Popularity Gap Between Plastic Surgery and Internal Medicine in Korea's Medical Industry | Be Korea-savvy

Popularity Gap Between Plastic Surgery and Internal Medicine in Korea’s Medical Industry


The competition ratio for plastic surgery was highest at 142.9 percent, followed by dermatology (138.5%), psychiatry and orthopedics (133.8%), and radiology (130.6%). As for internal medicine, the ratio was 92.2 percent as 542 applied for 588 positions.(image: Kobizmedia)

The competition ratio for plastic surgery was highest at 142.9 percent, followed by dermatology (138.5%), psychiatry and orthopedics (133.8%), and radiology (130.6%). As for internal medicine, the ratio was 92.2 percent as 542 applied for 588 positions.(image: Kobizmedia)

SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Korea Bizwire)In the application for specialist doctors, the number of applicants for internal medicine doctor positions has fallen short of the assigned number for the first time in history.

According to data released by the Korean Hospital Association on December 6 on the 2015 specialty doctor recruitment status, the total number of applicants was 3,393 for 3,301 positions, recording a competition ratio of 102.8 to 100.

The competition ratio for plastic surgery was highest at 142.9 percent, followed by dermatology (138.5%), psychiatry and orthopedics (133.8%), and radiology (130.6%). As for internal medicine, the ratio was 92.2 percent as 542 applied for 588 positions.

Even though the competition ratio for internal medicine has declined for years from 139 percent in 2010 to 109 percent in 2014, this is the first time for the figure to fall below the 100-percent level.

Some commented that this is a response by prospective doctors to avoid becoming an internal medicine doctor as it would be the medicine area that would bear the brunt of the impact of telemedicine services to be launched soon.

In addition, other areas such as surgery and cardiothoracic surgery fell short of the competition ratios of 58.9 percent and 39.6 percent, respectively.

In contrast, obstetrics and gynecology that had been considered a no-go area for prospective doctors has recorded this year the application ratio of 105.3 percent with 158 applicants for 150 spots. The application ratio for OB/GYN has climbed up from 66 percent in 2006 to 78 percent in 2013 and 95 percent in 2014.

As for internal medicine, the ratio was 92.2 percent as 542 applied for 588 positions. (image: Kobiz Media / Korea Bizwire)

As for internal medicine, the ratio was 92.2 percent as 542 applied for 588 positions. (image: Kobiz Media / Korea Bizwire)

By M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)

4 thoughts on “Popularity Gap Between Plastic Surgery and Internal Medicine in Korea’s Medical Industry

  1. kay

    Tech of PS is pretty advanced in S.Korea. I also consider having plastic surgery in Korea as well.
    there are a lot clinics and hospital such as Grand, JW, ID, Banobagi, Girin and etc..
    I really confused which hospital or clinic is suitable to me.

    Reply
  2. andera

    I did plastic surgery in korea last yr. I had a lot consultation with various plastic surgery hospitals more than Kay mentioned above. Too many hospital in korea, do research a lot to avoid bad hospital.

    Reply
    • Kay

      Hello, andera
      If you don’t mind, could you let me know the hospital which you had in S.Korea plz?
      I also consider PS as well but I have no idea where is the best.
      Thank you for information in advance

      Reply
      • andera

        Hi!
        I did Girin Plastic surgery my eyes and nose. but, you need to do research a lot before visiting Korea.
        GD luck with ur surgery!

        Reply

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