SEOUL, March 23 (AJU PRESS) -- In an era marked by rapid advancements in healthcare technology and the increasing challenge of an aging population, a novel approach known as Meta-Medicine has emerged. Positioned as a fusion of integrated medicine and contemporary innovations, Meta-Medicine presents itself as a patient-centric model that integrates various medical practices and technologies for comprehensive care.
The concept of Meta-Medicine originated from Dr. Kwon Soon-yong, President of the Korean Society of Geriatrics and Musculoskeletal Medicine, following a symposium on integrated medicine for the elderly. Dr. Kwon envisioned Meta-Medicine as a revolutionary approach capable of surpassing the confines of conventional healthcare strategies, emphasizing collaborative efforts among different medical disciplines to address complex health issues.
At its core, Meta-Medicine integrates traditional Korean medicine, or Hanbang, with modern medical practices. This integration, extensively discussed during the symposium, underscores the importance of combining conventional and alternative therapies, particularly in fields like orthopedics and geriatrics.
Dr. Yun Sa-jung, an Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, echoed the potential of Meta-Medicine in transforming healthcare delivery. Through the utilization of technologies such as digital therapeutics and digital twins, Meta-Medicine aims to offer personalized treatment solutions, addressing conditions like depression and sleep disorders beyond the scope of conventional medicine.
In contrast to the medical systems of China and Japan, South Korea's Hanbang tradition emphasizes balance, harmony, and individualized care. Meta-Medicine builds upon this tradition, integrating it with modern technologies like AI, big data, and 5G to deliver holistic healthcare solutions tailored to individual needs.
However, the effective implementation of Meta-Medicine relies heavily on factors such as insurance coverage. Advocates argue for comprehensive insurance coverage tailored to patients' specific needs, regardless of whether they seek care from general practitioners or Hanbang medicine doctors within the integrated Meta-Medicine framework.
Additionally, Meta-Medicine draws inspiration from the concept of "Meta Industry," introduced by Professor Choi Jae-boong of Sungkyunkwan University. This forward-thinking approach aims to redefine the healthcare sector by integrating Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and innovative economic paradigms.
In essence, Meta-Medicine offers a promising outlook for healthcare, where the convergence of diverse medical traditions and advanced technologies promises improved patient-centered outcomes.
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