South Korea's medical education policies. Relevant documents were analyzed by referencing scholarly articles and data from governmental and expert organizations in each country. In Japan, advances in medical education policies include initiatives such as the regional quota system and the core curriculum model, which emphasize stakeholder engagement and transparency. However, challenges persist due to limited stakeholder participation, necessitating a transition toward a more equitable governance paradigm. Singapore's model features robust public-private partnerships with minimal direct governmental intervention, emphasizing innovation and community integration, as seen in the Healthier SG project. These case studies demonstrate effective governance involving significant stakeholder collaboration and strategic financial investments. Conversely, South Korea's medical education policies face challenges from a predominantly government-centric approach, with an absence of cohesive governance structures and inadequate involvement from essential professional stakeholders. This situation has led to policy inconsistencies and a deficit of strategic direction, exacerbated by insufficient financial support for educational infrastructure and program development. The experiences of Japan and Singapore indicate that it would be beneficial for South Korea to adopt integrated governance frameworks that prioritize transparency and collaboration. Furthermore, increasing financial investment in medical education could mitigate existing deficiencies and improve the quality and effectiveness of its healthcare education system.

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