A Qualitative Study on the Students' Perceptions of Elective Courses in Korean Medical Education

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and assess the satisfaction of Korean medical students regarding elective courses in Korean medical educationMethods: Two rounds of online surveys and a focus group interview were conducted with second- and third-year student groups, with a total of twelve students participating—six students in each group. The first survey (March 19– 22, 2024) assessed students’ selection criteria and satisfaction levels using a 5-point Likert scale. Based on these results, a second survey (March 24–27, 2024) refined key topics for discussion. FGIs were held on March 25 and 26, 2024, with semi-structured questions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis, applying In vivo and lean coding for categorization.Results: Survey results showed that faculty reputation, course content, and assessment difficulty were key factors in course selection. While syllabi were often referenced, their reliability was questioned due to content discrepancies. Initially, online lectures were favored for flexibility, but concerns arose over limited availability and inconsistent evaluations. FGI analysis confirmed that teaching styles and assessment methods significantly influenced decisions. As students recognized the benefits of in-person classes, their preference for face-to-face learning grew. Overall satisfaction with electives was moderate, with students highlighting the need for more practical courses and better faculty-student communication.Conclusions: Ensuring syllabus accuracy, standardizing evaluation criteria, incorporating student needs into course design, and enhancing faculty-student interaction may improve elective course selection.