A Survey on the Recognition of Pending Policy among Oriental Doctors Working in Oriental Medical Institutions

한방의료기관 근무 한의사의 정책 현안에 대한 인식 조사

Objectives: The objective of the study was to resolve various elements of conflict by presenting the results of the study and to help build an enhanced oriental medical service system. Methods: The researcher collected data from 12/15/2006 to 1/31/2007. A total of 1000 questionnaires were sent out to oriental medical doctors working at oriental medical facilities and the 15% (150 questionnaires) of them that were returned completed were analyzed. Results: 1. As to the proper proportion of oriental medical doctors to western medical doctors, they said it should be less than 20%. About separating the task of prescribing oriental medicine (herb) from oriental medical treatment, 80.7% of them were against it. 98.7% said oriental medical doctors needed the control of medical technicians. 2. 72.3% said they had no intention of taking the U.S. NCCAOM board to practice oriental medicine overseas. A majority (57.7%) were in favor of unifying oriental medical license with western medical license. 3. Oriental medical doctors had greater job satisfaction [than all oriental medical doctors number]. If they were to choose another occupation than oriental medicine they would consider becoming a research fellow above all other occupations. If they were to reenter college, they said they would probably choose oriental medical school. However, the choice of reentering oriental medical school was lower than that of western medical school. Conclusion: This study has also statistically determined the current issues that may pose conflicting views on the part of the respondents. A periodic study such as this one will hopefully aid in establishing policies for oriental medicine.