KMA Emergency Committee in Uproar Over Resident Doctors' 'Sons and Daughters' Metaphor
"Appealing to Emotions," "Patients Are Also Someone's Family"
As the collective resignation of residents opposing the increase in medical school quotas enters its second week, on the 25th, the Korean Medical Association (KMA) sparked controversy by stating, "The public should first listen to why their young sons and daughters are angry and soothe them." The KMA Emergency Committee made this statement at the 'National Doctors' Representatives Expanded Meeting' held at the KMA Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, that afternoon.
Kim Taek-woo, Emergency Committee Chairman, delivering the opening speech at the 'National Doctors' Representatives Expanded Meeting' on the afternoon of the 25th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Kim Taek-woo, chairman of the KMA Emergency Committee, said in a resolution, "The government must listen to the voices of residents, who belong to the MZ generation. The public should understand why their young sons and daughters are angry, and if they are angry, naturally, their stories should be heard and soothing them should come first." He added, "(The government) raised the cane before listening to their voices. When the cane didn't work, they raised a club. When the club didn't work, they threatened to arrest and imprison them."
Regarding criticism from some quarters labeling this incident as 'professional selfishness' among medical workers, he countered, "We are raising our voices as medical experts to prevent the collapse of South Korea's healthcare system that may occur in the future." On the proposal to increase medical school quotas by '2,000 students' and the suggestion to reduce the scale of the increase, he stated, "The number is not important. Because it is a flawed policy, our position is to reconsider it from the beginning," showing no signs of backing down.
The use of the term 'sons and daughters' in the KMA resolution sparked discomfort online. Netizens commented, "Patients whose surgeries have been delayed are also someone's family," "If they are truly sons and daughters, shouldn't they care for the sick citizens who are their family?" and "Are they now appealing to emotions?"
'Sexual Assault Analogy' Included... Doctors' Misstatements Under Fire
At the 'National Doctors' Representatives Expanded Meeting and March Event' held on the afternoon of the 25th in front of the Presidential Office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, organized by the Korean Medical Association's Emergency Countermeasures Committee to Stop the Increase in Medical School Quotas, participants are shouting slogans. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Previously, doctors' misstatements have repeatedly come under scrutiny. Joo Su-ho, the KMA Emergency Committee's media and public relations officer, claimed, "The public's right to life is naturally precious, but doctors' freedom to choose their profession should also be respected as a fundamental right of the people." He also apologized after saying that the shortage of medical personnel in regional areas was due to the "level of civility (people's lifestyle and cultural standards)."
Harsh remarks were also made at rallies. On the 15th, at a government condemnation rally held in front of the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, a resident said, "The most important essence is that I resigned for my own rice bowl. Without me, there are no patients, and protecting me right now is kindness." On the 17th, Cho Hun-jung, policy director of the Seoul Medical Association, sparked controversy by saying, "When did we ever agree to increase medical school quotas? Isn't that the same as saying it's okay to commit sexual assault just because you went on a few dates?" He added, "Get a grip, Min-su (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare). If you hurt my juniors, you will be held responsible and forced to resign."
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