Evaluation of the Educational Status of Internal Medicine Residency Program in Korea

Abstract

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the educational status of medical residents and to find factors that hinder resident education in Korea. Methods: A survey questionnaire on educational status of residents in internal medicine was developed, and sent to three groups: (1) specialists in internal medicine who are involved in resident training, (2) specialists in internal medicine who are not involved in resident training, and (3) residents who are under training in internal medicine. Results: The surveys revealed that the education to medical residents is mainly focused on delivery of knowledge of specialty. Insufficient or unsatisfactory items in the residents’ education are those of skills, attitude, communication skill, leadership, and practical matters concerning medical practice such as insurance. Most respondents replied that medical residents were employed doctors in hospitals rather than trainees to become qualified medical specialists. Conclusion: Residents are supposed to work in hospitals as trainees to become qualified specialists rather than as employed doctors. However, resident education in Korea is hindered by such factors as lack of teaching resources, heavy workload of educating specialists, heavy duty for residents, and lack of teaching skills of resident training staffs.