Ewha Medical Journal

[English]

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 Med J 2025;48(3):e41. Published online July 9, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2025.00479

The study aims to examine the 20-year developmental trajectory of medical education at Ewha Womans University College of Medicine (2004–2025). It analyzes 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. Noteworthy initiatives include the enhancement of student research capacity and the launch of a dedicated medical education newsletter. In 2022, the Medical Education 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.

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[English]

Development of Metabolic Acidosis after Neobladder Reconstruction: Sae-In Kim, Dong Hyeon Lee, Kwang Hyun Kim, Dong-Ryeol Ryu, Seung-Jung Kim, Duk-Hee Kang, Kyu Bok Choi, Shina Lee; Ewha Med J 2015;38(3):98-105. Published online October 31, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2015.38.3.98

Abstract
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Objectives

Metabolic acidosis frequently develops in patients after neobladder reconstruction. However, the incidence of metabolic acidosis in patients with neobladder and the factors associated with the development of metabolic acidosis have not been well elucidated. We aimed to investigate the incidence and the potential predictors for the development of metabolic acidosis after neobladder reconstruction with intestinal segment.

Methods

We included patients who underwent neobladder reconstruction using intestinal segment at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2014. A subgroup of patients according to the time of metabolic acidosis occurrence was further analyzed in order to characterize predictors for metabolic acidosis.

Results

Metabolic acidosis was encountered in 79.4% of patients with neobladder during follow up period. When patients were divided into 2 groups according to anion gap (AG), total CO₂ (18.9±2.1 mEq/L vs. 20.0±1.3 mEq/L, P=0.001) and chloride (106.6±4.9 mE/L vs. 109.4±3.6 mEq/L, P<0.001) were significant different between groups with AG>12 and AG≤12. Furthermore, when patients were divided into 3 groups; patients with metabolic acidosis at postoperative day (POD) 1; from POD 2 to 14 days; after 14 days, there was significant difference among those subgroups.

Conclusion

Our study showed the rate of metabolic acidosis in patients underwent neobladder reconstruction and the difference between patients with metabolic acidosis and those without metabolic acidosis for the first time in Korea. In the future, well designed prospective study will be needed to prevent metabolic acidosis after neobladder reconstruction.

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[English]

The Effects of Carnitine Supplementation in Hemodialysis Patients: Seung-Jung Kim; Ewha Med J 2012;35(2):89-94. Published online September 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2012.35.2.89

Abstract
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Objectives

Patients receiving hemodialysis have been shown to be carnitine deficient due to many causes. Tissues, especially the skeletal muscle and myocardium, require carnitine for the production of energy. This study was performed to find out the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on muscular symptoms and cardiac functions in dialysis patients.

Methods

Among 72 hemodialysis patients, 40 patients who showed decreased free carnitine levels were selected to receive L-carnitine intravenously after each hemodialysis session for 6 months. Before and after supplementation, echocardiography, various neurologic examinations and questionnaires were obtained.

Results

After carnitine treatment for 6 months (1~1.5 g per every hemodialysis session), the blood level of carnitine was increased more than 10 times (19.04±7.12 µmol/L vs. 267.24±69.94 µmol/L, P<0.001). The left ventricular ejection fraction was improved in the patients who have less than 60% of ejection fraction (56.45±2.53% vs. 60.44±6.29%, P=0.03) after carnitine treatment. The neurological symptom score and isometric muscle power (pinch power) were improved, but the total neuropathy score, activities of daily living scale and grip power were not changed after carnitine supplementation on dialysis patients.

Conclusion

Regular L-carnitine supplementation on hemodialysis patients can improve their left ventricular ejection fraction and some parts of functionality.