A review of the development of the public health doctor system in Korea-The role of traditional Korean Medicine

IntroductionKorea has a unique health system that includes two independent systems: Western medicine and traditional Korean medicine (TKM). This review aimed to explore the impact and role of doctors practising TKM on the Korean public healthcare system.MethodsA search was conducted of official government agency websites, doctors' associations and 3 Korean databases using the key words: 'public doctor', 'public TKM doctor' and 'public health system'. The search was conducted on September 15, 2015. Neither the publication language nor the publication date were restricted.ResultsThe TKM public health system commenced in 1998 and after a two-year pilot project was expanded nationwide in 2002. In 2001, there were only 38 public health TKM doctors, this had increased to 1026 by 2015. Most of these practitioners work in public health centres (23.38%) and branch offices of community health centres (68.12%).ConclusionsThis review has considered the public health doctor system with a focus on TKM doctors including assignment status of public health TKM doctors, the development of the TKM public health doctor system. Roles of public health TKM doctors. Although the public health doctor system has contributed to the improvement of Korean public health for 30 years, continuous development is required to improve the working conditions, provide reasonable regulation for the medical system, and strengthen the medical information and management.