The increasing number of medical schools

 

 On May 24, 2024, Korean education authorities confirmed the increase in medical school seats for the 2025 school year. On this day, the Korean Council for University Education reviewed and approved the change plan for the 2025 college admissions process submitted by each university, which reflects the increase in the number of medical school students. With this decision, the number of admissions to medical schools across the country will be greatly expanded.

 

 As the number of medical school admissions increases dramatically for the first time in 27 years, a seismic change is expected in university admissions. Medical school entrance exams are a hot topic not only among high school students who are about to take college entrance exams, but also among office workers who have just graduated from college. A survey showed that about 6 out of 10 citizens positively evaluate the government's plan to increase the number of medical school admissions students next year. Respondents generally responded positively to the government's policy of strengthening essential medical services. However, this survey found that people feel a great burden of health insurance premiums relative to their current income. 76.8% of respondents responded that health insurance premiums are burdensome compared to their own or their dependents' income. The proportion of respondents who answered that it was not burdensome was only 4.4%.

 

 Some doctors who oppose increasing the number of medical schools are concerned about increased competition and decreased income due to the logic of supply and demand. In response to this response, education experts say: Professor Han said that the situation could change if the number of doctors increases, the average salary level normalizes, and the number of urban private practices reaches saturation. This causes doctors to compete with each other, and in the end, they have to move to small local cities or rural areas to open a practice. He pointed out that if this happens, the medical school craze could cool down quickly. On the other hand, some point out that the craze will not cool down easily, given that there are not many occupations as favored in Korean society as doctors.

 

 If the craze for increasing the number of medical school students does not cool down, the quality of education will decline because it will be difficult for the existing educational infrastructure and faculty to handle the increased number of students. Additionally, if the number of medical schools is increased recklessly, the medical market may become saturated and doctors' employment stability and income may decline. If the goal is to increase the number of medical schools because the quality of medical services is declining due to a shortage of doctors, policies such as strengthening local medical facilities and providing incentives to doctors working in local areas should be considered.

 

 

By Staff Reporter Song Da Eum