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. 2020 May;53(3):175-177.
doi: 10.3961/jpmph.20.105. Epub 2020 Apr 14.

A Hidden Key to COVID-19 Management in Korea: Public Health Doctors

Sejin Choi  1   2
Affiliations

A Hidden Key to COVID-19 Management in Korea: Public Health Doctors

Sejin Choi. J Prev Med Public Health. 2020 May.

Abstract

Public health doctors of Korea contributed significantly to massive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing. They were immediately dispatched to epicenters of the COVID-19 pandemic, and have run tests at screening centers, airport quarantines and hospitals. However, their expertise from in-field experience has been often neglected. It is time to reorganize public health doctor system to better prepare for future epidemics. Transforming and strengthening their roles as public health experts through systematic training is crucial.

Keywords: COVID-19; Health policy; Korea; Public health.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors have no conflicts of interest associated with the material presented in this paper.

Figures

Figure. 1.
Figure. 1.
The number of public health doctors (PHDs) dispatched to the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area and the number of daily tests performed for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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