Older doctors are more likely to support the expansion of medical school admissions quotas, in contrast to their younger counterparts who often oppose the increase due to concerns about job security and competition. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent survey has revealed that older doctors are more likely to support the expansion of medical school admissions quotas, in contrast to their younger counterparts who often oppose the increase due to concerns about job security and competition.
The analysis suggests that senior doctors, being in a more stable position within their careers, can objectively assess the situation in the medical field and recognize the need for more healthcare professionals.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Korean Medical Association’s Health Policy Research Institute involving 4,010 physician members, a significant majority, 81.7% of respondents, opposed the expansion of medical school quotas.
The survey showed that opposition to the quota increase decreases with age: 93.3% of doctors under 40 years old opposed, while the opposition rate fell to 82.5% among those in their 40s, 74.3% in their 50s, and 71.2% for those aged 60 and above. Notably, about 30% of doctors over 60 are in favor of increasing medical student numbers.
This trend suggests that older doctors may be less affected by the policy, allowing them to respond more objectively. Younger doctors and residents, facing the prospect of competing with an influx of new graduates from 2025, are understandably more apprehensive.
A professor from a Seoul medical school commented that the results are to be expected, as those nearing retirement are less affected by the policy, hence can offer more impartial views on the current state of healthcare.
While the survey did not specifically explore the reasons for opposition by age group, the top reason cited overall for opposing the quota increase was the belief that ‘there is already a sufficient number of medical personnel’ (46.3%).
Contrary to the majority of doctors’ views, the government perceives a shortage of medical professionals. Based on research by institutions like the Korea Development Institute (KDI), it is projected that by 2035, there will be a shortfall of 15,000 doctors. Consequently, the government plans to increase the medical school admissions quota by 2,000 over five years starting from the 2025 academic year.
Park Min-soo, the Second Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, stated in a recent briefing that while dialogue and discussion with the medical community remain open, the government’s stance on the scale and timing of the medical school admissions increase is firm.
He highlighted the demographic shift in the medical profession over the past decade, with the proportion of doctors in their 20s halving and those over 65 doubling, asserting that the planned increase is essential to meet future healthcare demands.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
