Experience and Prior-Education in Medical Volunteering among Korean Medicine Students: a survey study

Medical volunteer activities of the college of Korean medicine (KM) are stipulated in Article 19 of the enforcement regulations of the medical law (medical practice of medical students, etc.). At D University, 31.8% of students are participating in medical volunteer activities during the summer vacation. Through students belonging to the three clubs, we would like to investigate and analyze the experience and form of medical service, participation motivation, satisfaction, mental growth, progress of prior education, and needs for improvement.

Out of 289 students at D University, 92 students participated in summer medical volunteer activities through three clubs during July 2024. An online survey was conducted from July 30 to August 7, 2024, with 55 students responding (response rate 59.8%). The questions in the survey consisted of a total of 22 questions based on previous studies.

The main purpose of participation in medical service by KM university students was to gain new knowledge or experience. 90.9% of students were satisfied with the medical volunteer activities. Pre-education for medical volunteer activities was conducted to all students, and only 11.5% of students took formal pre-education at the school level. 67.3% of students answered that there was a need for improvement in regular school classes in acquiring prior knowledge, and in particular, there were many responses from 1st∙2nd graders of KM course.

This study identifies the strengths and weaknesses of medical volunteer activities among KM students. While satisfaction is high (90.9%), the reliance on informal preparation indicates a need for formal support and training in the curriculum. With 70.9% interested in lifelong volunteering, improving structured programs could enhance educational outcomes and community healthcare engagement.