1.Global Trends in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Curricula in Medical Education: A 2020–2025 Scoping Review
Eun Jee CHANG ; Yoo Jin UM ; Hyun Bae YOON
Korean Medical Education Review 2026;28(1):9-22
Interest in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across medical training has grown rapidly, yet the overall landscape of DEI-related medical education research remains fragmented. This scoping review mapped recent DEI-related curricula, programs, and training initiatives implemented in undergraduate medical education (UME) and graduate medical education (GME) settings. We conducted a PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews)–reported scoping review. PubMed was searched for studies published between 2020 and 2025 that examined DEI-focused educational activities in UME and GME involving medical students, residents or fellows, or faculty members. Data were extracted on publication year, country, target population, study design, and primary DEI domain, and results were summarized descriptively. Of 203 records identified, 164 met the inclusion criteria. Publications increased sharply after 2022 and were predominantly US-based. Most studies focused on residents, followed by medical students, faculty members, and analyses of program websites or institutional documents. Studies clustered into five domains: (1) learning environment and discrimination; (2) admissions and workforce diversity; (3) frameworks and measures; (4) curriculum development and implementation; and (5) outcomes and evaluation. Ten studies were purposively selected for narrative synthesis across key educational contexts. Most reported short-term learner outcomes, with limited evidence of behavior change, organizational impact, or patient-level outcomes. DEI-related medical education research is expanding; however, it remains geographically concentrated and methodologically constrained. Future studies should adopt context-sensitive, longitudinal, and multi-level designs to better inform curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation.
2.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Korean Medical Schools: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Based on Official Institutional Websites
Yoo Jin UM ; Eun Jee CHANG ; Hyun Bae YOON
Korean Medical Education Review 2026;28(1):23-31
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly emphasized in medical education worldwide. However, it remains unclear how these values are reflected within the context of Korean medical education. This study explores how DEI is articulated through an analysis of the official websites of Korean medical schools. We conducted a content analysis of the official websites of 40 Korean medical schools. DEI-related synonyms and associated phrases were identified across mission and values statements, educational objectives, graduate outcomes, and student support sections. Identified phrases were coded according to the dimensions of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Quantitative frequencies were then summarized. For further analysis, qualitative thematic analysis and integrated analysis were performed to examine how each DEI element was conceptually represented. Among the 40 universities, 32 institutions (80%) demonstrated at least one component of DEI. Diversity (60%) was more frequently referenced than inclusion (50%) and equity (42.5%). DEI elements were most prominently observed in student support sections (62.5%) and were least frequently identified in mission and values statements (15%) and educational objectives (12.5%). In the qualitative analysis, diversity was primarily described in terms of respect for diversity within organizations and global citizenship. Equity was largely limited to scholarships and material support for disadvantaged students. Inclusion mainly emphasized the creation of respectful environments. Overall, in Korean medical schools, DEI was more commonly represented through student support mechanisms than through institutional philosophy or educational objectives. An integrated approach to the implementation of DEI is therefore needed to achieve meaningful change in Korean medical education.
3.Spatial Transcriptomic Landscape of Brain Metastases from Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Comparison of Primary Tumor and Brain Metastases Using Spatial Analysis
Jihwan YOO ; Inho PARK ; Hyun Jung KIM ; Hun Ho PARK ; Sora LEE ; Jee Hung KIM ; Yoon Jin CHA
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):182-197
Purpose:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive subtype of breast cancer, with approximately 30% of patients eventually developing brain metastases (BM), which result in poor outcomes. An understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) at both primary and metastatic sites offers insights into the mechanisms underlying BM and potential therapeutic targets.
Materials and Methods:
Spatial RNA sequencing (spRNA-seq) was performed on primary TNBC and paired BM tissues from three patients, one of whom had previously received immune checkpoint inhibitors before BM diagnosis. Specimen regions were categorized into tumor, proximal, and distal TME based on their spatial locations. Gene expression differences across these zones were analyzed, and immune cell infiltration was estimated using TIMER. A gene module analysis was conducted to identify key gene clusters associated with BM.
Results:
Distinct gene expression profiles were noted in the proximal and distal TMEs. In BM, the proximal TME exhibited neuronal gene expression, suggesting neuron-tumor interactions compared to tumor, and upregulation of epithelial genes compared to the distal TME. Immune cell analysis revealed dynamic changes in CD8+ T cells and macrophages across the tumor and TME zones. Gene module analysis identified five key modules, including one related to glycolysis, which correlated with patient survival. Drug repurposing analysis identified potential therapeutic targets, including VEGFA, RAC1, EGLN3, and CAMK1D.
Conclusion
This study provides novel insights into the transcriptional landscapes in TNBC BM using spRNA-seq, emphasizing the role of neuron-tumor interactions and immune dynamics. These findings suggest new therapeutic strategies and underscore the importance of further research.
4.Associated factors of osteoporosis and the impact of osteoporosis on all-cause mortality in incident hemodialysis older patients
Seunghye LEE ; Yoomee KANG ; Yu Ah HONG ; Sung Joon SHIN ; Soon Hyo KWON ; Sungjin CHUNG ; Young Youl HYUN ; Sang Heon SONG ; Jae Won YANG ; Won Min HWANG ; Jang-Hee CHO ; Kyung Don YOO ; In O SUN ; Gang-Jee KO ; Byung Chul YU ; Hyunsuk KIM ; Woo Yeong PARK ; Tae Won LEE ; Dong Jun PARK ; Eunjin BAE ;
Kidney Research and Clinical Practice 2026;45(1):110-119
Background:
With the aging population and advancements in medical care worldwide, the number of older patients with end-stage kidney disease continues to rise. This study aimed to identify factors associated with osteoporosis and osteopenia in older patients undergoing incident hemodialysis and assess their impact on mortality.
Methods:
We analyzed a large multicenter retrospective cohort of patients aged ≥70 years undergoing incident hemodialysis to identify factors associated with osteoporosis using logistic regression analysis and to assess the association of death with osteoporosis and osteopenia using Cox multivariable analysis.
Results:
Among 710 patients, 39.0% and 19.6% had osteoporosis and osteopenia, respectively. Osteoporosis was significantly associated with female sex, a history of fractures, and the absence of phosphate binder use. During a median follow-up of 36.8 months, 348 participants (58.8%) died. Mortality rates were the highest in the osteoporosis group (79.8%), followed by the osteopenia (77.2%) and normal bone mineral density (BMD) groups (35.2%). Cox regression analysis revealed that even after adjusting for covariates, the osteoporosis group was significantly associated with a higher mortality risk than the normal BMD group. Osteoporosis at the start of hemodialysis was significantly associated with higher mortality.
Conclusion
We should consider the importance of bone health in patients undergoing incident hemodialysis and pay attention to the use of phosphate binders and fracture prevention.
5.Impact of obesity on renal function in elderly Korean adults: a national population-based cohort study
Jihyun YANG ; Hui Seung LEE ; Chi-Yeon LIM ; Hyunsuk KIM ; Sungjin CHUNG ; Soon Hyo KWON ; Jang-Hee CHO ; Kyung Don YOO ; Woo Yeong PARK ; In O SUN ; Byung Chul YU ; Gang-Jee KO ; Jae Won YANG ; Won Min HWANG ; Sang Heon SONG ; Sung Joon SHIN ; Yu Ah HONG ; Eunjin BAE ; Young Youl HYUN
Kidney Research and Clinical Practice 2026;45(1):65-76
Background:
Obesity is a well-known risk factor for chronic kidney disease and its progression. However, the impact of obesity on the renal function of the elderly population is uncertain. We investigated the association between obesity and renal outcomes in the elderly.
Methods:
We analyzed 130,504 participants from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Senior cohort. Obesity was classified according to body mass index (BMI), sex-specific waist circumference (WC), and the presence of metabolic syndrome. The primary outcome was renal function decline, defined as a decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of at least 50% from baseline or new-onset end-stage renal disease.
Results:
During a follow-up period of 559,531.1 person-years (median, 4.3 years), 2,486 participants (19.0%; incidence rate of 4.44 per 1,000 person-years) showed renal function decline. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model revealed that BMI/WC was not associated with renal function decline. However, the group with metabolic syndrome had a significantly increased risk of renal function decline compared to the group without metabolic syndrome (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.36). Compared with the non-metabolic syndrome group, the adjusted HRs (95% CI) for participants with one through five components were 0.96 (0.84–1.11), 1.10 (0.96–1.27), 1.24 (1.06–1.45), 1.37 (1.12–1.66), and 1.99 (1.42–2.79), respectively (p for trend < 0.001).
Conclusion
In elderly Korean adults, metabolic syndrome and the number of its components were associated with a higher risk of renal function decline, but BMI or WC was not significant.
6.Exploring the Association Between Physical Fitness Components and Cognitive Function in Older Korean Adults: The SUPERBRAIN Exploratory Sub-study
Da Ae KIM ; Buongo CHUN ; Muncheong CHOI ; Kyunghwa SUN ; Jee Hyang JEONG ; Yoo Kyoung PARK ; Chang Hyung HONG ; Hae Ri NA ; Seong Hye CHOI ; So Young MOON ; Hong-sun SONG ; Sun Min LEE
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2026;25(1):13-24
Background:
and Purpose: Tailored physical exercise interventions have the potential to promote cognitive health in older adults and offer significant advantages for those more vulnerable to decline. The specific relationship between physical fitness and cognition among the elderly has not been clearly established. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function in older Korean adults.
Methods:
Eighty-four community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 70.7±5.3 years; 81.0% female) completed a standardized physical fitness battery assessing handgrip strength, sit-and-reach, 30-second sit-to-stand, 2-minute stationary march, 3-m sit-walk-and-return, figure-8-walk, and T-wall response time. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Descriptive statistics, partial correlation analyses, and stepwise multiple linear regression were conducted.
Results:
Slower T-wall response time was significantly correlated with lower RBANS total index, immediate memory, and delayed memory scores. In regression models, slower T-wall response time was independently associated with lower RBANS total index (β=−0.234, p=0.026) and delayed memory scores (β=−0.295, p=0.029). The regression model for immediate memory was not statistically significant overall; therefore, no predictive conclusion was drawn for this domain. Higher education showed a significant positive association with cognitive performance.
Conclusions
Coordination, as measured by T-wall response time, emerged as the only physical fitness component consistently associated with cognitive performance in older adults. Coordination-related fitness may be an important correlate of cognitive function in older adults and a promising target for future exercise interventions.
7.Effectiveness of Predicted Low-Glucose Suspend Pump Technology in the Prevention of Hypoglycemia in People with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Real-World Data Using DIA:CONN G8
Jee Hee YOO ; Ji Yoon KIM ; Jae Hyeon KIM
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):144-149
We evaluated the effectiveness of the predictive low-glucose suspend (PLGS) algorithm in the DIA:CONN G8. Forty people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who used a DIA:CONN G8 for at least 2 months with prior experience using pumps without and with PLGS were retrospectively analyzed. The objective was to assess the changes in time spent in hypoglycemia (percent of time below range [%TBR]) before and after using PLGS. The mean age, sensor glucose levels, glucose threshold for suspension, and suspension time were 31.1±22.8 years, 159.7±23.2 mg/dL, 81.1±9.1 mg/dL, and 111.9±79.8 min/day, respectively. Overnight %TBR <70 mg/dL was significantly reduced after using the algorithm (differences=0.3%, from 1.4%±1.5% to 1.1%±1.2%, P=0.045). The glycemia risk index (GRI) improved significantly by 4.2 (from 38.8±20.9 to 34.6±19.0, P=0.002). Using the PLGS did not result in a change in the hyperglycemia metric (all P>0.05). Our findings support the PLGS in DIA:CONN G8 as an effective algorithm to improve night-time hypoglycemia and GRI in people with T1DM.
8.Effectiveness of Predicted Low-Glucose Suspend Pump Technology in the Prevention of Hypoglycemia in People with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Real-World Data Using DIA:CONN G8
Jee Hee YOO ; Ji Yoon KIM ; Jae Hyeon KIM
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):144-149
We evaluated the effectiveness of the predictive low-glucose suspend (PLGS) algorithm in the DIA:CONN G8. Forty people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who used a DIA:CONN G8 for at least 2 months with prior experience using pumps without and with PLGS were retrospectively analyzed. The objective was to assess the changes in time spent in hypoglycemia (percent of time below range [%TBR]) before and after using PLGS. The mean age, sensor glucose levels, glucose threshold for suspension, and suspension time were 31.1±22.8 years, 159.7±23.2 mg/dL, 81.1±9.1 mg/dL, and 111.9±79.8 min/day, respectively. Overnight %TBR <70 mg/dL was significantly reduced after using the algorithm (differences=0.3%, from 1.4%±1.5% to 1.1%±1.2%, P=0.045). The glycemia risk index (GRI) improved significantly by 4.2 (from 38.8±20.9 to 34.6±19.0, P=0.002). Using the PLGS did not result in a change in the hyperglycemia metric (all P>0.05). Our findings support the PLGS in DIA:CONN G8 as an effective algorithm to improve night-time hypoglycemia and GRI in people with T1DM.
9.Development of a Korean version of the Frailty Model with a Holistic Perspective: A Delphi Study
Ju Hee LEE ; Gwang Suk KIM ; Sanghee KIM ; Eunyoung KIM ; Layoung KIM ; Jee-Hye YOO
Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamental Nursing 2025;32(2):220-232
Purpose:
This study aimed to develop a Korean version of the frailty model that reflects a holistic perspective. There were three phases of the study: a literature review, a two-round Delphi study, and a public hearing.
Methods:
The model was developed based on the middle-range theory generation approach proposed by Roy. A literature search was conducted, and a review of 36 studies on frailty involving Koreans led to the development of an initial frailty model. A two-round Delphi study was then conducted with nine experts to evaluate the appropriateness of the model. The revised model was presented at a public hearing to achieve consensus. Based on feedback indicating the need for improved visualization, a finalized diagrammatic model was developed.
Results:
The final frailty model comprised four domains, seven subdomains, and 30 items. It included specific items reflecting the distinctive characteristics of Korean culture, such as relationships with adult children (filial piety), nutritional status (consumption of red meat), and type of residential building.
Conclusion
The final frailty model provides a comprehensive perspective on the factors contributing to frailty, their interactions, and the potential interventions that healthcare providers can implement to prevent frailty.
10.A Practical Guide for Diagnostic Investigations and Special Considerations in Patients With Huntington’s Disease in Korea
Jangsup MOON ; Eungseok OH ; Minkyeong KIM ; Ryul KIM ; Dallah YOO ; Chaewon SHIN ; Jee-Young LEE ; Jong-Min KIM ; Seong-Beom KOH ; Manho KIM ; Beomseok JEON ;
Journal of Movement Disorders 2025;18(1):17-30
This review provides a comprehensive framework for the diagnostic approach and management of Huntington’s disease (HD) tailored to the Korean population. Key topics include genetic counseling, predictive testing, and reproductive options like preimplantation genetic testing. Strategies for assessing disease progression in premanifest HD through laboratory investigations, biofluid, and imaging biomarkers are highlighted. Special considerations for juvenile and late-onset HD, along with associated comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular abnormalities, are discussed. The guide emphasizes personalized symptom management, including pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and nutritional support, while exploring emerging disease-modifying treatments. A multidisciplinary care model is advocated to improve outcomes for HD patients and caregivers in Korea.

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