The Current Kampo Education Situation at 80 University Faculties of Medicine

Abstract

Background : Kampo, or traditional Japanese medicine education, was accepted into the education system after a new requirement of being able “to roughly explain Wakan (Japanese/Chinese) medicines" was added to the core curriculum model. Purpose : Kampo medicine has been taught at all 80 medical schools and universities since 2007. We con ducted a nationwide survey to understand the present situation, gain insights from several Kampo education viewpoints, and elucidate any challenges for the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine (JSOM) in future. Method : A postal questionnaire survey was sent to 80 medical schools and universities from the Liaison Committee of JSOM. Results : 67 out of the 80 medical institutions (83.8% return rate) responded to the survey. The answered survey results were as follows : Kampo medicine is needed in regular clinical practice (91%), studies are needed to evaluate the outcome of Kampo Medicine education (77%), and dedicated staff members are being trained (46%). Conclusions : Further development of graduate education and its standardization as well as improvement of bedside training is needed for Kampo education. In addition, establishment of a post-graduate Kampo education system will be crucial in the future.