Nippon Ishigaku Zasshi. 1999 Sep; 45(3 Pt 1495): 473-500.

Introduction and development of pathology.

Chi JG.

If one defines pathology as gross and microscopic examination of abnormal tissue there was no comparable discipline in traditional medicine of Korea until the introduction of Western medicine in Korea. However, when one widens the scope of pathology to include pathogenesis and etiology, there were some pathology-related descriptions in Oriental medicine long before this period. The pathology based on Virchow's cellular pathology was introduced to Korea through two tracks independently in 1910s. One was academic pathology, through Japanese pathologists, namely Dr. Inamoto and Dr. Tokumitzu, and the other track was hospital pathology through Western missionaries who introduced the American system of laboratory medicine (clinical pathology). It was Japanese who dominated the introduction and development in Korea. The Koreans played a minor role in the development of pathology from the introduction period until 1945, when the Korea was liberated from Japan. Pathology teaching, research and hospital service had been consistently carried out through three medical schools, namely Severance Medical School and two government medical schools until 1945. After independence, the Korean Society of Pathologists was quickly organized and made a rapid promotion. The Korean war provided opportunities to experience and adopt the American pathology system in Korea. The hospital pathology system has been established, together with the pathology specialty system in Korea. Balanced promotion of research pathology and service pathology is expected in Korea.