The Present Status and Improvement Directions for Gastrointestinal Fellows and Residents in Korea

Abstract

The Korean Society of Gastroenterology (KSG) and the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (KSGE) have tried to promote high-quality patient care, and safety in the field of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. In 2017, the training guidelines for GI fellows have been made, and the education board of KSGE revised 2 year- program of GI fellows. The guideline includes the total number of assigned patients, the number of GI endoscopy procedures, attendance of academic conferences, and research presentations. The traditional training model of GI fellowship is known as an "apprenticeship". Unfortunately, it might increase confusion between what trainees are observing and prior information. Now, practical hands-on training system using simulator helps to provide a support program for GI fellowship education. In order to facilitate training program, trainers will need to carefully plan the teaching. Therefore, it improves knowledge and performance for trainers. What we should keep in mind is that this hands-on program has the goal of making a good gastroenterologist, not just making an endoscopist. At same time, the application of cognitive education in GI fellow training must be performed. On the other side, the privileging and credentialing for endoscopic subspecialty should be made. The provision of benefits could serve as an important foundation for maintaining GI specialist board system.