Gov’t, SNU professors debate quota in medical school admissions

Jang Sang-yoon, Senior Secretary for Social Affairs, speaks at the “Medical Reform: Where Is It Headed?” forum at Seoul National University College of Medicine, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 10th. (Yonhap)

South Korea’s Presidential Office and medical professors from Seoul National University took part in an open debate to end an eight-month walkout by doctors that protested the government‘s medical reforms that involve increases in medical school admissions.

The meeting marked a collaborative effort between the government and the medical community to seek a resolution, although Seoul National University (SNU) College of Medicine does not fully represent the entire community.

In the debate, the speakers from the government included Senior Presidential Secretary for Social Policy Jang Sang-yoon. Professors from SNU College of Medicine voiced concerns that the proposed healthcare reforms would fail to address critical issues such as the financial strain on health insurance and overcrowded emergency rooms and called for a more comprehensive solution.

But Jang insisted that the country will face a shortage of 10,000 doctors by 2035, which explains why it needs to boost medical school admissions by 2,000 per year in the next five years. He cited studies suggesting that the country needs at least 4,000 additional doctors. While they failed to reach a conclusion, observers said both sides did their best to engage in talks and find a solution.

Critics say the main obstacle to ending the mass walkout is junior doctors’ refusal to go back to hospitals and their demand to cancel an increase in medical admissions for 2025. College application season for Spring 2025, however, has already begun based on increased quotas, indicating that cancellation can cause greater confusion and frustration among applicants. With patients at risk, doctors must stop their protests and engage in talks with the government.