A history of 20 years of medical education at Ewha Womans University College of Medicine

Ivo Kwon,Somi Jeong,Seung-Jung Kim,Ara Ko,Hyeonji Jeon Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2025 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.48 No.3

The study aims to examine the 20-year developmental trajectory of medical education at Ewha Womans University College of Medicine (2004–2025). It ana-lyzes educational support documents, self-evaluation reports, and Curriculum Committee meeting minutes to illuminate both the direction and significance of Ewha’s medical education reforms. Key milestones include the formal establishment of the Medical Education Office in 2004 and the subsequent founding of the Department of Medical Education in 2005. Major innovations over this period encompass the expansion of objective structured clinical examinations and the introduction of problem-based learning modules. Additional advancements include the establishment of the Ewha Medical Simulation Center and Learning Resource Center, as well as the reversion to an undergraduate medical college format in 2015. The college has also prioritized faculty development workshops and medical education seminars, implemented the Ewha Social Active Communication program, and introduced team-based learning. Notewor-thy initiatives include the enhancement of student research capacity and the launch of a dedicated medical education newsletter. In 2022, the Medical Educa-tion Office was reorganized as the Ewha Center for Medical Education, marking a new era of integrated leadership and expanded educational initiatives. Ewha has consistently achieved high accreditation statuses, reflecting ongoing excellence in curriculum development, assessment, and faculty development. This progress demonstrates the dedication and collaboration of both faculty and staff, resulting in a robust educational framework. The institution’s continuous growth serves not only as a testament to past achievements but also as a foundation for future advancements in Ewha’s medical education, with the ultimate aim of cultivating women leaders in Korean healthcare.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Response System at University Level : The Case of Safe Campus Model at Ewha Womans University

Kyunghee Jung-Choi,Nackmoon Sung,Sun Hwa Lee,Misun Chang,Hee Jung Choi,Chung-Jong Kim,Nam-Kyong Choi,Hanna Kim,Yi-Jun Kim,Whanhee Lee,Hyesook Park,Eunhee Ha Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2022 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.45 No.4

In response to the changes in the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic situation, Ewha Womans University established Ewha Safe Campus (ESC), an on-campus infection outbreak management system, to allow students and faculty members to safely resume face-to face classes in 2022. The COVID-19 testing station, Ewha Safe Station, is the core element of ESC. Symptomatic students and faculty members perform a combo swab self-PCR test or receive a nasopharyngeal swab PCR test from experts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through early detection and management. ESC is significant in that it detects infection risks and proactively implements preemptive measures in a university. The COVID-19 health response system model at the university level was applied for the first time in South Korea, reaching a milestone in the history of university health in South Korea. In particular, it is highly valuable that the test was free of charge, as it enabled all of the examinees to have easy access to the test through joint cooperation with the Seegene Medical Foundation. This is a successful example of cooperation between schools and private institutions for public health improvement. In the future, the direct and indirect effects of the establishment and implementation of ESC need to be evaluated and confirmed, and areas requiring improvements need to be identified in preparation for another infectious disease outbreak in the future.

Motivations, positive experiences, and concept changes of medical students in Korea after participating in an experiential entrepreneurship course: a qualitative study

Somi Jeong,So Hyun Ahn,Hyeon Jong Yang,Seung Jung Kim,Yuhyeon Chu,Jihye Gwak,Naeun Im,Seoyeong Oh,Seunghyun Kim,Hye Soo Yun,Eun Hee Ha Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2024 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.47 No.3

Objectives: This study explored the experiences of medical students enrolled in an elective course titled "Healthcare Innovation and Women's Ventures II" at Ewha Womans University College of Medicine. The research questions were as follows: First, what motivated medical students to participate in the experiential entrepreneurship course? Second, what experiences did the students have during the course? Third, what changes did the students undergo as a result of the course?Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted with six medical students who participated in the experiential entrepreneurship course from February 13 to 23, 2024. Results: The analysis identified three domains, seven categories, and 17 subcategories. In terms of motivations for enrolling in the experiential entrepreneurship course, two categories were identified: "existing interest" and "new exploration." With respect to the experiences gained from the course, three categories emerged: "cognitive experiences," "emotional experiences," and "behavioral experiences." Finally, two categories were identified concerning the changes participants experienced through the course: "changes related to entrepreneurship" and "changes related to career paths." Conclusion: Students were motivated to enroll in this course by both their existing interests and their desire to explore new areas. Following the course, they underwent cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes. Their perceptions of entrepreneurship and career paths were significantly altered. This study is important because it explores the impact of entrepreneurship education in medical schools from the students' perspective.

Could I become a physician in the pharmaceutical industry? : practical insights from a 12-year veteran in pharma

Yoenjung Lee Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2024 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.47 No.4

It was 10 a.m. on a Monday this September, and I was preparing a training session aimed at boosting my team's confidence in publishing academic papers. By a happy coincidence, the guest lecturer for our session was the Editor-in-Chief of the Ewha Medical Journal , representing my beloved alma mater, Ewha. Following a wonderful session and a lively discussion, the lecturer assigned me a small task: as a physician working at a pharmaceutical company rather than in a hospital, could I write an essay to assist those considering various career paths in medicine? Twelve years earlier, I had left a position in the Department of Family Medicine at a university hospital to embark on a career in the pharmaceutical industry. The experiences shared by senior colleagues at that time gave me courage, and now I hope that sharing my own story will help guide those who follow (Fig. 1).

Treatment of Hemorrhoid in Unusual Condition- Pregnancy

Hyo Seon Ryu Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2022 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.45 No.4

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins of the rectum that are located in or near the anal canal and are covered by mucosa. They can occur at any age, are generally symptomless, and affect both sexes equally. Hemorrhoids are a common complaint among younger women and are more likely to occur during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. In this article, we discuss the many approaches in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Laxatives, stool softeners, and fiber supplements are all considered safe for use by pregnant women. Moderate use of laxatives is also acceptable. Since there is a lack of sufficient evidence to support the safety and efficiency of topical medicines or oral phlebotomies during pregnancy, these treatments must to be utilized with an increased degree of extreme caution. In the case that considerable bleeding occurs, anal packing may be a straight forward and helpful operation to implement. A hemorhoidectomy is the treatment option for hemorrhoids that have become strangulated, badly thrombosed, or have bleeding that cannot be controlled.

Sex differences in coronary atherogenesis: a narrative review

Hack-Lyoung Kim Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2024 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.47 No.2

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, driven primarily by atherogenesis. Recent efforts to understand sex differences in CAD have revealed distinct patterns in disease burden, risk factors, and clinical presentations. This review examines these sex differences in CAD, underscoring the importance of customized diagnostic and management strategies. Although men typically have higher rates of CAD prevalence and incidence, women face unique challenges, such as delayed diagnosis, atypical symptoms, and lower rates of medication prescription. Hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle factors all play a role in these disparities, with estrogen notably reducing CAD risk in women. Nontraditional risk factors, including chronic inflammation, psychological stress, socioeconomic status, and reproductive history, also contribute to CAD development and are often neglected in clinical settings. Addressing these differences requires increased awareness, more accurate diagnosis, and equitable healthcare access for both sexes. Furthermore, greater inclusion of women in CAD research is essential to better understand sex-specific mechanisms and optimize treatment outcomes. Personalizing CAD management based on sex-specific knowledge has the potential to improve prognosis and decrease disease incidence for both men and women.

Gender and healthcare issues related to the Protected Birth Act in Korea

Jiah Jeong Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2024 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.47 No.4

This paper discusses the implications of South Korea's birth notification system and Protected Birth Act, which is set to take effect on July 19, 2024. The legislation aims to prevent infanticide and child abandonment by mandating birth reporting and allowing anonymous births for women in crisis. However, concerns have been raised about the Act's effectiveness in protecting both women and children, particularly regarding issues of disability and migrant families. This paper focuses on gender and healthcare issues, highlighting how the Act perpetuates discrimination against out-of-wedlock pregnancies and upholds normal family ideologies. It notes the absence of critical discussions on women's autonomy, safe pregnancy termination, and paternal responsibility. The importance of healthcare providers understanding and preparing for the Act's implementation is emphasized. The paper calls for strengthening social safety nets to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations and eliminate discrimination against non-traditional families. Additionally, it addresses the need for comprehensive support systems for crisis pregnancies, including financial assistance, psychological support, parenting education, housing solutions, and expanded healthcare services. This paper acknowledges the Act's significance in providing a systematic state-level approach to protecting pregnant women in crisis, replacing the previous reliance on private organizations. onetheless, it also emphasizes the importance of continually reviewing and supplementing the system to address potential rights infringements and ensure its effectiveness. In conclusion, this paper advocates for ongoing discussions on gender and healthcare issues, and for future amendments to the law that reflect real-world circumstances and provide genuine protection for crisis pregnancies and infants.

EMJ, A Research Platform for “Future Ready, Ewha Medicine”

Eunhee Ha Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2022 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.45 No.3

Effect of body mass index on gastric cancer risk according to sex in Korea: a nationwide cohort study and literature review

Yonghoon Choi,Jieun Jang,Nayoung Kim Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2024 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.47 No.2

Objectives: Gastric cancer (GC) demonstrates a sex disparity that may also be associated with body mass index (BMI). This study explored whether the effect of BMI on the risk of GC varies by sex. Methods: The study cohort included 341,999 Koreans aged 40 years or older from the National Health Insurance Service–Health Screening Cohort, with a median follow-up period of 10 years. Participants were categorized into five groups based on their BMI. The effect of BMI was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard regression. Additionally, stratification analysis was performed according to waist circumference. Results: An increased risk of developing GC was observed across the study population among those with obesity (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2; hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; 95% CI , 1.03–1.20) and severe obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2; HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01–1.47), considering a 2-year latency period. Notably, the rise in GC risk was particularly pronounced among women with obesity and men with severe obesity. In the age-stratified analysis, severe obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2) was associated with an increased risk of GC in men under 50 years old (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.99–3.37). For individuals aged ≥50 years, obesity was linked to a heightened risk of GC in both sexes. Furthermore, normal BMI (18.5–22.9 kg/m2) was associated with an increased GC risk in women. Conclusion: These findings indicate a positive association between excess body weight and the risk of GC in Koreans, particularly among men with severe obesity.

A Proactive Testing Strategy to COVID-19 for Reopening University Campus during Omicron Wave in Korea : Ewha Safe Campus (ESC) Project

Whanhee Lee,Kyunghee Jung-Choi,Hyunjin Park,Seunghee Jun,Nackmoon Sung,Sun-Hwa Lee,Misun Chang,Hee Jung Cho,Chung-Jong Kim,Hyesook Park,Eunhee Ha Ewha Womans University School of Medicine 2023 EMJ (Ewha medical journal) Vol.46 No.3

Objectives: Ewha Womans University launched an on-campus Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) response system called Ewha Safety Campus (ESC) Project in collaboration with the Seegene Inc. RTPCR diagnostic tests for COVID-19 were proactively provided to the participants. This study examines the effectiveness of the on-campus testing strategy in controlling the reproduction number (R t) and identifying student groups vulnerable to infection. Methods: The ESC project was launched on March 2, 2022, with a pilot period from Feb 22 to March 1, 2022—the peak of the Omicron variant wave. We collected daily data on the RT-PCR test results of the students of Ewha Womans University from Mar 2 to Apr 30, 2022. We daily calculated R t and compared it with that of the general population of Korea (women, people aged 20–29 years, and Seoul residents). We also examined the students vulnerable to the infection based on the group-specific R t and positivity rate. Results: A lower R t was observed about 2 weeks after the implementation of the ESC Project than that of the general population. The lower R t persisted during the entire study period. Dormitory residents had a higher R t. The positivity rate was higher in students who did not comply with quarantine guidelines and did not receive the second dose of the vaccine. Conclusion: The study provides scientific evidence for the effectiveness of the on-campus testing strategy and different infection vulnerabilities of students, depending on dormitory residence, compliance with the quarantine guidelines, and vaccination.