Gachon University President Gil-yeo Lee: "Medical Students Must Never Stop Learning in Any Situation"

"Return to the classroom and continue your studies"
"Looking forward to the day we meet on campus"

Amid ongoing class boycotts by medical students nationwide in protest of the policy to increase medical school admissions, on the 8th, Lee Gil-yeo, president of Gachon University, emphasized to medical students that "under no circumstances should you stop learning."

President Gil-yeo Lee of Gachon University.
[Image provided by Gachon University]

On the same day, President Lee posted a message titled "To the beloved sons and daughters of Gachon" on the Gachon University College of Medicine website, stating this. He said, "This situation will be resolved through the wisdom of the government and senior medical professionals to produce the best outcome," and added, "I hope you return to the lecture halls as soon as possible to continue your studies while expressing your opinions."

President Lee recalled, "It is very regrettable and heartbreaking to think of you who are now lost and struggling. I have experienced many things throughout my long life. I was born during the Japanese colonial period and spent my school days amid the Korean War. I remember how medical students from all over the country gathered at the Busan Wartime United University, studying under harsh conditions."

He continued, "Having overcome countless difficulties to reach today, I can say that I have lived a life without regrets because I always did my best and lived according to my beliefs."

President Lee also emphasized, "The profession of a doctor is truly noble as it deals with human lives. While it is a coveted profession that receives respect and love from society, it also carries heavy social responsibilities. You have chosen the noble path of a doctor, and you must never forget that under any circumstances, you must never abandon your patients. Moreover, accepting personal sacrifice for the sake of your patients is also the destiny of a doctor."

He addressed the Gachon medical students, saying, "You are precious talents who will be responsible for the future of Korea’s medical community. You endured countless hours to enter medical school, withstanding an enormous amount of study to handle human lives, and have studied and trained more fiercely than anyone else every day. I am proud of all of you."

He added, "Although the current situation is very confusing and painful, even in classrooms where shells flew during the Korean War and under strict COVID-19 quarantine measures, we never put down our books. That is because we all have a future."

Finally, President Lee said, "When you return to the lecture halls, patients, their families, and the entire nation?who are currently anxious and despairing in urgent situations?will hold onto a small hope. I look forward to the day I can meet you again on campus."

Meanwhile, medical schools nationwide, which had postponed classes due to collective action by medical students, have begun to resume classes. Kyungpook National University restarted classes on the 8th, and medical schools in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area, including Keimyung University, Yeungnam University, and Daegu Catholic University, are expected to resume classes within this month. As the mid-month approaches, medical students face the risk of collective failure due to not meeting the 'minimum required class days' in the academic schedule, prompting universities to ultimately resume classes.