• 한국의사학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.13-31
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• 2017

This study investigates research trends on the Convergence of Chinese and Western Medicine (中西醫匯通, CCWM), by first defining the concepts and the scope of this emerging field, identifying different types of convergence, and suggesting methods to evaluate the process. The author investigates the relationship of CCWM to the Self-Strengthening Movement and the doctrine of Zhongtixiyong (中體西用). Lessons that Korean Medicine (KM) can learn from this approachto help establish relationship between Korean and Western Medicine, are investigated. Proponents of CCWM suggest different types of convergence such as Zhongzhongcanxi (衷中參西), Zhongxizhezhong (中西折衷), and ZhongyiKexuehua (中醫科學化), to accommodate the change in the power dynamics between Chinese and Western medicines. The rigid dual medical system in Korea significantly hinders the potential for convergence. The current system is based on the relativistic model in which the scope of practice for the KM doctor and the Western Medicine doctor are mutually exclusive. Philosophically, the convergence of East-West medicine can be supported by pluralism and monism, while relativism sees it as impossible. A conservative pluralistic model might consider Bogu (補救) of Eastern Medicine, while a more progressive pluralistic model might build a New Medicine which combines the knowledge and techniques of Eastern and Western medicines. An example of monistic model is CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine), which aims to scientifically verify the efficacy and safety of the Eastern therapeutic practices and integrate them into Western medicine. This article proposes that as communication and fusion between medical disciplines are essential virtues of contemporary scholarly development, a change that enables the convergence of East-West medicine is needed.