The Concept of Health Systems Science and Educational Needs in the Korean Context

Physicians should be able to address health-related issues of patients and populations from a multidimensional perspective. Therefore, medical schools have a social responsibility to develop and implement curricula that enable trainees to acquire the competencies needed to improve all aspects of patient care and healthcare delivery. This study explored the concept of health systems science concept as the third pillar of medical education (the other two are basic science and clinical medicine) in the Korean context, as well as related educational needs. The theoretical foundation of health systems science is the biopsychosocial conceptual model, which emphasizes the biological, psychological, and social factors surrounding patients. We concluded that the three domains (core functional, foundational, linking) and 12 subcategories of health systems science proposed by the Association of American Medical Colleges could be applied to Korean medical education. Health systems science education must be emphasized to solve the various healthcare problems facing Korea today and to train physicians to provide medical services in line with society’s needs. Introducing a health systems science curriculum will be challenging in the Korean medical environment, which has traditionally emphasized basic science and clinical medical education. Health systems science education should begin in the basic medical education phase, where physicians’ professional identity is formed, and continue through graduate medical education. It is essential to understand related educational needs, develop curricular content, conduct faculty development programs, and provide financial resources for the development of an integrated curriculum.