A medical school in Seoul on the 20th, when the results of the increased medical school admission quota distribution, which triggered conflicts between the medical community and the government, were announced. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@
Presidents of six regional national universities operating medical schools have requested the government to allow them to select between 50% and 100% of the increased medical school admission quotas.
The presidents of Kangwon National University, Kyungpook National University, Gyeongsang National University, Chungnam National University, Chungbuk National University, and Jeju National University submitted this proposal on the 18th.
They stated, "Conflicts and anxieties within the university community regarding the recent expansion of medical school quotas are intensifying. With delays in the start of the semester and class boycotts continuing, medical school academics are being operated in a dysfunctional manner, and each school is experiencing difficulties finalizing the 2025 academic year admissions process, which many applicants and parents are awaiting."
They continued, "Despite the schools' efforts, it is heartbreaking that a significant number of students have not returned to classes, an unprecedented situation. With limited time remaining for the 2025 academic year admissions schedule, we cannot just stand by and watch."
They emphasized, "If conflicts between the government and the medical community persist, greater confusion and educational disruptions are expected not only for the 2025 academic year but also beyond, raising concerns about prolonged deterioration of educational conditions."
They explained, "Although the government increased medical personnel by 2,000 to address supply issues, the status of securing human and material resources such as faculty, facilities, and equipment varies by university. We ask that necessary measures be taken to allow universities to autonomously recruit new students within 50% to 100% of their increased medical school quotas, considering their individual circumstances."
They also urged, "The government must recognize that the deadline for changing the 2025 academic year admissions implementation plan is approaching at the end of April. We call for a prompt decision to ensure smooth changes to the admissions plans of universities with increased medical school quotas."
They requested, "Please fulfill your responsibility to protect students so that they can return to their learning spaces as soon as possible, have their right to learn guaranteed, and prevent further escalation of conflicts in educational settings."
Finally, they asked, "Make efforts to modernize medical education along with financial support to prevent deterioration of medical education conditions following the increase in medical school quotas. Please actively play a role for the future of higher education."
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