Exploring the Ontological Status of the Race Concept as Perceived by Korean Medical Students

Abstract

This study explored Korean medical students' perceptions of race from three perspectives: the definition of race, its biological reality, and the practical use of race information in medicine. Using three open-ended survey questions, we collected data from 506 Korean medical students. The data were analyzed through constant comparative analysis. We found diverse perceptions of race held by the students, which were similar to racial concepts that have emerged throughout the history of science. In addition, some students perceived race as a biological reality based on genetics and epidemiology. Lastly, 50.5% of students agreed to the use of the concept of race in the field of medicine for convenience, while the remainder disagreed with its use based on reasons such as racism, multi-culturalism, etc. Based on the results of this study, we suggest the development of an integrated educational program to increase students' understanding of race based on biology, culture, and ethics.

Misunderstanding of race as biology has deep negative biological and social consequences

“…The misunderstanding of race as biology is not limited to the United States as this has been documented globally (Outram et al., 2018 ). One example includes university students majoring in biology and medicine (Lee et al., 2021 ; Lee, et al, 2018 ). Over 40% of Korean college students majoring in General Science Education believed the concept of race from a biological perspective (Lee et al., 2021 ).…”

“…About 25% of residents also thought that black skin was thicker. In addition, because of the false belief that Blacks are more tolerant of pain, Whites (74%) were more likely to be prescribed analgesics than Blacks (50%) in the emergency department of an Atlanta area hospital (Josefson, 2000 ; Lee, et al, 2018 ). The belief that white individuals and black individuals differ in their response to the same medical treatment is also widespread in the medical profession (Green et al., 2007 ; Jha et al., 2005 ; Schulman et al., 1999 ; van Ryn, 2002 ; van Ryn et al., 2006 ).…”

“…Over 40% of Korean college students majoring in General Science Education believed the concept of race from a biological perspective (Lee et al., 2021 ). Similarly, nearly 40% of Korean medical students held a biological or genetic concept of race (Lee, et al, 2018 ). Some Korean medical students defended their belief that race is a biological reality by citing various statistics showing different rates of disease among different groups (Lee, et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Similarly, nearly 40% of Korean medical students held a biological or genetic concept of race (Lee, et al, 2018 ). Some Korean medical students defended their belief that race is a biological reality by citing various statistics showing different rates of disease among different groups (Lee, et al, 2018 ).…”