Ewha Medical JournalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-10-31DOI: 10.12771/emj.2024.e59
Jun Won Kim
{"title":"Cutting-edge technologies in external radiation therapy.","authors":"Jun Won Kim","doi":"10.12771/emj.2024.e59","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2024.e59","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":41392,"journal":{"name":"Ewha Medical Journal","volume":"47 4","pages":"e59"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093630/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ewha Medical JournalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-10-31DOI: 10.12771/emj.2024.e64
Yun-Chul Hong
{"title":"Adequacy of the physician workforce for preparing for future society in Korea: an English translation.","authors":"Yun-Chul Hong","doi":"10.12771/emj.2024.e64","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2024.e64","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This study aimed to assess whether the current physician workforce in Korea is sufficient to meet future healthcare demands, considering demographic changes and increasing medical needs. The objective was to project the future supply and demand for physicians and identify potential regional disparities. <b>Methods:</b> Data on outpatient and inpatient utilization rates were obtained from the 2018 Health Insurance Statistical Yearbook, and population projections were sourced from Statistics Korea (2017-2067). Medical demand was estimated by multiplying these utilization rates by the population projections. The supply of physicians was projected using a cohort-component model that incorporated medical school quotas and age-specific attrition rates. Two scenarios were developed to account for changes in productivity: Scenario 1 assumed a 50% decrease in productivity for physicians aged 65-75, and Scenario 2 assumed a 75% decrease. Additionally, regional projections were analyzed using data from provincial and secondary medical service areas. <b>Results:</b> National-level projections suggest a looming shortage of physicians, despite an increase in medical school admissions. Both scenarios predict a physician shortage, particularly in regions such as North Gyeongsang, South Chungcheong, and Jeju Island, by 2047. In contrast, Seoul is likely to see a surplus of physicians. The regional analysis underscores substantial disparities in physician distribution, with underserved areas experiencing increasingly severe shortages. <b>Conclusion:</b> The study concludes that without flexible adjustments to medical school admission quotas and healthcare delivery systems, Korea will face significant physician shortages in the coming decades. To address this, it is necessary to increase the number of physicians in underserved regions and improve the efficiency of healthcare utilization.</p>","PeriodicalId":41392,"journal":{"name":"Ewha Medical Journal","volume":"47 4","pages":"e64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093522/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ewha Medical JournalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-10-31DOI: 10.12771/emj.2024.e49
Chiyoung Jeong, YoungMoon Goh, Jungwon Kwak
{"title":"Challenges and opportunities to integrate artificial intelligence in radiation oncology: a narrative review.","authors":"Chiyoung Jeong, YoungMoon Goh, Jungwon Kwak","doi":"10.12771/emj.2024.e49","DOIUrl":"10.12771/emj.2024.e49","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various medical fields, including radiation oncology. This review explores the integration of AI into radiation oncology, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. AI can improve the precision, efficiency, and outcomes of radiation therapy by optimizing treatment planning, enhancing image analysis, facilitating adaptive radiation therapy, and enabling predictive analytics. Through the analysis of large datasets to identify optimal treatment parameters, AI can automate complex tasks, reduce planning time, and improve accuracy. In image analysis, AI-driven techniques enhance tumor detection and segmentation by processing data from CT, MRI, and PET scans to enable precise tumor delineation. In adaptive radiation therapy, AI is beneficial because it allows real-time adjustments to treatment plans based on changes in patient anatomy and tumor size, thereby improving treatment accuracy and effectiveness. Predictive analytics using historical patient data can predict treatment outcomes and potential complications, guiding clinical decision-making and enabling more personalized treatment strategies. Challenges to AI adoption in radiation oncology include ensuring data quality and quantity, achieving interoperability and standardization, addressing regulatory and ethical considerations, and overcoming resistance to clinical implementation. Collaboration among researchers, clinicians, data scientists, and industry stakeholders is crucial to overcoming these obstacles. By addressing these challenges, AI can drive advancements in radiation therapy, improving patient care and operational efficiencies. This review presents an overview of the current state of AI integration in radiation oncology and insights into future directions for research and clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":41392,"journal":{"name":"Ewha Medical Journal","volume":"47 4","pages":"e49"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093566/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ewha Medical JournalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-10-31DOI: 10.12771/emj.2024.e54
Jae Sik Kim, Hak Jae Kim
{"title":"FLASH radiotherapy: bridging revolutionary mechanisms and clinical frontiers in cancer treatment - a narrative review.","authors":"Jae Sik Kim, Hak Jae Kim","doi":"10.12771/emj.2024.e54","DOIUrl":"10.12771/emj.2024.e54","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) is an innovative approach that delivers ultra-high dose rates exceeding 40 Gy in less than a second, aiming to widen the therapeutic window by minimizing damage to normal tissue while maintaining tumor control. This review explores the advancements, mechanisms, and clinical applications of FLASH-RT across various radiation sources. Electrons have been predominantly used due to technical feasibility, but their limited penetration depth restricts clinical application. Protons, offering deeper tissue penetration, are considered promising for treating deep-seated tumors despite challenges in beam delivery. Preclinical studies demonstrate that FLASH-RT reduces normal tissue toxicity in the lung, brain, skin, intestine, and heart without compromising antitumor efficacy. The mechanisms underlying the FLASH effect may involve oxygen depletion leading to transient hypoxia, reduced DNA damage in normal tissues, and modulation of immune and inflammatory responses. However, these mechanisms are incompletely understood, and inconsistent results across studies highlight the need for further research. Initial clinical studies, including treatment of cutaneous lymphoma and bone metastases, indicate the feasibility and potential benefits of FLASH-RT in patients. Challenges for clinical implementation include technical issues in dosimetry accuracy at ultra-high dose rates, adaptations in treatment planning systems, beam delivery methods, and economic considerations due to specialized equipment requirements. Future directions will involve comprehensive preclinical studies to optimize irradiation parameters, large-scale clinical trials to establish standardized protocols, and technological advancements to overcome limitations. FLASH-RT holds the potential to revolutionize radiotherapy by reducing normal tissue toxicity and improving therapeutic outcomes, but significant research is required for real-world clinical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":41392,"journal":{"name":"Ewha Medical Journal","volume":"47 4","pages":"e54"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093557/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ewha Medical JournalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-10-31DOI: 10.12771/emj.2024.e67
Yoenjung Lee
{"title":"Could I become a physician in the pharmaceutical industry?: practical insights from a 12-year veteran in pharma.","authors":"Yoenjung Lee","doi":"10.12771/emj.2024.e67","DOIUrl":"10.12771/emj.2024.e67","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":41392,"journal":{"name":"Ewha Medical Journal","volume":"47 4","pages":"e67"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093531/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ewha Medical JournalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-10-31DOI: 10.12771/emj.2024.e63
Yi-Jun Kim, Kye Hwa Lee
{"title":"Early detection of patients with narcotic use disorder using a modified morphine equivalent daily dose score based on an analysis of real-world prescription patterns: a retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Yi-Jun Kim, Kye Hwa Lee","doi":"10.12771/emj.2024.e63","DOIUrl":"10.12771/emj.2024.e63","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> Addiction to prescription narcotics is a global issue, and detecting individuals with narcotic use disorder (NUD) at an early stage can help prevent narcotics misuse and abuse. We developed a novel index for the early detection of NUD based on an analysis of real-world prescription patterns in a large hospital. <b>Methods:</b> We analyzed the narcotic prescriptions of 221,887 patients, prescribed by 8,737 doctors from July 2000 to June 2018. To facilitate the early detection of patients at risk of developing NUD after a prolonged period of narcotic use, we developed a weighted morphine equivalent daily dose (wt-MEDD) score. This score was based on the number of prescription dates where the actual MEDD exceeded the intended MEDD. We compared the performance of the wt-MEDD scoring system in identifying patients diagnosed with NUD by doctors against other high-risk NUD indices. These indices included the MEDD scoring system, the number of days on prescribed narcotics, the frequency and duration of prescriptions, narcotics prescriptions from multiple doctors, and the number of early narcotic refills. <b>Results:</b> A wt-MEDD score cut-off value of 10.5 successfully identified all outliers and diagnosed patients with NUD with 100% sensitivity and 99.6% specificity. This score demonstrated the highest sensitivity and specificity for detecting NUD compared to all other indexes. The predictive performance was further improved by combining the wt-MEDD score with other high-risk NUD indexes. <b>Conclusion:</b> We developed a novel index, the wt-MEDD score, which showed excellent performance in the early detection of NUD.</p>","PeriodicalId":41392,"journal":{"name":"Ewha Medical Journal","volume":"47 4","pages":"e63"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093651/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ewha Medical JournalPub Date : 2024-07-01Epub Date: 2024-07-31DOI: 10.12771/emj.2024.e42
Wonyoung Jung, Sukhyun Ryu, So Yeon Ryu, Mina Ha, Bo Youl Choi, Soo Young Kim
{"title":"Developing Guidelines for Surveillance Reporting (G-SIRE): protocol for guideline development.","authors":"Wonyoung Jung, Sukhyun Ryu, So Yeon Ryu, Mina Ha, Bo Youl Choi, Soo Young Kim","doi":"10.12771/emj.2024.e42","DOIUrl":"10.12771/emj.2024.e42","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> Surveillance reporting, which is integral to public health and safety, involves the systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of data crucial for various health and security scenarios. Despite its importance, standardized Guidelines for Surveillance Reporting (G-SIRE) are lacking, leading to inconsistencies and affecting data reliability and comparability. To address this gap, this study aimed to develop the G-SIRE, tailored to improve the clarity, transparency, and consistency of surveillance reports, thereby increasing the accuracy and usability of surveillance data for better public health outcomes. <b>Methods:</b> The methodology adhered to the EQUATOR Network standards, employing a multidimensional approach with a diverse expert team. The process included forming a research committee of multidisciplinary experts, conducting a thorough literature review of recent surveillance report publications, reviewing existing reporting guidelines, and developing a new set of guidelines. Continuous updates and revisions are planned to keep the guidelines relevant and effective. <b>Results:</b> Significant progress has been made as of November 2023 in developing comprehensive reporting guidelines for surveillance reports. A detailed checklist and Explanation & Elaboration documents have been formulated, which are anticipated to be finalized and published by December 2023. <b>Conclusion:</b> The G-SIRE guidelines signify a major advancement in standardizing surveillance. They provide a structured approach that increases scientific accuracy, transparency, and practical applicability in this domain. The guidelines are expected to improve the quality of surveillance reporting significantly, contributing to the advancement of public health research and discourse.</p>","PeriodicalId":41392,"journal":{"name":"Ewha Medical Journal","volume":"47 3","pages":"e42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093655/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ewha Medical JournalPub Date : 2024-07-01Epub Date: 2024-07-31DOI: 10.12771/emj.2024.e46
Yerin Lee
{"title":"Embracing the digital transformation in healthcare: insights and reflections from the Korean Society of Digital Clinical Medicine Summer Conference 2024.","authors":"Yerin Lee","doi":"10.12771/emj.2024.e46","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2024.e46","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":41392,"journal":{"name":"Ewha Medical Journal","volume":"47 3","pages":"e46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093654/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ewha Medical JournalPub Date : 2024-07-01Epub Date: 2024-07-31DOI: 10.12771/emj.2024.e40
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
{"title":"Motivations, positive experiences, and concept changes of medical students in Korea after participating in an experiential entrepreneurship course: a qualitative study.","authors":"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","doi":"10.12771/emj.2024.e40","DOIUrl":"10.12771/emj.2024.e40","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> 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? <b>Methods:</b> Focus group interviews were conducted with six medical students who participated in the experiential entrepreneurship course from February 13 to 23, 2024. <b>Results:</b> 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.\" <b>Conclusion:</b> 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.</p>","PeriodicalId":41392,"journal":{"name":"Ewha Medical Journal","volume":"47 3","pages":"e40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093532/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ewha Medical JournalPub Date : 2024-07-01Epub Date: 2024-07-31DOI: 10.12771/emj.2024.e36
Nam Su Ku
{"title":"The epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and the use of antiretroviral therapy in Korea: a narrative review.","authors":"Nam Su Ku","doi":"10.12771/emj.2024.e36","DOIUrl":"10.12771/emj.2024.e36","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The availability of combined antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced the number of new HIV infections and the associated mortality, and HIV infection has become a chronic disease with long-term survival. In Korea, more than 1,000 new HIV infections have been registered annually since 2013. After peaking at 1,223 in 2019, the number of new infections decreased between 2020 and 2023. In 2023, the majority of newly HIV-infected people were men, and the proportions of young people under 40 years, homosexual contacts and foreigners increased. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths from opportunistic infections associated with immunosuppression and AIDS-defining cancers are gradually decreasing, whereas non-AIDS defining comorbidities such as non-AIDS defining cancers, cardiovascular disease and metabolic complications are emerging as major causes of death. Since the introduction of zidovudine, approximately 30 antiretroviral drugs have been approved for the treatment of HIV infection. Early and continuous antiretroviral treatment for all people living with HIV is an effective strategy for maintaining viral suppression and preventing transmission of HIV infection. In conclusion, achieving the 95-95-95 target among those living with HIV in Korea requires multifaceted efforts to improve early diagnosis, early and proper treatment of HIV infection including the management of chronic diseases, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":41392,"journal":{"name":"Ewha Medical Journal","volume":"47 3","pages":"e36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093663/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144699901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}